The Safety Dance: Ski Patrol in the Time of COVID

GILFORD — When you think of first responders and frontline workers, does ski patrol come to mind? If not, they probably should.

They’re the first ones on the mountain in the morning, and the last ones to come down the slopes at night. Ski Patrol is tasked with keeping the trails safe for both guests and staff. This includes surveying conditions throughout the day, roping off closed trails, dropping them when they’re safe to open, cushioning lift towers, enforcing rules, treating mild conditions like sickness or allergic reactions, and taking care of injured skiers and riders.

Accidents happen, and Ski Patrol is ready to go when they do. They are prepared to hop on skis or snowboards and grab a rescue toboggan to arrive anywhere on the mountain within about three minutes tops. They’re basically storm troopers in red, and if it weren’t for the potential snagging hazard, we’d say capes would be absolutely necessary.

Since the pandemic hit, safety in general has been the main focus this year, for the ski industry and for the world as a whole. At Gunstock, we’re all about recreation and having fun, but this year, measures had to be taken to keep guests and staff safe while making things feel as normal as possible. Lots of problem solving has gone into winter operations this season, and Ski Patrol has been an integral part of that process.

Last week, the State of New Hampshire added ski patrol to the list of first responders eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Gunstock’s Ski Patrol is among those cleared to receive the vaccine and are jumping at the chance to protect themselves and our guests.

“Ski patrol are the definition of first responders,” said Ski Patrol Manager Kyle Griffin. “We handle emergencies regularly and are very much on the frontline, taking care of injured people, and we need to stay safe while keeping everyone else safe so we can’t let our guard down. Our policy is to treat everyone as if they’re COVID positive and asymptomatic.”

“Many of my patrollers have already received the first dose and are scheduled to receive the second in early February,” Griffin said. “I’m registered to receive mine next week and am grateful that it’s an option for my patrollers and for ski patrollers all over the state.”

January is National Safety Month, and including New Hampshire Ski Patrol in getting vaccinated is a step in the right direction because, as any patroller will tell you, you can’t be too careful.