Mountain Man Interview
By, Taegan Bard
Working hard, or hardly working?
For my interview, I choose someone who I knew was going to be a reliable person to respond, and someone who I knew was an expert in their field. I interviewed my family friend, Carl Lantz, who works as a ski patroller at Ski Sundown in Connecticut. I knew that if there was anyone who would be a good fit for this Interview it would be him. He is someone who is very involved in everything that they do and
How did you get here, to working ski patrol?
I actually started volunteering about 17 years ago on the guest services at Ski Sundown... which led to taking the Outdoor Emergency Care course, which is the base education for becoming a Patroller. I've skied since I was about 8 years old, but until then, I never thought to join the Patrol.
How does it feel being on a mountain all the time?
I wish it was all the time.... I volunteer all day every Monday in the Winter... get to the mountain when it opens and ski until 6pm. Often we go out and free ski (while not patrolling) other times too. But I do love my time skiing and helping people who need it while I'm there.
Does working ski patrol change the way that you ski yourself?
Absolutely! We do many clinics to improve our skiing, as well as training every year on how to take a toboggan down the hill with, and without an injured person in it. I think when you patrol, you also are keeping your eyes open for skiers that might be in trouble (skiing on trails above their ability) and I'm always keeping my eyes out for hazards... things on the trail, uneven or unsafe snow conditions, or unmarked spots on the trails.
What is the everyday of working ski patrol?
When we get to the mountain, we are the first ones on the lift, and as a team, we ski all the trails to give a report on conditions, and to make sure all our equipment is ready if we need it. We have a small shack at the top of the mountain to warm up, and store equipment as well, and we check everything there too. During the day we have shifts of skiing, and shifts where we are at the top shack, or bottom shack to respond to an injury call, or deal with walk-in patients at the base area. Throughout the day we try to ski the whole mountain to keep an eye on conditions and keep on the lookout for anyone that could need help.
.What is different from day to day?
Every day is different... different people skiing, different conditions, weather... you just have to be ready for anything. Some days go by with few or no incidents, and others are really busy (especially really cold, icy days!).
Is there anything you can think of (a scenario) that you have had to do, that you wish you had done differently?
We do a lot of training, as we hold peoples lives in our hands. But with that being said, we always review our incident scenes to see if there was any room for improvement. Sometimes it could just be how you interact with a patient, or maybe modifying some of our protocols to better treat someone... but in general I would say that I have followed the rules on all the scenes I have worked, and in that moment, I wouldn't have done it differently.
7.Does being involved in ski patrol change affect the way that you would watch your own kids? (skiing particularly)
I think it does, everyone should know the skiers responsibility code http://www.nsaa.org/safety-programs/responsibility-code/ I think too many people don't know it, and one of the biggest pieces is to yield to the downhill skier (who can't see you behind them). I make sure my kids know that and that they keep an eye on the slopes and the other people on them...
8.This, being something fun as well as a job, is it always fun? what are some of the difficulties that come with it?
It is fun, and we all love being on the slopes! I would say it is mostly fun... The only time it isn't is when you see someone who is really hurt. It is stressful to be there with them, but after you've helped them get off the hill (and sometimes to the hospital), you know you've helped them out.
9.What is the worst part of this job?
The worst part is seeing people in pain after an injury... especially to me, when it's a child... makes me think of my own kids, and the hopes we have as parents to never have them get hurt.
10.What makes it worth it?
Knowing you have helped someone out who really needed it! It's extremely rewarding to get people the help they need, and even in some cases, save a life!
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