Solitude Ski Patrol Union Signs Contract Setting "New Industry Standard"Solitude Ski Patrol Union Signs Contract Setting "New Industry Standard"

Solitude Ski Patrol Union Signs Contract Setting "New Industry Standard"

Jordan Grant-Krenz
Jordan Grant-Krenz
•July 18, 2025

Featured Image: Bruno Long | Skier: Carlo Travarelli | Location: Solitude, UT

In a monumental move, the Solitude Ski Patrol Union (SSPU) from Utah’s Solitude Mountain Resort has signed a new contract with the ski area. The deal was announced in a recent social media post, in which the ski patrol union’s page boldly stated that the terms of the contract would set a “new industry standard.”

The exact contract was not posted, but the overview released by the SSPU details the key points which they regarded as successful.

A few of the main details provided by the SSPU are:

  • Industry leading compensation

Base wage increase on average of 10%

18.25% higher returning patroller wage for 25/26 season when compared to 24/25 season

Starting rookie wage of $24/hr

  • Healthcare and wellness stipend

  • Increased wages of $2.50/hr for “specialist roles”

  • Defined education goals, performance expectations and accountability for increased patroller training

$45,000 training budget

$1,300/season equipment budget for full time patrollers

  • Improved upward career mobility opportunities

Importantly, the group was able to achieve this new agreement in just eight months during talks with Solitude Resort and parent company Alterra Mountain Company. The SSPU was first formed in February of 2024 and ratified in April of the same year. They were the first ski patrol union to be finalized at an Alterra-owned resort.

“We could not be more proud of the work we have achieved here, from getting our patrol empowered enough to stand up and unionize, to getting an incredibly strong contract not only written, but done so in a timely manner, with 100% approval from our voting members,” stated the SSPU in their public announcement. “Ski patrol is dangerous, skilled labor, and today we feel proud to be represented by a contract that supports this.”

FREESKIER has reached out to Alterra Mountain Group and Solitude Mountain Resort for comment, and will update as needed.

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