Today, February 10th, we join the global ski community in celebrating International Ski Patrol Day – a day dedicated to recognizing the dedication, skill, and heart of ski patrollers everywhere.
International Ski Patrol Day was established to shine a spotlight on the men and women who work tirelessly behind the scenes – and often out in front of treacherous weather – to keep mountains safe, trails open, and visitors protected. Ski patrollers are integral to mountain operations, from avalanche control and trail safety checks to first aid and rescue response.
The Unseen Work That Makes It All Possible
While many of us are focused on big turns and fresh snow, ski patrollers are usually focused on something else entirely: your safety.
Before first chair spins, patrollers have already been up for hours:
- Assessing slope conditions
- Performing avalanche mitigation
- Checking signage and hazard markings
- Preparing the mountain for a safe day of skiing
Their training and calm under pressure mean that when someone needs help, whether it’s a minor injury or a serious rescue, there’s a crew ready and equipped to respond at a moment’s notice, from virtually anywhere on the mountain.
Snowbowl Ski Patrol – Our Local Mountain Heroes
At Arizona Snowbowl, Ski Patrol plays a vital role in keeping our mountain safe, welcoming, and ready for great days on snow. From changing conditions to on-mountain response, their work goes far beyond first aid – it’s about creating a culture of safety, awareness, and shared responsibility.
One of the most important ways they do that is by reinforcing Your Responsibility Code, a set of guidelines every skier and snowboarder is expected to know and follow.
At its core, the Responsibility Code reminds us to:
- Stay in control and yield to people downhill
- Stop only where visible and avoid blocking trails
- Look uphill before starting or entering a run
- Obey all signs, warnings, and closures
- Prevent runaway equipment and ride lifts safely
- Never ski or ride while impaired
- Share contact information after any collision or incident
By following the code, you’re not just protecting yourself — you’re helping create a safer experience for everyone on the mountain.
Need Help on the Mountain?
If you ever need assistance while skiing or riding, Ski Patrol is there to help. If you or someone else is injured:
- Stay put if it’s safe to do so
- Alert a nearby ski patroller, lift attendant, or ski area employee
Ski Patrol teams are positioned across the mountain and trained to respond quickly and professionally when help is needed, and we’re proud to have them watching out for our community every single day.
Join Us in Thanking Ski Patrol!
When you’re on the mountain today (and every day), take a moment to show your appreciation:
- Say thank you when you see a patroller on the slopes
- Give a wave or shout-out from the chair
- Share your gratitude with #InternationalSkiPatrolDay
A simple thank-you goes a long way – and it means a lot to the people who work tirelessly to keep us safe. Here’s to Ski Patrol at Arizona Snowbowl and beyond. We couldn’t do it without you!
