Our History
United Mountain Workers (UMW) originally organized in 2003 under CWA Local 7781 as the United Professional Ski Patrollers of America (UPSPA). The independently unionized Ski Patrols of Steamboat Springs, Crested Butte, and Canyons banded their units together as the first members of the 7781. Over the next decade several more Ski Patrols joined 7781, including Telluride and Stevens Pass.
Starting in 2020 the ski industry experienced dramatic growth, bringing with it big changes to 7781. Massive daily user increases at resorts everywhere began straining existing infrastructure and mountain workers to a breaking point. At the same time, the cost of living in mountain towns skyrocketed and local workforces already housing-challenged were further priced out of their communities en-masse. This rapid upheaval in ski town economics catalyzed a boom in Union efforts across the west. Workers started taking power into their own hands to ensure a seat at the industry table: since 2020, Local 7781 has welcomed 12 new units of ski patrollers, lift maintenance workers and bike patrollers.
In reflection of this growth and the successful organizing of new departments, in 2024 the UPSPA executive board voted unanimously to modernize under the name United Mountain Workers (UMW). This change formally acknowledges our non-ski patrol groups, such as lift maintenance, and extends the Union invitation to unrepresented industry professionals. We are excited about a future in which we can stand shoulder to shoulder with diverse industry groups in inclusive pursuit of improved wages, benefits, and safety standards for all ski industry workers.
“UMW” is an intentional and respectful nod to the original Unionized laborers of mountain communities, such as those represented by the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA). Towns that have come to revolve around the modern ski industry were largely founded on the backs of coal, ore, and hard rock miners working in deplorable conditions for meager wages. The coordinated efforts of these workers to secure better wages and safer conditions are widely regarded as the foundation of today’s labor Unions. UMWA and other mountain-based labor organizations are credited for some of the most important labor achievements in American history, such as the eight-hour workday. Many ski resorts co-opt the impressive legacy of these workers into the names of runs, lifts, and restaurants. We hope we have found a better way to honor their contributions and the spirit of the labor movement through the collective advancement of ski industry employees and dedicated solidarity with the working class of mountain towns.