Ski Patrol definitely has it's advantages. Although we're out there in the worst weather, we're also out there in the best - it's our job to ski and to watch for those who need help - which gives us a reason to continually ski. Darn - I have to go skiing now.. wanna come with? As patrollers we split up to cover more of the mountain and we're encouraged to ski different routes each time. I'll often have a nonpatroller ski with me - just for fun. I meet so many people that way and get to chat about what we patrollers do. It spreads goodwill as well as informs the public about our work.

We have to have our OEC - Outdoor Emergency Care certification - which takes a lot of work but, it's knowledge that applies in everyday life as well. Glad I have it. Then we bust our tails to practice our on hill skills with sleds and more on the mountain but again, I like being current and able to help on or off the mountain. The camaraderie is amazing - we are a team. We have each other's back and we know what it took to get where we're at. I think the patrol is more serious than the instructor's side.. but both are important - can't have skiers if we don't have teachers.

The perks are things like season passes, access to other mountains, pro deals, tax deductions, and a sense of belonging. The cons, are lots of hard work for certifications - the candidate year is an intense year! You need to be willing and ready to jump in. Plus I'm lucky in that I'm with a patrol group that has a sense of family and is tight. We don't squabble and we work as a unit.. we have four patrols on our hill and each patroller is welcome across the board.

I'm proud to be a ski patroller. It's one of the best things I've done. I'm proud to know I can help when people need it most. And.. I love to ski - it's a great combination.