Tourism and Local Economies

A strike by the 78‑member Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association led to an indefinite shutdown of Telluride Ski Resort during the holiday week, leaving chairlifts and runs empty and tourists stranded at the base. Resort owner Chuck Horning said the patrol rejected what he called an industry‑leading offer to raise starting pay to about $24 an hour, while union president Graham Hoffman said the patrol had already reduced its initial demand for an $8‑per‑hour increase.