Ski worker strikes cause three-hour lift lines at luxury Utah resort
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Holidaymakers have been left out in the cold at the peak of ski season. A third week of strikes by mountain patrol staff at a US ski resort has created a “disaster” of three-hour lift lines for “ripped-off” holidaymakers. Skiers on luxury holidays have been left out in the cold at Utah’s Park City Mountain Resort as the resort operates with only 26 out of 41 lifts taking riders up the slopes.
Over 200 ski patrollers at Park City Mountain have been on strike against resort owner Vail Resorts since 27 December in a wage dispute. Park City, the largest ski area in the US, is at the peak of its busy winter ski season. Ski patrollers trained in first aid rescue and avalanche mitigation techniques are essential for maintaining safety as crowds flock to the slopes.
An annual cost of living adjustment, fair pay for senior patrol staff and better healthcare benefits are also among union demands. The union and Vail Resorts have already agreed to 24 of 27 contract items aside from wages and benefits. As of Tuesday (7 January), although snowfall has created ideal conditions for snowsports, amid the ongoing strike action only 104 of 350 trails had been open to visitors – some who will have spent over $288 (£230) on a single-day lift ticket.
Disappointed skiers took to social media to share their frustration at the snaking ski lift queues with some warning others to “Stay away from Park City. Mountain is a disaster!”. Peter Nystrom from Minnesota spent $20,000 (£16,000) on a family ski holiday and plans to make a formal complaint for reimbursement from Vail Resorts.
