Arapahoe Basin Ski Patrol Union Wins 2-Year First Contract After 15 Months of Bargaining
Updated
Updated · Vail Daily · Oct 24
Arapahoe Basin Ski Patrol Union Wins 2-Year First Contract After 15 Months of Bargaining
2 articles · Updated · Vail Daily · Oct 24
Summary
Arapahoe Basin’s ski patrol union ratified its first two-year contract on Oct. 3, locking in a compensation system, employment protections and codified benefits ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The deal guarantees an annual 3% cost-of-living raise, lifts pay by roughly 5% to 25% depending on experience and duties, and creates three skill tiers plus extra hourly premiums for certifications and specialized roles.
A one-time longevity adjustment was added to prevent wage compression for veteran patrollers, while the contract also formalizes career progression through a new staging program.
Canine teams gained annual pet insurance paid by the company premium, food reimbursements and a dedicated canine program leader, bringing A-Basin’s dog program closer to regional peers.
The agreement follows the patrol’s January 2025 unionization and ends at-will status for members, giving workers stronger protection against unilateral changes to wages, benefits or staffing structure.