Ski Patrol at Table Mountain – A Great Opportunity

Perhaps it is why such an eclectic assortment of people make up the Battle Zone Ski Patrol. Members of the Ski Patrol include farmers, mothers, lawyers, message therapists, library administrators, health care professionals and many others. They are able to come together as volunteers under the umbrella of the National Ski Patrol System. Currently Battle Zone Ski Patrol, a member of the National Ski Patrol system, has 23 members, and it is looking to expand as the downhill sports of skiing and snow boarding continue to be popular winter activities. With the re-opening of Mount Joy near Lloydminster, another ski area will be within the Battle Zone Ski Patrol area.

There is most assuredly work involved in becoming a member of the Ski Patrol, but once that work is completed, the job gets done because members love to do it, so it doesn’t really feel like work. Step one for admission to the patrol is to be a competent skier or snow boarder, 18 or over, who has taken and passed the rigorous Ski Patrol advanced first aid course.

The course includes modules on CPR and using an AED, and gives ski patrol members the tools they need to look after injuries on a ski hill (as well as injuries or medical conditions incurred in other locations). A member has to renew their qualifications every year by completing written and oral exams.

With ski patrol members working with a partner on the ski hill, newer members are paired with experienced members so that one isn’t thrown in over one’s head. During last winter’s Saskatchewan Winter Games, the Battle Zone Ski Patrol provided on hill emergency medical aid for both the down hill skiing events, and the snow boarding events held at Table Mountain.

Battle Zone Ski Patrol was also present every weekend that Table Mountain ski area was open, as well as during Friday night skiing.

Members are only required to put in between 10 and 12 shifts for the entire winter, so it is not difficult to comply with the requirements and even enjoy a sunny winter holiday (if you want one).

As a ski patrol member, your winter skiing lift pass is paid by Table Mountain, and other discounts are also available.

Some ski patrol members have over 30 years of experience as members of the ski patrol and that experience helps younger members. As a member of a volunteer organization, being in ski patrol gives one many rewards. In addition to making new friends and getting exercise and fresh air in the winter, all members report how pleasant it is to be constantly thanked by people for what is done for them. (Very few jobs have that type of employee satisfaction).

The new season for Battle Zone Ski Patrol kicks off at the Battlefords Union Hospital on September 26th with registration night and the start of the advanced first aid course.

Contact Don MacKinnon at donmac451@sasktel.net if you are interested in becoming a part of ski patrol.

by Battle Zone Ski Patrol

Ski Patrol at Table Mountain – A Great Opportunity

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