Arapahoe Basin Ski Patrol Moves Toward Unionization
SUMMIT COUNTY, Colo. — The Arapahoe Basin ski patrol is set to seek union representation with the United Professional Ski Patrols of America. A decisive vote on the matter will be held in approximately six weeks.
Jack Western, a seasoned ski patroller since 2017, highlighted the diverse roles that ski patrollers take on, noting, "I’m a professional ski patroller at A-Basin, I’m a dog handler and I’m also our accident investigation foreman." However, he acknowledged the challenges faced by seasonal workers in the high-cost environment of Summit County, where multiple jobs are often necessary to make ends meet.
The push for union representation comes amidst a broader trend within the ski patrol community, where more resorts are unionizing to secure better wages and working conditions. "We’ve had a lot of wage increases from other patrollers in the area unionizing, which has elevated the cost of living for the rest of us," stated Western.
Ryan Dineen, an organizer for the local union chapter and a Breckenridge ski patroller for 13 years, emphasized the grassroots nature of the movement. The goal is not to oppose Arapahoe Basin’s ownership but to advocate for fair compensation for highly skilled roles, many of which require medical training. "All of that combined into one job seems like it should be worth more than $25 an hour," Western argued.
Arapahoe Basin President & COO Alan Henceroth responded by affirming the resort’s commitment to transparency and equitable employment practices during this process. With several Colorado ski resorts having already unionized, the momentum for improved worker rights and conditions seems to be growing in the region.
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