Julia Caulfield

The union went on strike at the end of December after months of failed contract negotiations with the Telluride Ski Resort, known as Telski.

The union said their wages don't keep up with the cost of living in the expensive resort town, where median home prices are around $3 million.

Union leadership says the new contract still does not address concerns about a sustainable wage structure, but they're proud of where they ended up.

Telski representatives say they're delighted by the agreement.

The union and ski company received intense pressure from the business community after the resort closure ground Telluride's economy to a halt.

Local leaders say the priority now is getting as many people to visit as possible.

For NPR News, I'm Julia Culfield in Telluride, Colorado.

The Telluride ski resort, known as Tellski, will be closing just in time for the small mountain community's busiest week of the winter, when an estimated 9,000 to 10,000 visitors are in town per day between Christmas and the new year.

The privately owned ski company has been in contract negotiations with the local ski patrol union since June.

Tellski says their contract offer is, quote, generous and market-leading.

Ski Patrol, on the other hand, argues it doesn't provide a livable wage in the expensive resort town.

While Telsky's owner is placing the blame for the shutdown on ski patrol, union representatives say the ski company would rather close the mountain than give them a fair contract.

For NPR News, I'm Julia Caulfield in Telluride.

The Telluride ski resort, known as Tellski, will be closing just in time for the small mountain community's busiest week of the winter, when an estimated 9,000 to 10,000 visitors are in town per day between Christmas and the new year.

The privately owned ski company has been in contract negotiations with the local ski patrol union since June.

Tellski says their contract offer is, quote, generous and market-leading.

Ski Patrol, on the other hand, argues it doesn't provide a livable wage in the expensive resort town.

While Telsky's owner is placing the blame for the shutdown on ski patrol, union representatives say the ski company would rather close the mountain than give them a fair contract.

For NPR News, I'm Julia Caulfield in Telluride.