Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By P.J. GLISSON
Bessemer — Anyone who has had a problem while skiing knows the value of a ski patroller.
Persons in that role are like the state troopers of the ski slopes, continually traveling the routes to be sure that everyone remains safe.
It’s a volunteer job, according to Alex Young, who has been a patroller since 2012 at Bessemer’s Powderhorn Mountain Resort. He said his job is to promote safety proactively, to monitor daily runs, and to address emergencies as needed.
“We’ve got, I believe, 33 primary patrollers,” said Young Saturday as he showed a Daily Globe reporter the resort’s infirmary, which includes several medical beds and other supplies.
Young said at least a dozen or so secondary patrollers also pitch in. Although they mainly work at other hills, he said they occasionally like to switch out their routine by coming here.
In order to garner support for the volunteer operation, Young said a fundraiser was held mid-hill last Saturday, featuring a cookout and live music by four bands, including Chris Hogan, Bret and Frisk, Single Pear and Lake Effect.
Young said the location was convenient for skiers. “People could stop by and have a brat, and then ski out or stay and enjoy the music,” he said, adding they sold about 200 brats and expected to clear as much as $800 after expenses.
The money will help to fund volunteer training, as well as related equipment, said Young.
Regarding specific responsibilities of patrollers, the patroller said, “We come in early before the hill opens.”
First, he explained, they make sure toboggans and other transport equipment are ready to go. Then, he said, “We do a morning sweep with snowmobiles and skis.”
He added, “Once the hill opens, we ski around and see if anyone needs assistance. We’ve refined routes throughout the years so we can make sure we’re able to see everyone.”
If skiers need help, Young said the patrollers provide first aid and transport them off the hill. “We assess them, stabilize them, and decide what the next step should be,” he said.
At the end of each day, he said, patrollers again do a full sweep, checking the slopes on skis and snowmobiles.
“We’re the last people who get on the lift,” he said, adding they shut the equipment down.
“We’re always looking for volunteers,” said Young, who suggested interested persons contact Dave Grospitz, who directs the patrollers.
Young said volunteers must undergo a practical and written exam, as well as training.
By his description, ideal people for the job, are “people who love skiing, people who have some first aid experience, and people who want to make sure everyone else enjoys skiing and stays safe.”
Young said Powderhorn has patrollers of all ages and walks of life, including some professional paramedics. His mom, Barbara Young, is also a patroller.
In addition, his great grandpa, the late Morten Sundnes, came here from Norway during the Great Depression and worked as an engineer by trade. However, added Young, Sundnes also spent his spare time helping to design some of the ski hills here, such as Mount Zion at Gogebic Community College.
Saturday’s event had solid support from area businesses.
