We, the Ski Instructors of Telluride Ski Resort, offer this petition as a stand of solidarity with the Telluride Ski Patrol and their efforts to negotiate a wage that reflects their value, effort, and training.

Telluride Ski Instructors choose to support Ski Patrol’s negotiation efforts not only to ensure a fair, livable wage for our patrollers, but also in recognition of the essential services Ski Patrol provides in making our jobs possible and safe.

We, the Ski Instructors, work on-snow, in all conditions, across the entire resort to deliver the world-class lessons we are known for and proud of. Without professional avalanche mitigation, snow packing, consistent safety assessments, and critical first response, Telluride’s ski lessons would be unsafe and undeliverable. We stand in support of these safety-critical duties being carried out by trained professionals - not only for the safety of our students, but for our own safety and security while teaching on the mountain.

As community members know, Telluride and its surrounding areas have an incredibly high cost of living. Currently, wages for our Ski Patrollers do not accommodate that reality. This issue is not unique to Telluride, but is part of a national movement for equity and livability in ski resorts and mountain towns across the country. We have seen similar negotiations in many of these ski towns, and hope the managment in Telluride can follow suit.

Every signature on this petition is a voice in support of our Ski Patrollers. We wish to see their needs met. We are One on this mountain, for this mountain, and for those who patrol its slopes.