In our latest blog post, we are excited to present an insightful interview with Kent, the founder and host of The Original Ski Patrol Podcast. Kent is a passionate and experienced ski patroller at Holiday Mountain in La Riviere, Manitoba. In this interview, he shares his personal experiences and explains what inspired him to pursue this path. You will also learn how he came up with the idea to start a podcast dedicated to ski patrolling, which has since gained popularity.
From extreme weather conditions to the challenges and joys of patrolling, Kent provides us with an authentic look into the daily life of a ski patroller and what draws him to this work. For anyone curious about ski patrol and what goes on behind the scenes to ensure safety on the slopes, this interview is a must-read.
:: How did you come up with the idea to start a podcast about ski patrol?
My sister Beth, suggested I do a podcast. She knows my love for skiing and how much I enjoy being a ski patrol and said “you should do a podcast about being a ski patrol.” I did some research and discovered there was no podcast dedicated to ski patrol. I found the odd reference to ski patrol in other podcasts but nothing specifically focused on ski patrol. So I thought about it and decided she was right. I picked the name because if anyone else does a podcast on ski patrol I can know that mine was “The Original Ski Patrol Podcast”
:: What inspired you to work in this field?
I was always the kind of person that stopped when I would see an accident or if a person looked like they needed help I would stop and ask what was going on. I was always impressed and a bit in awe of the patrol and admired what they did. My initial reason for being a ski patrol was kind of selfish. I was looking for a way to ski more and not have to pay for a seasons pass. In 2016, I contacted the Canadian Ski Patrol in my area. After I did my first year certification and went through the training and learned the skills and met the people in the patrol, it completely changed my perspective. I could not get enough and wanted to learn and experience as much as possible. I even travelled to other areas to get different perspectives.
I take great pride in my training and when you get the call on the radio I want to be the one that goes to help. I still try to ski as much as possible, and even when I’m not patrolling I still stop and help people that are injured.
:: How long have you been working as a ski patroller, and where are you currently based?
I’m starting my 8th year as a patroller. My first year was 2016. I’m now President of my local Zone of Canadian Ski Patrol, an Instructor and Patrol Leader at my hill – Holiday Mountain at La Riviere, Manitoba. It’s a small hill with 2 chair lifts, a T-Bar, and Magic Carpet for the Bunny Hill, while it’s not a big resort we still deal with all the same injuries. I’ve also been a guest patrol at Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada. In the summer months I’m active with providing First Aid support at various cycling events, marathons, and duathlons with my local patrol group.
:: Are there any specific challenges in your day-to-day work as a ski patroller that have shaped your experiences?
For me personally the challenges I have faced have been mostly due to dealing with extreme cold, in my region it can drop to -30C to -40C. These are long cold days. Having to be outside working in these conditions is challenging. However I have the right equipment and I know how to ensure I stay safe and warm.
On a day-to-day basis, I get to deal with people, which is for me something I enjoy. I’m usually always in a good mood when I’m patrolling, I’m skiing, I’m outdoors, its exactly what I want to be doing. The majority of everyone I meet is there to have fun. There can be issues with people being rude or aggressive which I can deal with. As long as they are putting others at risk, this for me is where I draw the line and will if needed be more direct in how I respond.
I came from a corporate background and had to deal with budgets, reports, proposals, and deadlines. When I patrol I’m there to help and enjoy skiing. There can be difficult situations with injuries and trauma, however I know I can help and I can make a difference. At the end of day I can relax and know that on my next day I get to ski, be outdoors and help people.
:: Do you have a favorite episode or guest that really stood out to you?
I’ve released 5 episodes, and have 3 more already recorded that I’m editing and more interviews, scheduled. It’s difficult to say I have a favourite, I really appreciated Guty my first actual guest, he was so open and willing to share and being on the other side of the world we had a 13 hour time difference. I’ve learned something, enjoyed and get inspired by everyone I’ve spoken with. Karen Trolan doing ski patrol as a paraplegic in a sit ski. Megan at Fernie, working year round as a patrol and implementing a mental health continuum program to support patrollers, and of course Fee for sharing the innovative first of kind avalanche training centre created by Girsberger. My upcoming guests include a patroller from the northern most ski resort in the world Riksgränsen, and an avalanche rescue dog trainer.
:: How do you choose the topics and guests for your podcast?
I started out by focusing on Patrollers, and then in many situations, while talking to my guests, they mention a topic, or situation, piece of equipment, that I find interesting, I make a note, which then leads me to do some research and then I reach out and hopefully get a response, which leads to a guest and then it continues.
