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 current social media submit, during which the ski patrol union’s web page boldly acknowledged that the phrases of the contract would set a “new trade commonplace.”
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:
Trade main compensation
Base wage enhance on common of 10%
18.25% greater 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 training 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 in a position to obtain this new settlement in simply eight months throughout talks with Solitude Resort and dad or mum firm Alterra Mountain Firm. The SSPU was first shaped in February of 2024 and ratified in April of the identical 12 months. They have been the primary ski patrol union to be finalized at an Alterra-owned resort.
They aren’t alone on this motion, with ski patrol unions rising up at main resorts reminiscent of Park Metropolis, Keystone, Whitefish, Eldora, Stevens Cross and extra. It’s unclear the place precisely this motion will wind up, nevertheless it’s about time that ski patrollers have been pretty compensated for the technical and exhausting work they carry out, particularly with the price of residing rising in practically each mountain west neighborhood.
“We couldn’t be extra pleased with the work we now 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 finished so in a well timed method, with 100% approval from our voting members,” acknowledged the SSPU of their public announcement. “Ski patrol is harmful, expert labor, and at present 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.
