International Ski Patrol Day
8th February 2023
Last modified on February 20th, 2023
It’s being celebrated for a second year and took place on Friday, 10th February. The aim is to recognise the extraordinary work of ski patrollers without whom we could not enjoy our skiing and snowboarding each winter.
All mountain-lovers were asked to come together to show their appreciation in whatever way they can.
It’s no exaggeration to say that safe snowsports would be impossible without the ski patrol teams in the thousands and thousands of resorts around the world.
Their work includes everything from giving medical help and recovering injured skiers and snowboarders from the mountain – on and off piste – to avalanche control to protect the marked pistes from slides, to search and recovery after an avalanche.
Their work is a benefit to all of us who use the mountains in winter.
Some of us have, unfortunately, had personal experience of their services.
Piste patrol casualty recovery. Image © PlanetSKI
Piste patrol casualty recovery. Image © PlanetSKI
PlanetSKI’s editor, James Cove, recently spent a day, from dawn to dusk, with the piste patrol in Verbier in Switzerland.
It is a fascinating account of what’s involved and well worth a read:
The clothing brand, Helly Hansen, participated in the second annual International Ski Patrol Day.
It donated 5% of revenue from its online and select retail store sales between 9th and 11th February to various organisations that fund ski patrol support and safety groups internationally.
It says there are endless ways skiers and snowboarders can give their thanks to the ski patrol.
From giving a friendly high-five to going along to the patrol huts to say ‘thank you’ or pass on a written message of thanks, to making a donation.
Verbier Piste Patrol. Image © PlanetSKI
“We’re honoured to be the brand trusted by professionals, and we’re grateful for all that they do to keep people safe while enjoying the outdoors,” says Oliver Flaser, Category Managing Director for Professional Services at Helly Hansen.
“We’re proud to support International Ski Patrol Day again this year and, after seeing the outpouring of appreciation from skiers and snowboarders all over the world last year, we’re excited to keep the celebration and gratitude going alongside our local resort partners and their communities.”
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