Ski Patrolling in the UK
Ski Patrolling in Scotland is at the five ski areas; Cairngorm, Glenshee, Lecht, Glencoe, Nevis Range. The skiing is mainly downhill skiing, however there is some cross country skiing when the snow level permits, and there is enormous scope for ski mountaineering and off piste skiing, however this is not patrolled. The ski season normally runs from early December to the end of April and possibly into May.
We are also building close relationships with The Snow Centre, in Hemel Hempstead. BASP recently ran the first full Ski Patrol Course which was adapted to the indoor environment, a course that is unique to The Snow Centre.
We hope to further extend this relationship to other snow centres in the UK
Nevis Range, Aonach Mor
What we do on a typical day:
- Opening up the ski area to the public by sliding on pistes, tow tracks and inbound areas, reporting for ski, snow and weather reports
- Safety management within the ski area boundaries, identifying hazards and either removing or marking appropriately
- Work closely with engineering regarding uplift, checking safety trips, mechanisms, advising of any issues with uplift machinery
- Patrolling within the ski area including sliding on piste monitoring conditions, reporting changes and hazards
- Pick up the pieces for any customers who are injured, first aid assessment, treatment and evacuation mainly within the ski area
- Avalanche hazard assessment and control where appropriate
- We ensure there are no members of the public within the ski area, we define that as sweeping the hill at the end of the day
- Clear up signs poles and safety trips, leaving the hill ready for grooming and the forecasted weather so opening up the next day is straight forward
- If necessary patrol carry out chairlift evacuation, climber rescues and other out of area search and rescue
Further Ski Patrol Information
BASP was formed in 1987, with the main aims being:
•Representation of Ski Patrollers and Ski Patrolling
•To standardise training and grading of Ski Patrollers, and to
•Provide rescue and first aid services to British Ski areas.
The Association is recognised in the UK as an authoritative body in ski patrol, mountain and outdoor first aid training.