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Arizona/New Mexico Taos Ski Valley Starting Pay Now Exceeds Living Wage, Adds Housing for Staff

Tricia

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TAOS SKI VALLEY, N.M., Aug. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As the only B Corp certified ski resort in the world, Taos Ski Valley is compelled to conduct business in a manner that benefits employees, visitors, and the community through social responsibility, environmental sensitivity, and economic sustainability. As part of that commitment, Taos has raised its starting pay for entry-level positions to $15 per hour, exceeding the living wage of $14.94 for Taos County, as stated by the MIT Living Wage Calculator. Taos is one of the few US ski resorts to offer starting pay that focuses on a living wage rather than a minimum wage. This hourly rate is also more than 40 percent above the state of New Mexico's minimum wage. Taos Ski Valley's living wage increase is coupled with 70 new and existing units of staff housing, designed to provide a living wage and affordable lifestyle for Taos Ski Valley staff. This comprehensive approach to staff compensation and benefits is part of Taos Ski Valley's financial wellness initiative for staff.

"We made a commitment to pay our staff a living wage several years ago and have continually updated our pay scale accordingly and do an annual pay equity analysis," said Dawn Boulware, Vice President of Social and Environmental Responsibility at Taos Ski Valley. "In addition to wage increases, we're investing in diversity, equity and inclusion training and expanding programs like insurance and housing. All of this makes Taos Ski Valley one of the most caring – and enjoyable - places to work in the entire outdoor recreation industry."

With more than 35 percent of its workforce self-identifying as people of color, and almost 40 percent of its workforce identifying as female, Taos is one of the most diverse businesses in the industry. Additionally, Taos is the only ski resort to partner with Camber Outdoors, a national organization dedicated to supporting workplace inclusion, equity, and diversity in the active outdoors industry.

"We still have work to do," continued Boulware. "But we know step one is ensuring our staff have a living wage, a place to live, and a socially responsible and inclusive working environment."

Taos offers affordable staff housing in several locations, with 70 rooms and 100 beds currently available, with plans to add 40 more rooms for the upcoming season.

Additionally, for the 2021/2022 winter season, Taos, in conjunction with Spot Insurance, will offer full-time year-round and full-time seasonal staff 24/7 accident insurance with up to $25,000 of coverage per accident. From stitches to surgery and X-rays to physical therapy, these bills will be covered if staff is injured in a covered accident, even if they have existing health coverage.

Taos also offers an ever-evolving staff wellbeing program, which includes an employee assistance program with up to 6 free counselling sessions, 401(k) plan with environmentally and socially responsible investing options, paid health days, free yoga classes, mental health first aid training, gym discounts and much more, including free season passes to enjoy the mountain.

To learn more about employment opportunities at Taos Ski Valley please visit https://www.skitaos.com/jobs. Taos is actively hiring year-round and seasonal staff.

About Taos Ski Valley

Nestled among the pristine peaks of northern New Mexico, Taos Ski Valley is undergoing a $300 million renaissance making it one of North America's premier vacation and adventure destinations. With over more than 300 inches of average annual snowfall, 300 days of sunshine and more than 1,200 skiable acres, Taos Ski Valley is the industry's only B Corp Certified ski resort, which means it operates with the highest standards of environmental sustainability, and social and economic justice. An independently owned and operated resort, Taos maintains an authentic charm while delivering a world-class experience both on-mountain and off for skiers and riders of all abilities. Taos Ski Valley is proud to participate in the Mountain Collective and Ikon Pass. To learn more about Taos Ski Valley and its B Corp commitment, please visit www.skitaos.com.

SOURCE Taos Ski Valley

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Jwrags

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Kudos to Taos for paying more and increasing their employee housing.
I will say that my son spent this past winter in Steamboat working in an on mountain restaurant. They paid a decent wage as well as had a lot of affordable employee housing. They own an entire apartment complex and while it was like dorm living (4 on a 2 BR) it was fine. Now @Ron will tell you they used to put 8 in an apartment until the city cracked down but at least now it is decent.
I will contrast that with JHMR where he is working this summer and plans to stay this winter. Very limited and poor employee housing so he is pretty much on his own to find housing.
 
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Tricia

Tricia

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Kudos to Taos for paying more and increasing their employee housing.
I will say that my son spent this past winter in Steamboat working in an on mountain restaurant. They paid a decent wage as well as had a lot of affordable employee housing. They own an entire apartment complex and while it was like dorm living (4 on a 2 BR) it was fine. Now @Ron will tell you they used to put 8 in an apartment until the city cracked down but at least now it is decent.
I will contrast that with JHMR where he is working this summer and plans to stay this winter. Very limited and poor employee housing so he is pretty much on his own to find housing.
Glad he did well at Steamboat. Bummer on the JHMR housing situation. :(

Taos is an area on my list of "I need to get there." This makes it even more appealing.
 

Scruffy

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Employee housing, and pay in resort towns, are a big issue, and getting bigger; kinda like water in the west--somethings gotta give. Glad to s TSV, and Steamboat, taking a lead.
 
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Tricia

Tricia

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I think it is going to have to go back to the old “company town” so that the resorts can have employees.
When we were touring Independence Mine in AK I was thinking about that.
Almost a bunkhouse lifestyle.
 

David

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Supply & demand has risen the average starting wage to $15 - 17 per hour here in Michigan.
 

raisingarizona

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Kudos to Taos for paying more and increasing their employee housing.
I will say that my son spent this past winter in Steamboat working in an on mountain restaurant. They paid a decent wage as well as had a lot of affordable employee housing. They own an entire apartment complex and while it was like dorm living (4 on a 2 BR) it was fine. Now @Ron will tell you they used to put 8 in an apartment until the city cracked down but at least now it is decent.
I will contrast that with JHMR where he is working this summer and plans to stay this winter. Very limited and poor employee housing so he is pretty much on his own to find housing.

Good luck to your son finding a room for the winter, from what I’ve been hearing it’s become nearly impossible. There’s a huge wave of older locals that are now leaving the valley after being completely priced out or having to be homeless for long, extended stretches.
 
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Tricia

Tricia

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There is a SkiTalk get together there this coming January.
Trust me, I know. The timing is off for us going to trade shows.
 

DanoT

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That’s gotta be a damn good starting wage in the U.P.. I’d love to spend a winter up there to experience the place.
Ever watch the Red Green Show? Its the rural Ontario, Canada version of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. :ogbiggrin:
 
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Tricia

Tricia

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That’s gotta be a damn good starting wage in the U.P.. I’d love to spend a winter up there to experience the place.
Maybe you could work at Mount Bohemia and the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame :D
UP Racer is selling his house in Marquette.
You have options!
 
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Tricia

Tricia

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Think I can talk @Philpug into moving to Michigan?
 

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