‘A Learning Process’: Ski Patrolling Vermont’s Resorts During A Pandemic

Josh Rosenblum has been a professional ski patroller at Stratton Mountain for 19 years. He works part-time at the resort, and full-time as a physician assistant at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend. (Nina Keck/VPR)

With thousands flocking to the slopes from states with high rates of infection, Vermont’s 1,300 registered ski patrollers – like everyone else – are having to figure out how to do their job safely.

As Vermonters get in line for the COVID-19 vaccine, the governor’s decision to prioritize ski patrollers ahead of teachers and grocery clerks angered some.

But the men and women who provide slopeside care for injured skiers and snowboarders are highly trained first responders. Most are licensed Emergency Medical Technicians with additional outdoor emergency care training.

Most are also volunteers, and Vermont’s $1.6 billion ski industry could not operate without them.

Read the rest of the story at VPR’s website.