February 11, 2024
By Stephen Walker
On Sunday February 18 ski and snowboard enthusiasts can spend a few hours with Swain Ski Patrol at the first of two recruiting events. Ski Patrol volunteers provide safety and first aid as part of a national system of rigorously trained first responders. A limited number of participants will receive a free lift pass for the day as well as food and refreshments after an hour-long program that includes time on the hill and in the aid room.
The event will begin at 1 PM Sunday. Participants will learn about the many benefits given to patrollers, that include not only lift passes for themselves, but also family benefits or a “buddy pass” so that you can bring a friend with you for free. There are discounts on equipment, training opportunities at other resorts and the pride and respect that comes with a nationally recognized first class organization.
Membership Chairman Steve Walker is organizing the annual recruiting event for Swain Ski Patrol. Rigorous training for those who join includes a thorough course in Outdoor Emergency Care. The course starts in August and meets two evenings a week until November. Patrol candidates are taught how to deal with medical problems, from cuts and bruises to more serious traumas such as broken bones, concussions and cardiac emergencies. Beginning in January candidates are given a rigorous course in skiing and sled handling. Snowboard riders are welcome on Ski Patrol as well.
There are approximately seventy members of Swain Ski Patrol. Patrollers come from many walks of life from carpenters to business executives, from nurses and engineers to machinists and students. Many patrollers join as “YAPs”, Young Adult Patrollers, who can begin training as young as fifteen years old. Others join later in life and many continue to volunteer on Ski Patrol beyond their retirement from their primary vocations. A
bout 25% of Swain Ski Patrollers are of retirement age. Each member works an average of one shift a week during the season, but the season pass and family benefits are not limited to just the assigned patrol times.
A second Open House event is scheduled for Saturday March 2 at 10 AM.
Space is limited for participation in the Open House. To reserve a spot contact Steve Walker by emailing membership@swainskipatrol.org or calling 607-382-3195.