:: What are the biggest misconceptions about ski patrol that you aim to address through your podcast?
For me personally, I want the guests at my hill to know that ski patrol are not ski police. I’m not there to stop anyone from having fun or trying to go do a run that maybe they shouldn’t be on, or take a jump. The only way you can get better is to try more difficult runs and take some chances. What I don’t like is when someone does something that puts others at risk, abusing the T-bar, going out of bounds, skiing or boarding at extreme speeds or out of control down a beginner run. All of that puts others at risk, and I will pull your lift ticket, if you want to try something and you hurt yourself, I’ll be there to help you.
Another misconception is we don’t have x-ray vision, asking me if its broken, while I may have a good idea I cannot tell for sure 😉
As far as more general misconceptions about Ski Patrol is that we all come to ski patrol from various backgrounds and it’s not always medical. However we all take great pride in our training to provide the appropriate care required when its needed.
For the most part, patrollers are not doing it for the money, from my experience patrollers are not high paying positions. Patrollers do the job because they care, they love the outdoors, they want to help and be part of a team.
:: What kind of feedback do you get from your listeners? Has there been any response that particularly moved or surprised you?
To date the feedback has been positive, I’ve had some really nice comments. One comment was from a person that going through training for the first time, and listened to the episode with Megan Kelly from Fernie, British Columbia and commented on how he found in inspirational. I really appreciated that. I had listener ask if he could be interviewed, so I contacted him, he’s a patroller in the US and we had great talk, that episode is coming up.
I’m hoping to be able to travel and meet my guests in person, maybe do a group discussion.
:: Where do you see the future of ski patrol, and how do you think your podcast could help raise awareness about the profession?
I’m hoping the podcast can be a platform for patrollers all over the world to share their experiences. Bring together patrollers for all regions so we can continue to learn, and exchange best practices. Give everyone that listens some insights in to who we are, what we do, where we do it, what’s involved and that’s it a lot more than just first aid at a ski area.
The future of ski patrol will, I hope, continue to grow and expand. Each year I see more enhancements in training and innovations in equipment. The various member of FIPS – Federations Internationale des Patrole de Ski. FIPS was created as the world forum for ski patrollers to meet, exchange ideas and compare the latest in patrol techniques on a regular basis. FIPS is supported by national patrol organizations, both large and small, to provide the necessary input and to offer potential solutions to patrolling issues
The current list of National Members are:
Argentina – Asociación Argentina de Instructores de Esquí, Snowboard y Pisteros Socorristas
Australia – Australian Ski Patrol Association
Canada – Canadian Ski Patrol
Chile – Patrullas de Ski de Chile
Finland – Finnish Ski Area Association
France – Association Nationale des Pisteurs Secouristes Professionnels
Iceland – Skíðasvæðin
Italy – Federazione Italiana Sicurezza Piste Sci
Japan – Ski Association of Japan
North Macedonia – Macedonia Association of Rescuers in Ski Resorts
Romania – Asociatia Nationala a Salvatorilor Montani din Romania
Serbia – Mountain Rescue Service Serbia
South Korea – Korea Ski Patrol System
Sweden – Swedish Lift Areas Organization
Switzerland – Seilbahnen Schweiz
United Kingdom – British Association of Ski Patrollers
United States – National Ski Patrol
I know the Canadian Ski Patrol is continually evolving and works extremely hard to ensure it provides the highest level of training and support to over 5,000 members across Canada.
:: What have you personally learned about ski patrol through the process of podcasting?
I was talking with another patroller, John from Liberty Mountain in Pennsylvania in US. We discussed how there is a common bound amongst patrollers, I could bring patrollers together from South America, Australia, Europe, Canada and the US and we would all get along and be able to work together. While some would have more training in regards to avalanche or explosives, the basic skills we have learned with our advanced first aid training would allow to work as a team.
I have many new friends as a result of the podcast. I also, still have so much to learn and so many places I want to travel to and explore.
This interview with Kent, the creative force behind The Original Ski Patrol Podcast, offers valuable insights into the world of ski patrolling. It becomes clear that patrolling is more than just first aid – it’s about helping people, a love of the outdoors, and a commitment to keeping the slopes safe. Kent’s podcast serves as a platform for patrollers worldwide to share their experiences and connect with one another.
Thank you, Kent, for taking the time to share your story and for giving us such a valuable glimpse into the world of ski patrolling!
If you want to learn more, be sure to check out The Original Ski Patrol Podcast and discover even more exciting interviews and stories from the ski patrol community. We hope you enjoyed reading this interview as much as we did, and we look forward to sharing more fascinating insights from the world of ski patrolling with you soon!
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