93% of Jackson Hole Patrollers Move Towards Unionizing
One of the most highly-regarded ski patrol units in the country has officially made moves towards unionizing.
As of November 20, 2025, 93% of eligible Jackson Hole Ski Patrol (JHSP) members have filed for a union representation election with the National Labor Relations Board. Pending NLRB certification, JHSP’s union members will be represented by the Communications Workers of America Local 7781 and United Mountain Workers alongside numerous other ski patrol units.
Jackson Hole is known for it’s steep and technical terrain, sometimes fickle snowpack, and flocks of high level skiers pushing the limits. Ski patrolling at any mountain is a profession that requires a host of specialized knowledge, extensive skills, and often places patrollers in risky situations. These factors are increased significantly in the context of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
At the end of the 2024/25 season, Jackson Hole was granted the National Ski Area Association’s “Best Overall Safety Program” award. JHSP was an integral part of the ski area earning this award as perhaps the most integral piece of mountain safety. “JHSP is committed to ensuring JHMR maintains its position as a leader in mountain safety and guest experience,” said the unit in a press release announcing their union petition.
In unionizing, JHSP is hoping to secure more long-term career stability through better wages and representation in a effort to continue providing the world-class safety experience for a world-class ski area.
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It’s no secret that many ski patrol units have recently unionized, or spent months renegotiating contracts with resort management and ownerships in order to increase wages to reflect high living costs in many mountain communities.
JHSP is seeking the same level of accountability that patrollers have for guest safety from JHMR when it comes to reasonable and equitable compensation. Teton County is one of the wealthiest in the country, and has the highest income-inequality gap of any county in the US.
As a result, residents see skyrocketing costs of living and a massive housing crisis. “We are career first-responders doing one of the most dangerous jobs in North America, yet many of us struggle to afford to live in the community we serve,” said Tyler Babcock, a nine-year patroller in the press release.
If certified by the NLRB, JHSP’s union members will enter into good faith bargaining with Jackson Hole Mountain Resort to determine a working contract.
The resort was purchased from the Kemmerer family by Mike Corbat and Eric Macy in 2024. Following the resort’s purchase, they also welcomed Doug Pierini on as their new CEO, who had previously worked across Vail Resorts running different operations at ski resorts across the country.
Related: Lululemon Corporate Leader Joins Vail Resorts as New CRO
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