The ski patrollers and medics at Eldora could become the latest batch of ski resort workers to join a union.
Colorado Public Radio (CPR) reports that 71% of ski patrollers and medics at Eldora Mountain Resort voted for a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) union election to occur this November. According to Ski Area Management, in order for such an election to occur, they needed to get 30% of ski patrol/medic workers to sign a union authorization card and send it in to the NLRB. Eldora’s parent company (Powdr) can either recognize the union or allow the election to occur. If the workers succeed, they will become part of the United Professional Ski Patrols of America.
Jake Miller, who’s a ski patroller at Eldora, explained to CPR why they’re considering unionizing:
“People get to a point where they need insurance, they need to be able to afford rent in Boulder County, and they just can’t do that with the job we have. We needed something to change.”
Ski patroller’s pay at Eldora starts at $19 an hour for new hires without any certifications. This is increased to $20.50 after they go through pre-season training. New hires with certification start at $21.50 an hour. According to a spokesperson with Eldora, these wages increase based on returning patrollers’ “experience, additional certifications, and performance.”
Another factor is a rise in crowds. According to ski patrollers, visitation has grown substantially since 2021, while the amount of their team members has remained stagnant:
“Eldora has seen peak visitor numbers skyrocket since 2021 as a result of expanded parking capacity and unlimited ski days for IKON pass holders, all while staffing on patrol has remained stagnant.”
Eldora opposes the unionizing efforts but will support the ski patrollers and medics if it happens. Here’s the statement they released to CPR:
“[W]e believe that the best way to find consensus that results in positive outcomes is by having meaningful dialogue rooted in the history and culture of trust among our employees. We believe a union would not benefit our patrollers, employees, guests, or our company. Regardless, we respect—and will always continue to respect—the legal rights of workers to freely choose third-party representation, as we respect the rights of those who refrain and choose to be free from the restrictions of such activities…
Eldora is committed to treating all of its employees with respect and dignity and to providing them with excellent benefits, optimum working conditions, and competitive wages.”
Image Credits: Eldora Mountain Resort
