Jackson Hole Ski Patrol Files For Union Representation Election With Overwhelming 93% Support
In a move that signals a significant shift for one of North America's premier ski destinations, the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol (JHSP) has officially filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to hold a union representation election.
The filing, submitted on Thursday, November 20, comes after a robust organizing campaign that saw 93% of the patrol's eligible members sign cards in support of unionization. The patrollers are seeking to join the United Mountain Workers (UMW), a growing coalition under the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 7781, which already represents patrols at resorts like Park City, Breckenridge, and Steamboat.
The push for unionization is driven by a combination of economic pressure and the inherent dangers of the profession. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) is located in Teton County, the wealthiest county in the United States, which also suffers from the nation's widest income inequality gap.
Patrollers cited the inherent dangers of their work, the specialized institutional knowledge required to keep the mountain safe, and concerns about affordability and long-term career sustainability in the Jackson Hole community as central reasons for organizing. Longtime patrollers described the effort as driven by a desire to professionalize the role and secure protections that reflect the risks they manage
Members of the patrol emphasized tight team bonds and a commitment to public safety while explaining why they sought collective representation. Bobby Griffith, a full-time patroller and avalanche forecaster with 15 years at the resort, described the patrol as a close-knit group that organized to protect both safety standards and livelihoods.
Another patroller, Tyler Babcock, framed the campaign as about “professionalism and sustainability,” noting that many career patrollers struggle to afford living in the community they serve. "We are career first-responders doing one of the most dangerous jobs in North America, yet many of us struggle to afford to live in the community we serve," said Babcock, a nine-year veteran of the JHSP, in a press statement. "This is about professionalism and sustainability. A union gives us a seat at the table to build a better future for the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol."
The patrol's responsibilities include avalanche mitigation—often involving the use of explosives—high-angle rescue, and emergency medical care on steep, technical terrain. Ironically, the patrol was instrumental in helping JHMR win the National Ski Areas Association’s “Best Overall Safety Program Award” for the 2024-25 season, a point the organizing committee emphasized in their announcement.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, which remains privately owned, responded to the filing with a statement emphasizing its commitment to its employees.
"We are aware of the statement from Jackson Hole Ski Patrol," said Ned Wonson, spokesperson for JHMR. "We care deeply about every member of our team, and we value the important role ski patrol plays at our resort. We are committed to listening, engaging respectfully, and continuing open dialogue."
The action at Jackson Hole is part of a broader wave of labor organizing across the mountain resort industry. As the cost of living in mountain towns skyrockets, specialized resort workers—particularly ski patrollers and lift maintenance crews—have increasingly turned to collective bargaining to secure living wages, housing assistance, and equipment allowances.
If the NLRB certifies the petition, an official election date will be set in the coming weeks. A simple majority vote is required to formalize the union. Given the reported 93% support rate, the formation of the union appears highly likely, setting the stage for contract negotiations that could reshape the working conditions at the iconic Wyoming resort.
