Ski Industry Faces Labor Unrest and Luxury Boom

The ski industry is experiencing significant labor unrest, as workers at various resorts, including Utah's Park City Mountain and Crested Butte, are striking for better wages amid rising living costs in resort towns. This unrest has coincided with a broader movement to reclaim ski areas from large corporations, with efforts in towns like Nederland and Steamboat Springs to preserve local ownership and ski culture. On the other hand, the luxury ski experience is booming, with extravagant chalets offering high-end amenities such as gold-leaf pools and private slopes, catering to affluent clients in resorts like Courchevel and Cervinia. Additionally, the ski industry continues to offer thrilling events, like the 'Enemy Lines' race at Fernie Alpine Resort, which challenges athletes with its extreme terrain and unpredictable conditions. Despite these developments, there is a growing interest in smaller, locally-owned ski areas, which are gaining popularity as alternatives to the corporate-dominated resorts facing operational challenges.