Probably yes, and they probably should. A holiday shutdown is the only way to inflict maximum pain on TelSki and get Chuck to truly come to the negotiating table. Plan your trips accordingly.
Both sides are now trying to rally support. But with Chuck's behavior over the last ~10 years, the community is on the side of Ski Patrol. We are rooting for a fast resolution that gets Ski Patrol what they want, and deserve.
More information from the Colorado Sun: Horning has fired several of the industry's top resort executives — like Ray Jacobi, Dave Riley, and Bill Jensen — leaving the 2,000-acre ski area uncaptained for long stretches. Last year he even fired his son, Chad Horning, following a father-son fistfight in a resort-owned restaurant.
TelSki's Letter to the Community
Telski sent a letter to Ski & Golf members outlining their offer: an immediate 13% wage increase for 2025/26, and guaranteed minimum 5% cost of living increases in subsequent seasons. Their offer would bring average wages from $24.06/hr (trainee) to $39.84/hr (station lead).
Ski Patrol is demanding a 27.7% increase — $8.04/hr — for the 2025/26 season alone. Telski called that "not reasonable or competitive."
The letter warned of devastating community impact: guest cancellations, restaurant revenue loss, property manager layoffs. A prolonged strike, they said, could reduce operations to Lift One and Lift Four at best.
The community, by and large, isn't buying it.