Here are three great ski patrol videos that show you a bit about a day in the life of a ski patroller.

First, opening the Mott Canyon with Heavenly Ski Patrol

It’s an early start for the team, with the avalanche dogs and up long before the public are even out of bed. Setting up shots with detonators, ready for avalanche control, maybe up to 200 shots! Snow analysis and then out in teams to do the work.

Next up it’s off to Snowbasin ski patrol for morning briefing

First on the lift, to get out and ensure the slopes are safe before the public come up. This involves looking at any changes in the terrain, marking the problems so they are visible, and working on avalanche control on the non-groomed areas of the resort.

In Beaver Creek, this video tells you a little about how the avalanche dogs are key members of the team. Their keen sense of smell is great at finding people under the snow. They travel on snow mobiles, hang out in patrol huts, and run hard all day around the slopes.  When they are good enough they can even fly in helicopters!