Resident presents documents alleging permit violations and unpaid training at Cooper ski area; commissioners to follow up

A Lake County resident handed the county commissioners a package of field reports, photographs and complaint filings alleging numerous operational and labor issues at Cooper ski area, including permit violations, unpaid required training for ski-patrol personnel and a toxic workplace culture.

Kevin (email kevinwshaper@kwdesign) told the board he documented violations going back to 2014, performed field work with GPS coordinates and prepared a 25-page complaint submitted to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. He said he also provided correspondence with the U.S. Forest Service documenting permit-related field observations and that the department told him it had closed its investigation and had given him clearance to pursue civil action. “They finally paid, and all of that’s in there,” Kevin said, referring to vendors and receivables he had pursued.

Kevin said Cooper has not paid for required training for ski-patrol personnel, and his outreach included a request for reimbursement for training costs. He said he sent a proposed bill of about $400 per ski patroller per year and that the state is conducting a broader inspection into ski-patrol training issues. “They do have to pay for required training, and they never have,” Kevin said. He also said required harassment-prevention training was a notable element of the state correspondence and asserted that the work environment at Cooper is “toxic” and top-down.

Commissioners thanked Kevin for bringing materials and pledged to follow up; staff asked to retain copies of the submitted documents. Kevin offered to provide depositions or other testimony if needed. The board did not take formal action at the meeting; commissioners said they would be in touch.