Telluride Ski Resort closed for nearly two weeks this winter after its ski patrol went on strike, marking a rare and historic labor dispute at a major U.S. ski resort.

On December 27, 2025, almost all of Telluride’s ski patrollers walked off the job after months of unsuccessful contract talks with resort management. The ski patrol is responsible for mountain safety, including avalanche control, rescue operations, and first aid. Without them, the resort said it could not safely operate most of the slopes.

The strike was organized by the Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association, which represents about 78 unionized patrollers. The group had been negotiating a new contract since June, after their previous agreement expired in August. Patrol members said they were struggling to afford living in the Telluride area and wanted higher wages that matched the risks and responsibilities of their work. Nearly 99% of members voted to approve the strike, showing strong support within the union.

In response, resort owner Chuck Horning announced a full shutdown of lift-served skiing, citing safety and legal concerns. Only a small beginner area with limited terrain stayed open, staffed by temporary workers and non union employees. For most visitors, however, skiing at Telluride came to a halt during one of the busiest times of the winter season.

The closure had a major impact on the local economy. Hotels, restaurants, and shops they rely heavily on holiday ski tourism, and many business owners reported fewer customers and canceled reservations. Some community members held protests downtown, calling on both sides to reach an agreement and reopen the mountain.

After 13 days, the strike came to an end. On January 8, 2026, the ski patrol union voted to approve a new contract with the resort. While not all details were made public, reports said the deal included meaningful pay raises, with wage increases close to 20 percent over the length of the contract.

The resort fully reopened shortly after the agreement was reached, allowing lifts and terrain to operate normally again. Ski patrol members returned to work, and visitors slowly began to return to town.

The Telluride strike drew national attention and highlighted ongoing issues in the ski industry, especially rising housing costs and worker pay in resort communities. For many, it served as a reminder of how essential ski patrols are to keeping mountains safe and running.