Skier Sues Vail Resorts Over Patrol Strike Disrupting Park City Operations
A skier at Park City Mountain Resort is taking legal action against Vail Resorts, the resort’s parent company, after a strike by the ski patrol union led to disruptions in operations. The strike left visitors facing long lift lines and limited open terrain, disappointing many guests, including one who filed a class action lawsuit against the resort giant.
The dissatisfied guest, Christopher Bisaillon, spent over $15,000 for his family’s vacation at Park City during the holidays, expecting a memorable skiing experience. However, the strike led to a disastrous trip, with his family managing to ski only a few runs during their week-long stay. The lawsuit filed against Vail Resorts seeks damages exceeding $5 million for all guests who purchased lift tickets between December 27, 2024, and January 7, 2025.
Ski vacations, especially at resorts like Park City, come with a hefty price tag. During the holiday season, a single-day adult lift ticket cost $289, making it an expensive trip when factoring in travel, lodging, equipment rentals, dining, and other expenses. The lawsuit estimates that families can spend between $10,000 and $20,000 for a week-long ski trip at Park City.
Bisaillon’s family arrived at Park City Mountain Resort on December 28, 2024, only to find the ski patrol union on strike one day earlier. The strike resulted in long wait times at lifts and limited access to the mountain, with only 16% of the terrain available for skiing. Reports indicated that out of the 41 lifts at the resort, only 25 were operational during the strike period.
The strike was part of a prolonged negotiation between the ski patroller’s union and Vail Resorts over wages and working conditions. Despite efforts to reach an agreement, the union voted to authorize a strike on December 14, 2024, citing bad faith negotiations by Vail Resorts. The resort, in turn, criticized the union for refusing to negotiate or mediate in good faith.
The lawsuit alleges that Vail Resorts should have anticipated the strike and notified guests in advance. However, many visitors, like Bisaillon, were unaware of the impending strike when they arrived at the resort. The conflict between the ski patrollers and corporate leadership was covered in local and national media, raising questions about the handling of labor negotiations and the impact on guests.
The strike at Park City Mountain Resort serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in operating large ski resorts and the potential disruptions caused by labor disputes. For guests like Bisaillon, the failed vacation highlights the importance of transparency and communication in ensuring a positive experience for visitors, especially during the holiday season.
