Snowbasin Cancels Five Events Over Staffing Shortages

HUNTSVILLE, Utah — Five events in the Blues, Brews & BBQ concert series at Snowbasin have been canceled due to staffing shortages, according to resort officials.

“The Snowbasin team has worked tirelessly to provide a great experience for our guests. Despite numerous adjustments, increased recruiting efforts and great perks, we have experienced a severe staff shortage in our Food & Beverage operations,” read a statement Monday from Davy Ratchford, general manager for Snowbasin.

Ratchford said the first event, featuring Kris Lager and Andy Frasco on August 1st, will take place as scheduled, but the remaining events scheduled between Aug. 8 and Sept. 5 will be canceled.

In 2019, the music was loud at Snowbasin and the crowd was there for a great time.

“It’s a family event up here. We let people come up on the lawn and just camp out and have a great day and watch a show,” said Ratchford.

But this year, the field is empty and it’s going to stay that way.

“We’re all prepped, our stage is ready, everything is ready to go, but like so many other places, we’ve just been unable to get people to come in and apply for jobs,” he said.

“It’s here in the kitchen where Snowbasin needs the most help. Cooks, dishwashers, housekeeping, you name it, they have dozens and dozens of positions they can’t fill. And because of it, they had to scrap a very popular, free concert series that brings in thousands and thousands of people,” he added.

The same thing has been happening across the food and beverage industry. Restaurants have closed or limited hours because they don’t have enough workers.

“Not just here, everywhere in the state,” said Ratchford. “Everybody has jobs available right now.”

KSL TV asked Ratchford if it’s because wages are too low, but he said that’s not it.

“The minimum wage in Utah is $7.25; we’re almost double that and for the basic entry level jobs,” he said. “That range is very high, so I don’t think it’s that. I think there’s more to it than that.”

Snowbasin said they typically have dozens of people apply for a job opening, but now, they only get two or three people filling out an application.

They hope that will change soon.

“I think over the next several weeks, people will understand that they have to get out and work and they need to pay bills, and we have great paying jobs and great opportunities, so that will happen,” said Ratchford.

They’re crossing their fingers that Blues, Brews and BBQ will be back next year.

“That’s my message is just get out and get a job. There’s great jobs to be had,” said Ratchford.

Snowbasin hopes more people will start looking for jobs again so they’ll be able to hold their annual Oktoberfest event come September.