Skiing is one of the most popular winter sports around the world. The exhilarating feeling of flying down a snowy mountain while enjoying the views is something that draws people to the sport in droves. It is no wonder that this winter sport is such a firm favourite for Christmas and New Year โ there is simply something about watching the snow fall that puts a smile on your face.
For those who love the snow, the winter holidays are a great time to be on the slopes. The resorts are bustling, offering some of the most spectacular skiing in the world. And for those who want to make the most of their winter holiday on the slopes, there are plenty of jobs available as a ski patrol. One of the most interesting jobs in the area is that of a ski patrol โ a member of the ski team who is responsible for safety whilst skiing. Whilst it is great to have a passion for skiing and the great outdoors, safety is of paramount importance, especially at higher levels where the dangers of avalanches and injuries from icy spots are real. Thankfully, the risks are generally minimal and most people enjoy a safe and fun skiing experience.
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The Vital Stats
One of the most interesting things about being a ski patrol is the job description. Essentially, your job is to look after the safety of the skiers and to make sure that everyone has a good time. This entails ensuring that no one is skiing illegally (and therefore risking their safety), intervening if there is an accident or mishap on the slopes, and checking people’s ski equipment to make sure that it is in good working order. You will be carrying a ski pass, be wearing a helmet, and will have a whistle attached to your ski poles. When you intervene in an accident, you will give first aid and try to keep calm and controlled โ sometimes this means being the voice of reason whilst others are panicking around you. Being a ski patrol sounds like a lot of fun, but also requires a certain amount of responsibility and professionalism โ it is a great opportunity to develop these qualities.
The Required Training
To become a ski patrol, you will need to complete a skiing course, which can vary from 1 day to a week. During this time, you will learn the basic skills needed to ski safely. You will learn how to ski on one ski lift and how to ski off-piste โ off-piste skiing can be challenging and can offer some of the greatest views in the world (but also brings its own set of risks and dangers), so you will need to be confident and capable enough to navigate these challenging slopes. Once you have successfully completed the course, you will be required to do a probationary patrol with a ski resort. This is usually 4 to 6 weeks in length and involves you shadowing a ski patrol team member whilst learning the ropes and getting your feet wet โ you will need to work hard and show that you can be trusted to do the job effectively and safely. Once you have completed your probation, you will be entitled to join the ski patrol team.
The Salary, Benefits, And Career Growth
With the sport of skiing becoming so popular, there is always plenty of demand for ski patrol staff. Salaries can vary between ยฃ75,000 and ยฃ105,000 per year, depending on experience and location. Furthermore, because of the growth in popularity of ski tourism, more and more resorts are looking to hire ski patrol staff. This can lead to opportunities for career growth โ in the UK, for example, there are over 100 ski resorts, which means there is always plenty of opportunity to progress within the company you work for. With the UK enjoying some of the best skiing in the world, there is no reason not to enjoy yourself during the winter holidays whilst working for a well-known ski resort!
Skiing Etiquette
Skiing is a truly great sport and a passion for many. However, not all of us are naturally born athletes, and can still feel a little awkward on the slopes. This is especially the case if you are a beginner skier. When skiing, it is important to be considerate of other skiers and to be mindful of your actions. This means not cutting in front of other skiers, giving them space, and not overexerting yourself during the down-hill bit โ you must pace yourself so that you do not risk injury. Additionally, it is important to follow the rules and regulations set by the ski resort you are visiting โ be vigilant and do not break any of these rules, even if you think that you can get away with it. Finally, have fun and make sure that you experience the thrill of skiing โ remember, this is a job and you must do it for the love of the sport!
The Perks
Apart from the obvious fact that you get to enjoy the winter holidays whilst being paid to do so, being a ski patrol offers many other perks. For example, you will get to enjoy some of the greatest skiing in the world, which is more than enough reason to join the team! You will also get to meet some iconic sporting personalities, go on some unforgettable adventures, and be part of one of the most popular winter sports in the world.
Considering all that is on offer, it is little wonder that so many people would choose to join the ski patrol. It is a great opportunity to enjoy the winter holidays whilst being paid to do so and with plenty to look forward to in terms of the career progression and the job satisfaction that comes with the job. For those that love the great outdoors and the thrill of being on the slopes, it is well worth considering this role and its many opportunities.