As Park City Mountain ski patrollers worked picket lines near the resort's base on Friday, a Main Street business owner -- who also leads a local business alliance -- hoped for a quick resolution to the sudden strike. 'I hope they resolve it amicably,' said Monte Coates, owner of Southwestern Expressions, an art, jewelry, and home decor boutique. 'For the sake of the ski patrollers and Vail and the town as a whole.
' The week of Christmas is one of the busiest of the ski season, and Coates said a protracted strike could hurt business. 'If it went on too long and it affected operations, and people stopped coming here because of it, it definitely could affect things,' he said. Coates is not taking a side over the impasse, he said he would need more information, but he noted that 'the ski patrollers probably have some valid grievances.' The Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association accused Vail -- the owner of the resort -- of not negotiating in good faith.The company said patrol leaders at Park City Mountain are working on the mountain, along with others who have been brought in from other Vail holdings. The union wants a starting base pay hike from $21 to $23 an hour, pay grades based on seniority, and changes it said would improve health coverage. Vail said it has increased wages by more than 50% over the last four ski seasons, and its latest proposal called for 4% hikes for most patrollers. 'It's such a vital job that they perform, and a necessary job that they perform,' Coates said. 'Everyone relies on them.