Driving into Colorado was shocking to say the least. With sunny skies and comfortable temperatures, Colorado looked more like a Summer vacation than a Winter break escape. Bare mountains and green grass were the opposite of what vacationers expected to see. In contrast to the winter haven Colorado has been in the past, the views struck fear in the hearts of those who travelled far to ski, snowboard, sled, and enjoy the winter conditions acclaimed by visitors of past years.
The cause for what the Washington Post called, “The Snow Epidemic” was warmer temperatures that led to precipitation instead of snowfall. It has been speculated that Global warming played a part in the warm winter many experienced throughout the west.
Alongside the out of the ordinary weather conditions, the Telluride Ski Patrol went on strike. The reason for the strike was the payment of the Ski Patrol with an hourly wage of $3.89. The strike led to the temporary closure of the Telluride Ski Resort and the frustrations of many who put time and effort into enjoying the popular winter sport destination.
Local businesses rallied to encourage the resolve of the strike as many had seen a downfall since the Ski Patrols act of defiance. The news was recently released that the strike had ended and the resort would reopen in the near future.
The conditions out west have been far from ordinary as the workers were scarce and the snow even scarcer. What many hoped to be a relaxing winter getaway turned into a frustrating waiting game as the sun shined and the workers were nowhere to be found.
