Ski Patrol Update

Photo Courtesy of Matt DeWaard

Photo Courtesy of Matt DeWaard

The Deer Valley Ski Patrol has been on the job since the middle of November preparing for another great season on the mountain. Many do not understand the incredible amount of hard work and training that these men and women put in each and every day to make the mountain as safe as it can be and an enjoyable experience for everyone. The patrol spends the weeks leading up to our opening day, training and honing their skills in medical response, avalanche mitigation and lift evacuation.  Then comes hard work and a little bit of fun of setting up the mountain for opening day. We are obligated to ski all the terrain we are opening to ensure it is ready for our guests, sounds tough but I assure you it is necessary. Once we determine what is ready to open we put up the signs, ropes and pads that are needed for a fun, safe and successful opening.  

Photo Courtesy of Matt DeWaard

Photo Courtesy of Matt DeWaard

The ski patrol has been tuned in to the weather lately, anxiously watching for storms and favorable temperatures for snowmaking. The mountain is a very dynamic place these days as we try to keep up with what Mother Nature delivers.  We are monitoring the snowpack since it first started to fall in October because this becomes the ‘foundation’ upon which we build the snowpack for the season, and we hope that it is BIG.

Photo Courtesy of Matt DeWaard

Photo Courtesy of Matt DeWaard

2 Responses

  1. Jana Kolc MD says:

    On February 18th 2013 I was hit by a out of control skier who hit me so hard I fell 50 feet of the trail and ended up with dislocated shoulder and severe contusion of my left thumb.Of course he did not stop. There were 2 other gentlemen who stayed with me and called ski patrol.
    I would like to thank to those 2 men, but most of all I would like to express my deepest gratitude and thanks to the 3 members of the ski patrol . I do remember the name of the one member, her name is Dayna, beautiful young woman. Two othe members of SP who helped were just as professional and trying so hard to get me off the slope. I owe them the greatest gratitude for the care and help they have given me
    What wonderful selfless people they are.
    Sincerely, Dr Jana Kolc

  2. traci says:

    Thank you for the kind words Jana. I have passed your comment along to patrol as well.

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