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The Impact of the Telluride Ski Resort Strike on Local Families
The ongoing strike at Telluride Ski Resort has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised concerns for families looking forward to their winter vacations. The Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association began its strike on December 27, 2025, demanding fair wages and better pay structures that would retain ski patrol staff. The immediate closure of the resort has resulted in a staggering 54% drop in bookings compared to last year, prompting town officials and local businesses to scramble for alternatives to attract visitors.
Secondary Activities: A Growing Trend
As families who had planned to ski come to terms with the resort closure, tourism efforts have pivoted to promote alternative activities. Local officials like Town Manager Zoe Dohnal have encouraged winter sports such as snowmobiling and snowshoeing to keep visitors engaged. However, with families primarily arriving for skiing, selling these activities remains a challenge. "Everyone comes to Telluride to ski," shared Mayor Teddy Errico, highlighting the struggle to maintain visitor interest amid the uncertainty. According to local business owners, a steady flow of cancellations has begun to affect even nearby street vendors and hospitality services, whose income is intrinsically linked to the ski season.
The Broader Economic Repercussions
The economic impact extends beyond the local ski resort, as smaller towns surrounding Telluride like Ridgway are feeling the effects as well. The strike has caused ripples, affecting restaurants and shops reliant on ski traffic. According to Jon Hill, executive director of the Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce, business owners are already voicing concerns about layoffs and significant drops in profits. Effective planning is essential; some are creating resources to assist employees who may face financial hardships.
Future Outlook: What Lies Ahead for Telluride
The uncertainty around the reopening of the resort has many families anxious. Resort ownership has stated they are actively working on hiring temporary staff to reopen limited ski terrain soon. However, the historical relationship between the resort ownership and the local community has encountered challenges. Although many are hopeful that a resolution will be found, the longer the strike lasts, the graver these economic impacts will become.
What Can Be Done?
For families planning winter vacations to Telluride, staying informed and flexible is crucial. Booking accommodations allows families to explore secondary options, ensuring that their experience in Telluride still offers enjoyment, however different it may be from skiing. Resort officials encourage the community to rally around local businesses that are also struggling, emphasizing that a unified effort can help support the economic heart of Telluride.
As the situation unfolds, families interested in preparing for ski season in Telluride should keep an eye on updates from both the resort and local businesses. The hope is that the resort will quickly resolve its labor dispute and bring a swift end to the uncertainty surrounding one of the region's busiest times of year.
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