Workers are a little tougher for Aspen Skiing Co. to find
Aspen Skiing Co. anticipates a tougher time filling its positions this winter than in recent winters — but how much tougher isn’t clear yet.
“I think we’re seeing the pendulum swinging back,” said Jim Laing, vice president of human resources and retail operations, referring to the job market. “All resorts are seeing a shift.”
Aspen and Snowmass Village, like many western U.S. ski resorts, traditionally have generated more jobs than there were workers to fill them. That changed during the five years of the recession and its hangover. Now it’s switching back.
In the Roaring Fork Valley, the construction and development industry has cranked back up. Contractors are reporting that many firms are working overtime because of deadline pressures, and some are having trouble filling all positions. When construction booms, it often affects other sectors of the economy that are trying to fill seasonal jobs.
Air Force’s Max Hartner heads to the goal with the puck during the 5-3 loss to UConn at Clune Arena Friday, January 31, 2014. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette