Hi fellow Mt Field skiers.
It is that time of the year to start thinking about the onset of Winter!
If you have ever thought of becoming a Ski Patroller and pursuing a job in the ski industry now is the time to get on board and join in a course.
The Australian Ski Patrol Association (ASPA) is conducting a training course in Tasmania this year.
The course will be held over two weekends, the first weekend in Launceston March 21st, 22nd and the second weekend in Hobart March 28th, 29th.
These weekends will be nearly all hands-on practical sessions using dedicated ski recovery and medical equipment. As well you can get to know fellow ski patroller on our friendly mountain. This year we should have a good mix of Ben Lomond patrollers also attending for re-certification. A good networking venue to talk about previous cases and to brag about this summer’s ski holidays.
To be eligible to attend the course you must have a basic First Aid qualification. The next step is to go online to the Australian Ski Patrol Association’s web site and enrol as a new candidate or a re-certifying patroller. Having successfully enrolled you will now be directed to the online pre course tutorial/assessment section of the web site. This pre course section has tutorial and videos to watch and one should allow up to 40 hours to complete fully as a first timer. Re-certifying patrollers should cruise through this a lot quicker dependent on experience and interest level. Be aware that the web site does close off approx. 2 weeks prior to the practical component commencing.
The cost for the course is $250 (for both weekends) and depending on your employment situation may be a claimable qualification. If on completing the course you commit to the Mt Mawson Ski Patrol roster the Southern Tasmanian Ski Association will contribute $100 towards the cost of your course. The qualification itself is fully transportable and is classified as a high end “Advanced Emergency Care First Aid” covering the tags of remote, wilderness first aid, plus the use of analgesics (pain relief). Successful completion of the course will give you a Remote Area First Aid Certificate as a bonus.
So if cutting first tracks in some exotic ski resort is your aim in life maybe becoming a ski patroller may be the first step in achieving your dream job. A start at Mt Field as a volunteer patroller may be the start of a rewarding and fruitful career paving the way to life living in the mountains.
For more information contact Craig Larsson at craig.larsson@norskeskog.com
Ski Patrol – a great way to contribute
