By Karen Gutierrez, News
Telluride, Colorado | January 8, 2026
The ski strike in Telluride officially ended this Thursday, after the patrol union approved a new contract with the resort’s operating company, allowing the beginning of a gradual reopening of the resort starting this weekend.
The work stoppage extended for 13 days, resulting in the total closure of the ski resort at one of the most critical times of the winter season and causing a significant economic impact on the community and tourism sector of southwest Colorado.
Approval of the contract and end of the strike
Table of Contents
The Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Associationwhich has approximately 70 members, voted in favor of a new contractual proposal presented by Telluride Ski & Golf earlier this week. This agreement puts an end to a labor conflict that had kept the town’s main economic activity paralyzed.
The strike began on December 27, after months of negotiations between both parties over wages and working conditions. Due to this strike, the resort suspended operations, closing access to slopes and chairlifts for both residents and visitors.
Progressive reopening of the complex
The resort administration has reported that the reopening process will begin gradually. Chairlift 4 is scheduled to come into operation this Saturday, along with the opening of additional runs such as Butterfly, Lower Misty Maiden and Boomerang. Subsequently, we will seek to enable more chairlifts and terrain, including the so-called “Super Loop.”
The reopening coincides with the arrival of the first significant snowfall in several weeks, which will facilitate the recovery of activity in the mountains, after a start to the season marked by limited conditions.
Economic impact after closure
The complete closure of the complex immediately affected the local economy. Hotels, restaurants, shops and tourist services saw an abrupt drop in demand, with numerous cancellations of accommodation and a notable decrease in commercial activity.
During the almost two weeks of closure, many businesses were forced to make layoffs and temporary suspensions, especially in hotels and restaurants, which directly depend on the flow of visitors during the ski season.
Expectations for the rest of the season
With the end of the labor conflict and the beginning of the reopening, the Telluride community expects a progressive recovery of tourist activity. The full reactivation of the complex will be key to determining whether the destination can save the rest of the winter season, especially with an eye on the months of February and March.