Loveland Ski Patrol take steps toward unionization

BY OLIVIA JEWELL LOVE OLOVE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Ski patrollers and paramedics at Loveland Ski Area submitted a petition on Feb. 14 for a representative election to vote on unionizing as the Loveland Ski Patrol Professional Union under CWA 7781, the Professional Ski Patrols of America.

Ski patrollers at the ski area have said they face dangerous working conditions every day, but according elegibles are year-round employees who are eligible for health insurance through work.

Most of the employees are like Michael Earles, a seasonal employee who earns an hourly wage. He works

Earles is currently in his second season at Loveland, but said he’s someone the rookies are looking to for answers simply because the team can’t retain many patrollers for longer than a few years.

“I’m a second year, I shouldn’t be the guy with all the answers,” Earles said. “I want to see us be able to retain our experienced patrollers.” Potter grew up in Idaho Springs and now lives in Silver Plume. He