A-Basin is the latest ski patrol with a labor union. What’s next? 

And then there were four. 

Ski patrollers at Arapahoe Basin voted last week to adopt a labor union with 30 votes for a union and 22 votes against. 

When certified later this week, A-Basin patrollers join Breckenridge, Loveland and Keystone with a union. 

“A bit of relief and excitement for the future,” A-Basin patroller and union rep Ben Sutter tells Krystal 93 news director Phil Lindeman. “A lot of us worked hard to get this passed. Really, we’re doing this to support our team and give us a voice at the negotiating table.” 

The margin was slim, but not as slim as Breckenridge – patrollers there adopted a union by just one vote in 2021. 

“I didn’t know what to expect going into the final days,” Sutter says. “I was very excited with the outcome.” 

What now? 

Next come logistics, like selecting a local union president and members for the bargaining team. 

Sutter says contract negotiations could begin as soon as the slopes close this summer. Like most ski patrollers A-Basin is looking for higher wages and guaranteed benefits, and, like most local patrols, starting wage today is $21 per hour. 

But the longest ski season in North America comes with its own rare challenges. 

“Scheduling, start dates, end dates,” he says. “It is hard to build a life around ski patrol when the season runs from October to June, but sometimes people don’t start working until December or January. (We need) a little more clarity in that department (…) something in writing.” 

Alterra at the table 

This is the second major upheaval at A-Basin this ski season. 

In November the ski area closed its sale to Alterra Mountain Company, owner of the Ikon Pass and one of two major players in the “mega-pass” industry, along with Vail Resorts. 

Sutter says there were murmurs of a labor union before the sale, but Alterra’s persistence sealed it.  

“Seeing the direction of most patrols in the mountain west with unions, we felt it was time to jump the gun,” Sutter says. “The Alterra purchase might have spurred us into action, but this is not the sole reason.” 

And the Park City labor strike making national news? 

“In the long run I think this will be a major benefit, not only for me and our entire patrol,” Sutter says. “That is the same sentiment I’m getting from other friends who patrol at unionized mountains.”