Ski patrol strike at Telluride in western Colorado comes to an end

After 13 days, a strike at Telluride ski resort in western Colorado is over. Members of the ski patrol are heading back to work.  Telluride Ski & Golf says it will slowly reopen more lifts "immediately."

The strike resulted in the popular closure of the ski area, and it crippled the town's economy. The resort has only recently opened a very limited amount of terrain.

"We got more money, and our supervisors are taken care of," Bailey Mallette, a 15-year Telluride Ski Patroller, said. Mallette says patrollers get close to a 20% pay increase over the life of the contract. He says they got a pay raise, but they did not get a wage structure for what he called "special teams" that would help with the retention of rookie patrollers.  "We're looking at the wins," Mallette said.  He says Telluride Ski & Golf presented the offer and was voted on earlier this week.

Teddy Errico, Telluride's mayor, said on Thursday afternoon that everyone in the town is excited about the news.

"We recognize what is happening in our community and appreciate the support," Mallette said.