Ski patrollers across the country provide many services to the skiing and riding public. However, with the plethora of snow in the West this year many have been asked to go way beyond their normal duties. Shoveling out and doing the mitigation work to make the slopes safe is obvious.
Throwing bombs.
A recent article in the Colorado Sun written by Jason Blevins, an excellent writer, and a journalist who seems to have an affinity for snow sports, provides a great insight into avalanche mitigation at Telluride. I realize for many of you in the West this might not seem that newsworthy but for many who don’t deal with avalanche mitigation, it is an interesting and enlightening read.
Here is the link to the article: How Telluride Battels Avalanche?
My take away from reading this was the reminder of the breadth of skills a ski patroller has to bring to the table to be a first-class patroller. From medical knowledge, mountain rescue, guest service, skiing skills to the extreme of explosives, knowledge and handling skills. Yeah, I know they get to ski a lot but how many professions come to mind that have such a broad range of skills sets required to be successful and is paid maybe $25.00/hr.?
