The Park City business owner is hoping for a quick end to the ski patrol strike

PARK CITY, Utah (KUTV) — As Park City Mountain ski patrollers picketed near the resort’s base on Friday, a Main Street business owner – who also leads a local business alliance – was hoping for a quick resolution to the sudden strike.

“I hope they resolve the issue amicably,” said Monte Coates, owner of Southwestern Expressions, an art, jewelry and home decor boutique. “In the interest of ski patrol and Vail and the city as a whole.”

Christmas week is one of the busiest of the ski season, and Coates said a prolonged strike could hurt business.

RELATED: Park City Mountain pulls workers from other resorts as ski patrol goes on strike

“If it went on too long and affected operations and people stopped coming here because of it, it could definitely have an impact,” he said.

Coates isn’t taking sides in the face of the impasse, saying he needs more information but noting that “the ski patrollers probably have some legitimate complaints.”

The Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association accused Vail – the resort’s owner – of failing to negotiate in good faith.

Vail said that was the case and that the resort “will remain open with safety as our top priority.”

The company said patrol leaders from Park City Mountain were working on the mountain along with others brought in from other Vail assets.

The union is calling for an increase in base pay from $21 to $23 an hour, pay scales based on seniority and changes it says would improve health insurance.

Vail said it has increased pay by more than 50% over the past four ski seasons, and its most recent proposal called for a 4% raise for most patrol officers.

“It’s such a vital job that they do and a necessary job that they do,” Coates said. “Everyone relies on them.”

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