Solitude Ski Patrollers Seek Strength In Numbers, Petition For Union Representation

In a move echoing a growing trend across the ski industry, ski patrollers at Utah's Solitude Mountain Resort submitted a petition to unionize. With reported support from 94% of eligible patrollers, the move seeks to establish the Solitude Ski Patrollers Association and join the ranks of the United Professional Ski Patrols of America (UPSPA, CWA 7781), a union representing over 700 patrollers across nine resorts in the Mountain West.

The decision to unionize comes amidst concerns over wages, staffing shortages, and perceived "insufficient support" from resort management, according to the newly formed association. Patrollers, who play a critical role in ensuring guest safety and smooth resort operations, often face physically demanding work, long hours, and exposure to challenging weather conditions.

"We believe that by coming together as a union, we can have a stronger voice in advocating for ourselves and improving our working conditions," said a spokesperson for the Solitude Ski Patrollers Association. "Ultimately, this will benefit not only the patrollers but also the guests and the resort itself."

The petition now goes to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for a certification election. If successful, the Solitude patrollers would join a growing list of unionized ski patrols across the country, including those at renowned resorts like Big Sky, Breckenridge, and Park City.

Solitude Mountain Resort has yet to publicly comment on the petition, but the development adds another layer to the ongoing conversation about labor relations in the ski industry. As wages rise and competition for qualified workers intensifies, unions are finding fertile ground among ski patrollers seeking better pay, benefits, and working conditions.

It remains to be seen how this story unfolds at Solitude, but one thing is clear: the ski patrol is raising its voice, and the industry is listening. Whether through collective bargaining or continued dialogue, the future of work for ski patrollers is likely to see significant changes in the coming months and years.