Ski Patrol Union Votes to Accept Contract Proposal
By Julia Caulfield
January 8, 2026

The Telluride Ski Patrol Union voted Thursday to accept the Telluride Ski Resort’s contract proposal, ending a nearly two-week strike.
“After long and lengthy discussion, we voted in favor of ratifying a new contract with TSG. This was our first non-unanimous ratification,” said Graham Hoffman, president of the Telluride Ski Patrol Union and a ski patroller who has worked at Telluride for 10 years.
Hoffman said that while the vote was not unanimous, the contract passed smoothly with strong support.
“As in any compromise, no side gets exactly what they want, and we’re grateful of the movement that TSG made in the last couple days. We’re grateful and we’re incredibly proud of where we ended up,” Hoffman said.
He noted the new contract does not fully address the union’s concerns about establishing a sustainable wage structure.
“We are still fighting and dismayed that we were unable to secure a fair, equitable wage structure that speaks to a sustainable, safe, and secure future for new and experienced patrollers. We will continue to advocate for that,” Hoffman said.
Hoffman added that discussions about patrol wages will continue beyond this contract.
“We’re kicking a different can down the road. We’re grateful for where we ended up. We’re humbled for the support we received. But this is still something that’s a serious concern of ours and it’s something that needs to be addressed. We hope we’re able to address that the next go around,” he said.
Hoffman said the union will not be discussing details of the compensation package included in the contract.
“We have been willing to be fully transparent and we have borne our wages to the public down to the penny, and I think we’ve had enough of people arguing over what is the perceived value of our lives. So, we will not be sharing our wage and benefits package,” he said.
After 13 days on strike, Hoffman said ski patrollers are eager to return to work.
“We’re looking forward to serving as the Telluride Ski Patrol once again. We’re looking forward to getting as much of this mountain open as quickly as we can. We will do our best to safely do so,” Hoffman said.
He thanked community members who supported the patrol during contract negotiations.
“Everyone who has reached out, who has sent quiet or loud symbols, signs, or letters of support, we are so grateful. We know this was a bit divisive in the community, but we’re incredibly grateful of everyone who has supported us and we will look to support the community in turn moving forward,” Hoffman said.
Hoffman acknowledged the strike caused what he described as “ugly rifts” and said he hopes the community can heal.
“I think it also exposed some ugly truths that we’re going to have to grapple with as a community. I think it exposed a bit of an ugly underbelly of what is a broken system, and what is breaking down here in town. We hope that we’ll be able to heal and move forward,” he said.
In a statement, Steve Swenson of Telluride Ski Resort said the company is “delighted” the parties reached an agreement. The resort thanked the community for its patience during negotiations and said it is excited for the rest of the season.
Telluride Ski Resort said it plans to open Chair 4 on Saturday, Jan. 10, along with Butterfly, Lower Misty Maiden and Boomerang runs. The resort’s next goal is to open the Super Loop, with additional lifts and terrain to follow.
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