Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol

Getting In Shape for Ski Season

Training your body for winter sports is a nebulous concept at best. You might think that stepping into a pair of skis or a snowboard, riding the lift, and carving through fresh powder down a mountainside-only to repeat the process over and over again-wouldn't be something you'd need to prepare for. But the truth is, skiing and snowboarding are high-activity sports, and if you want to make the most of them, you need to invest a little time and forethought into getting ready for the season.

Before your eyes glaze over at the thought of reading one more article on "preseason training," realize that this topic applies to everyone, from novice to expert. "Regardless of your ability level, don't make the mistake of assuming you can ski or board yourself into shape," says Dave Merriam, head coach of the PSIA and AASI Demonstration Teams. "These are demanding activities, and if you haven't conditioned your body accordingly, you tire quicker, become sore more easily, and also stand a greater chance of getting injured."

The fact is, if you haven't done any ski- or snowboard-specific cross-training, the muscles that have been relatively dormant for several months are going to get a rude awakening, and you're sure to be quaffing ibuprofen before day's end. And don't think you can just "coast" through the day to minimize the toll of exerting yourself-snow is an ever-changing medium, and your physical preparedness will be tested continuously as you move through powder one minute to blue ice the next.

So where to start? Merriam suggests targeting three main areas in a preseason training regime to speed your transition to the slopes and steer you away from injury. "I follow this regime and I also advise the PSIA Demo Team members and ski school instructors I coach to do the same," he says. "The objective is to build an aerobic base while increasing flexibility and strength."

Mt. Spokane powderhounds on patrol

After 70 years, volunteer ski group still innovating

From the February 5, 2009 issue of The Spokesman-Review
Cindy Hval, Correspondent
Colin Mulvany, Photograph

For over 70 years the Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol has been the eyes and ears of the mountain.

It’s an organization rich in leadership and history. The patrol was the fourth to register with the National Ski Patrol system, which began in 1938. Clad in bright red jackets, the 131 members, who range in age from 16 to 73, ensure guests experience a safe and enjoyable visit. “Whenever the mountain is open, our patrollers are there,” said director Dan Edwards.

Working in teams of two, the patrollers’ day starts before the first skiers and snowboarders arrive. “We make sure our gear is in place and that all the ribbons are up and the boundaries clearly marked,” Edwards said.

Throughout the day the ski patrol provides assistance to those in need. “We’re essentially EMTs,” said Edwards, referring to the advanced Outdoor Emergency Care training the members are required to take. “We can typically respond within five minutes.”

But they do much more than help injured skiers. They conduct search-and-rescue operations when needed, ensure guests are skiing safely and answer questions about the mountain.

Brad McQuarrie, general manager of Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park, said the expertise and experience of the ski patrol are of tremendous value to the nonprofit ski area. “Mount Spokane is fortunate to have a ski patrol that has maintained its training and consistency.” McQuarrie went on to point out a unique feature of this particular unit. “It’s one of the last remaining all-volunteer patrols.”

The group funds its operation through the annual Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol Ski Swap, one of the largest winter sports equipment and clothing events in the state. The funds raised at the October event provide the patrol’s toboggans and medical supplies.

Dedicated to a cause

Bryceson Tenold and Jackie Bratcher at the dedication ceremony for the Adaptive Snow Sports Chalet.

From the January 3, 2010 issue of The Spokesman-Review
Written by Sara Leaming
Photo by Dan Pelle

The green paint is peeling from the eaves of the Adaptive Snow Sports Chalet, worn by the weather on Mount Spokane.

Situated at the base of Chair 5 at the ski and snowboard park, the 12-by-20-foot Swiss-style hut has for the past nine years served as the center of a program for disabled snow riders.

It didn’t matter that nearly a decade has passed since the much-loved and much-needed ski chalet was just an idea on paper. As the snow fell at the base of the mountain Saturday, dozens of people gathered around the chalet for its official dedication.

Perhaps nobody was more eager for the celebration than Bryceson Tenold, who as a senior at Lewis and Clark High School in 2000 created the plans and pulled together thousands of dollars to build the chalet for his Eagle Scout project.

“I really wanted to do something for the mountain, on the mountain,” said Tenold, now 26. “The one regret I had is that I never formally dedicated the project.”

Since the ski shack was completed in 2001, Tenold graduated from Pepperdine University and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. Now a captain, Tenold served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and is now stationed in Hawaii with his wife, Jenna. He is the son of Tyrus and Kathy Tenold, of Spokane.

Ski Patrol: Too Many People Not Wearing Helmets

KREM-2 NEWS
To watch the news story online click here

A New York medical examiner says Actress Natasha Richardson died from a brain injury Wednesday after falling on a beginners ski slope. Richardson reportedly felt fine after the incident on Monday but later complained about a headache. She was not wearing a helmet when she fell.

KREM 2 talked to a few skiers and snowboarders on Mt. Spokane and found some surprising reasons why people do not wear helmets.

Like any sport, ski and snowboard injuries are like badges of honor. But the Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol says too many people are not protecting their head. That includes a snowboarder who knocked himself unconscious on a terrain park. He was flown to Sacred Heart with a concussion. He had a helmet but the Ski Patrol says it was too hot that day and he didn’t wear it.

Other people say they don’t wear a helmet is because it looks dumb or it’s too big and weighs down their head.

The Story of Our Ski Patrol Chalet

From an article by Nancy Espelin, for the Norwester, Spring, 2003

The Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol moved into their new aid facility located at the base area on Mt. Spokane near Spokane, Washington in 1993. This all-volunteer patrol, one of the few patrols to receive the Ski Patrol of the Year award from the National Ski Patrol, is extraordinary.

Aside from rescuing injured and lost riders on the mountain each year, patrollers volunteer at many events offering aid and raising funds throughout the year. But the most Herculean effort was culminated in the building of this facility.

For years, the patrol moved from room to room until their building finally was condemned and they found themselves in a musty, rat infested aid room that battled the challenge of keeping the mice excrement at bay each day. A small niche was made in the basement of another lodge and the tiny 3 bedroom once saw 27 patients in one day. Patrollers had no place on the mountain to store equipment and gear so many keep extra toboggans and signs at their homes, bringing them to the mountain when they were needed. As the crowds to the mountain increased, there remained no room for patrollers to bring their families, so many left them at home. It was clear to all, something had to be done. “I can't believe we did that,” Larry Briney gasped referring to a video of he and Craig Lee scaling five-story-high scaffolding.

Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol

Unclaimed Ski Swap Items

Getting In Shape for Ski Season

Mt. Spokane powderhounds on patrol

After 70 years, volunteer ski group still innovating

Dedicated to a cause

Ski Patrol: Too Many People Not Wearing Helmets

The Story of Our Ski Patrol Chalet

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