Featured Picture: Bruno Lengthy | Skier: Carlo Travarelli | Location: Solitude, UT
In a monumental transfer, the Solitude Ski Patrol Union (SSPU) from Utah’s Solitude Mountain Resort has signed a brand new contract with the ski space. The deal was introduced in a latest social media put up, wherein the ski patrol union’s web page boldly said that the phrases of the contract would set a “new business customary.”
The precise contract was not posted, however the overview launched by the SSPU particulars the important thing factors which they considered profitable.
A number of of the primary particulars offered by the SSPU are:
Business main compensation
Base wage enhance on common of 10%
18.25% increased returning patroller wage for 25/26 season when in comparison with 24/25 season
Beginning rookie wage of $24/hr
Healthcare and wellness stipend
Elevated wages of $2.50/hr for “specialist roles”
Outlined schooling objectives, efficiency expectations and accountability for elevated patroller coaching
$45,000 coaching funds
$1,300/season tools funds for full time patrollers
Improved upward profession mobility alternatives
Importantly, the group was capable of obtain this new settlement in simply eight months throughout talks with Solitude Resort and guardian firm Alterra Mountain Firm. The SSPU was first shaped in February of 2024 and ratified in April of the identical yr. They had been the primary ski patrol union to be finalized at an Alterra-owned resort.
They don’t seem to be alone on this motion, with ski patrol unions rising up at main resorts resembling Park Metropolis, Keystone, Whitefish, Eldora, Stevens Move and extra. It’s unclear the place precisely this motion will wind up, nevertheless it’s about time that ski patrollers had been pretty compensated for the technical and exhausting work they carry out, particularly with the price of residing rising in almost each mountain west neighborhood.
“We couldn’t be extra happy with the work now we have achieved right here, from getting our patrol empowered sufficient to face up and unionize, to getting an extremely sturdy contract not solely written, however accomplished so in a well timed method, with 100% approval from our voting members,” said the SSPU of their public announcement. “Ski patrol is harmful, expert labor, and immediately we really feel proud to be represented by a contract that helps this.”
FREESKIER has reached out to Alterra Mountain Group and Solitude Mountain Resort for remark, and can replace as wanted.
