The Man in A Red Coat
By: Jessica Rousakos
Craig Bolton is a ski patroller at Wachusett Mountain. A ski patroller is someone who provides emergency medical care and rescue services to guests at a ski resort. They are basically the EMT’s until they arrive. They are there to receive any calls about an accident and then report to the site immediately with the proper equipment (sled, first aid, possibly a snowmobile). They wear bright red coats to signify medical help and wear backpacks full of first aid supplies. I have known Craig since I was five years old. Ally (Craig’s daughter) is my best friend whom I met in preschool. They have been like a second family to me. I go camping with them every year during the summer. A hobby that Craig, Ally, and I do together is skiing. In fact, Craig was the one who taught me how to ski. I have always looked up to Craig both as a role model and a ski patroller. Below I have included questions that I have asked him about his job as a ski patroller at Wachusett mountain.
"The advice is that it is a great hobby and you meet great people. You are helping the mountain out by helping people down the mountain.”
How many years have you been a ski patroller?
“About 35 years. I have worked at Wachusett for 20 years.”
Why did you decide to be a ski patroller?
“My dad was a ski patroller so I kind of grew up with it. Also, for the free skiing.”
What kind of training is required?
“You have to take an outdoor emergency care class for your initial training. Then every year you have to do a refresher to go over all the skills you have learned. Also you have to do an on hill toboggan run and skiing run. You have to be CPR certified and get it renewed every two years.”
What is a day in the life of a ski patroller like?
“Well I get to the mountain an hour and a half early. Ski patrollers essentially open the mountains, we are the first ones to take runs. There are three lifts and six ski patrollers at each run. Each group of six is split up into two groups A and B. Groups A and B alternate between sitting at the top of the mountain in the shack waiting for a call and taking a few ski runs. Throughout the day we help do things like find a missing child, report to an accident, and help where help is needed.”
Do you overall like being a ski patroller? Why?
“I do like it. I like it because its another group of friends. We have great laughs and lots of fun taking runs.”