Last updated: December 27, 2025
Telluride Ski Resort closed beginning December 27, 2025 following a planned ski patrol work stoppage. The closure has raised widespread questions from guests, local businesses, and residents about why the resort cannot operate, what refunds are available, and how the situation affects the broader Telluride economy.
Quick answer: Why Telluride Ski Resort is closed
Telluride Ski Resort operates on U.S. Forest Service land under a federally issued ski area permit. That permit requires an approved Operating Plan that includes ski patrol, first aid, avalanche mitigation, and emergency response. Without professional ski patrol staffing, the resort has stated it cannot safely or legally operate under its permit conditions.
Why Telluride cannot legally open without ski patrol
All ski areas operating on National Forest System land must comply with a U.S. Forest Service Ski Area Term Special Use Permit. A core requirement of that permit is a written, approved Operating Plan (often referred to as Appendix C) that governs daily operations.
According to standard U.S. Forest Service permit requirements, an Operating Plan must specifically address:
- Ski patrol and first aid services
- Accident response and reporting
- Avalanche control and mitigation
- Search and rescue procedures
- Terrain openings, closures, and boundary management
Telluride’s publicly available 2017 Master Development Plan documents multiple ski patrol stations across the mountain, avalanche mitigation protocols, and safety infrastructure that are central to day-to-day operations.
If ski patrol services are unavailable due to a strike or work stoppage, the resort risks operating outside the scope of its approved Operating Plan. This is why Telluride management announced a full closure rather than attempting limited or understaffed operations.
What Telluride Ski Resort says it offered ski patrol
Telluride Ski Resort published a formal Ski Patrol Negotiations Update outlining its position in contract discussions and releasing supporting documentation.
The resort states that its offer included immediate wage increases for the 2025–26 season along with guaranteed cost-of-living adjustments in future years.
As part of that update, the resort released a detailed wage table showing current and proposed pay rates by role and experience level:
View the ski patrol wage offer document (PDF)
The resort also published a competitor wage comparison analysis to support its claim that the offer was competitive within the ski industry.
It is important to note that publishing an offer does not resolve a labor dispute. The Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association disputes whether the offer adequately reflects cost of living, experience, and the safety-critical nature of the job.
What the ski patrol union says
The Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association (TPSPA) voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike after months of negotiations that began in June 2025.
Union representatives have stated that the dispute centers on compensation structure, wages, and long-term sustainability for patrollers living and working in Telluride.
The union disputes the idea that patrol “chose” to close the mountain, arguing that management made the decision to suspend operations rather than reach an agreement.
Guest notice: closures, refunds, and contact information
Telluride Ski Resort issued an official guest notice outlining closures and refund procedures.
Ticket offices
Beginning Saturday, December 27, all Telluride Resort ticket sales locations are closed to the public. Support teams remain available by phone and email, though guests should expect higher-than-normal response times.
Refund information
- All advance-purchase lift tickets will be refunded to the original form of payment
- All ski and snowboard school products will be refunded
- Unused days on multi-day lift tickets will be refunded
- Winter Pass holders may request pro-rated refunds based on impacted days
Refund contact details
Season Pass & Lift Ticket Refunds
Email: passes@telski.com
Phone: 970-728-7517
Ski & Snowboard School Refunds
Email: lessons@telski.com
Phone: 970-728-7414
The economic impact on Telluride and Mountain Village
Telluride Ski Resort is the primary economic engine for the region during winter. According to the resort’s Master Development Plan, the ski area averages hundreds of thousands of skier visits per season across roughly 138 operating days.
December and January are peak months for lodging, dining, retail, transportation, and services. A prolonged closure during the holiday period directly impacts local businesses, hourly workers, and seasonal employees throughout the community.
Local governments have reported over $100 million in taxable spending during December and January in recent ski seasons. Lost visitation during a closure cannot be easily recovered later in the year.
How to support Telluride during the ski patrol strike
Even with lift operations suspended, Telluride remains open. Supporting the community during this period helps workers and small businesses weather the disruption.
- Shop locally in Telluride and Mountain Village: Shop Crossbow
- Dine at locally owned restaurants like Van Atta
- Book non-lift winter activities with local telluride guides like Mountain Trip.
- Support Telluride-based businesses online like us! Telluride Shopping
Frequently asked questions
Is Telluride Ski Patrol on strike?
The Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association authorized a strike beginning December 27, 2025 after contract negotiations did not result in an agreement.
Why did Telluride Ski Resort close completely?
The resort stated it cannot safely or legally operate without professional ski patrol staffing as required under its U.S. Forest Service operating permit and safety plans.
Will my Telluride lift ticket or lesson be refunded?
Yes. The resort has stated that advance-purchase lift tickets, lessons, and unused multi-day ticket days will be refunded to the original form of payment.
How do I contact Telluride for refunds?
Passes and tickets: passes@telski.com or 970-728-7517
Lessons: lessons@telski.com or 970-728-7414
Bottom line
The Telluride ski patrol strike is not just a labor dispute. It has direct implications for public safety, federal permit compliance, and the economic health of the Telluride region.
While negotiations continue, guests should use official refund channels, follow verified updates, and consider supporting local Telluride businesses during this challenging period.