Minnesota resident Peter Nystrom saved for months to take his family on an unforgettable trip to the largest ski resort in America.

Ski patrollers miffed by wages they say are too low for high living costs have put a wrench in operations at the biggest U.S. ski resort with a rare strike that began over the busy holidays and carried on into the new year's fresh powder.

Strike centers on more than starting wages, as holiday pay, health coverage pay and increases based on experience and inflation at issue. Park City Mountain Resort’s longstanding image as a premier ski and snowboard destination in the United States is taking a hit as a contentious ski patrol strike drags into a second week.

Long lift lines, limited terrain and frustration among skiers and snowboarders are downstream impacts of a wage dispute between union workers at Park City Mountain in Utah and its owner, Vail Resorts.

Mayor Nann Worel said in a statement that she and the Park City Council recognize that resort communities face significant livability challenges, and it is the workforce that all too often shoulders the weight of today’s economic pressures. Supporting a professional workforce is essential to the health, safety and vitality of the town, she said.

Hundreds of runs are off limits and guests are raising safety concerns as a ski patrol strike continues in Park City, Utah. The Park City Professional Ski Patrollers Association went on strike, asking for a pay increase and better health benefits.

Park City Mayor Nann Worel and the city council are calling on Park City Mountain owner Vail Resorts to reach an agreement with the striking ski patrol union.