JACKSON, Wyo. — The Jackson Hole Ski Patrol has taken the first step to unionize in an effort to secure “fair compensation, comprehensive benefits and equitable career incentives,” the group said in a statement.

Tyler Babcock, a nine-year Jackson Hole ski patroller, told WyoFile that 93% of eligible patrol members signed the petition filed Thursday with the National Labor Relations Board and support a vote to decide whether to be recognized under law as a union. Patrol members who did not sign the petition hold management positions and, as such, are prohibited from forming a union under the National Labor Relations Act.

A vote could be bypassed if the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort voluntarily recognizes the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol as a union.

“That is a potential outcome,” Babcock said.

See Full Page