Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol

Written by Bill Hofer

The Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol is looking for candidates to join our patrol for the 2009-2010 season. Originally founded in 1938 the Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol has proudly served the Spokane community for 70 years as an all-volunteer organization.

Both skiers and snowboarders are invited to participate with the on-hill Ski & Snowboard skills evaluation on Sunday, March 8, 2009, 9am at the Mt Spokane Ski Patrol Lodge. The on-hill Ski & Snowboard skills evaluation will assess your skiing and snowboarding abilities for pulling toboggans and to determine whether you can join the Mt Spokane Ski Patrol as a Ski Patroller or Auxiliary Patroller. Those “riders” whose “riding” skills are not strong enough to join as a toboggan handling patroller, will be invited and eligible to join the Mt Spokane Ski Patrol as an “Auxiliary Patroller” member.

An Auxiliary Patrol member’s main responsibilities include aid room management, stabilizing patients and injuries in the aid room, completing paperwork and patrolling while “riding”. Auxiliary members cannot run toboggans.

All Candidates, Patroller and Auxiliary, must complete MSSP’s 100 hour “National Ski Patrol” Outdoor Emergency Care course which is held two nights a week at Gonzaga University for 10 weeks in the spring starting April 6, 2009, and 4 weeks in the fall. The course is a Basic Life Support medical course parallel to an EMT-B (Emergency Medical Technician – Basic) course with a focus on non-urban, outdoor and winter emergency care. The course is a balance of classroom sessions and hands-on training.

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.