CWA Ski Patrollers and Lift Maintenance Workers Bargain and Win

In early October, Eldora Mountain ski patrollers, represented by CWA Local 7781, reached a new agreement with owner POWDR Adventure Lifestyle Co. This marks the first contract negotiated with the company since Eldora members formed their union in 2024. But this is just the latest in an avalanche of union contracts being won by CWA members across the ski industry. Approximately 1,100 ski patrollers and lift maintenance workers are now members of CWA Local 7781.

Members have successfully negotiated contracts for five units: Solitude Ski Patrol, Steamboat Ski Patrol, Park City Lift Maintenance, Big Sky Ski Patrol, and now Eldora Ski Patrol. These contracts were all negotiated separately with different owners. 

Primary concerns across the membership included the rising cost of living, high turnover, and the need for better tools and gear to ensure guest safety.

Ski patrol members at Whitefish, Breckenridge, Telluride, and Arapahoe Basin continue to negotiate contracts.

Members have been met with significant pushback from owners and shareholders as the industry continues to avoid raising wages and instead focuses on maximizing executive and shareholder compensation. Industry leaders have spent millions of dollars on union-busting and plead poverty when told to invest that money in their workforce. But by joining together, members are creating real power, reflected in gains at the bargaining table.

Due to the efforts of our CWA bargaining units, members have seen wages nearly double over the past five years. Most recently, the Park City Ski Patrol strike in January brought wages up 30 to 40 percent across the workforce and set a new industry pay standard. CWA contracts have continued to move the industry forward for workers in the form of COLAs, increased benefits accessibility for seasonal workers through healthcare stipends, and industry-leading training and education packages to maintain the high level of skill required throughout the workforce. All of our bargaining units face distinct challenges, including overcrowding, avalanche-prone terrain, and outdated machinery. Their contracts reflect the diversity of needs across the membership.

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This post originally appeared on cwa-union.org.