SAM Magazine—Arapahoe Basin, Colo., Jan. 20, 2025—Members of the Arapahoe Basin ski patrol voted 30-22 in favor of unionizing. If the results are certified by the National Labor Relations Board, the Arapahoe Basin Ski Patrol Union (ABSP) will join the Communication Workers of America (CWA) 7781 United Mountain Workers, which will represent ABSP in contract negotiations with A-Basin’s new owner, Alterra Mountain Company. Alterra closed on its acquisition of A-Basin in November. 

The CWA 7781 United Mountain Workers now represents 16 ski patrol and lift maintenance unions in the West, 10 of which hail from Colorado resorts. A-Basin is the third Alterra-owned resort with a unionized ski patrol represented by CWA 7781 United Mountain Workers, joining Solitude, Utah, and Steamboat, Colo. 

According to multiple reports, the ABSP is seeking more competitive pay and guaranteed benefits. Negotiations may begin as soon as the spring. 

A-Basin patrollers filed a petition to unionize Nov. 18, 2024, the day before Alterra’s acquisition of the resort closed, according to The Summit Daily.

Local 7781 president and Park City Mountain, Utah, patroller Max McGill told The Denver Post that he feels the United Mountain Workers is on a “winning streak” following the Park City patrol union’s contract agreement that ended a 12-day strike less than two weeks ago and A-Basin patrol’s vote to unionize. 

Following the vote, A-Basin said in a statement: "We respect the decision made by Arapahoe Basin Ski Patrollers to have the Communication Workers of America (CWA) union represent them. Our focus remains on supporting our patrol team—and all of our employees—by providing competitive wages, good benefits, a safe working environment, and opportunities for professional growth."