Ski instructor or Ski Patrol

[skipuppy]

I recognize that one problem with the subject might be the word "ski" but I just wanted your input because I figure you all know a lot.

Would you prefer doing ski patrol or being a ski instructor for a season or two?

(Substitute ski with snowboard if you need to)

I would like to know what the arguments are for and against or just personal preferences and why. Stories are always fun too.

Thanks guys!!!

[tex1230]

both...?

I'd want to do a bit of both. I taught for a couple of seasons amd always wanted to do Partol, but at the time nobody let boarders on patrol. Since I've picked up skiing on occasion again, I think I'd want to go back and do both. i really liked teaching, but it can get a little annoying, especially if they stick you with the kids or some ******* who thinks he knows it all...

[BlueB]

I teach kiddies 3-12 old and love it. Way more fun than adults. They learn way quicker, and you can shape them right from the beggining. Every now and again you get a cry baby, but really not too often. Also, you can allow yourself to turn into a kid again and play with "buddies"!

Boris

[big mario]

I spent some time as a volunteer mountainbike patroller for Jeffco openspace a few years ago. Initially I enjoyed it, but over time all of the fun got sucked out of it and it began to feel like a job. I think you should keep your hobbies as hobbies, but that is my opinion.

mario

[Baka Dasai]

Write-in poll option: Idle rich

[Fleaman]

Well Duh, I voted Patrolling.

Rule number one of Snow patrol, There is beer at the cabin after closing sweep!

I like it. It is a good way to meet people, we get first tracks in the morning every day.

We have our own space and can hang out in the first aid hut at the top of the hill if it is blustery. You always have someone to ride the mountain with and carpool to the mountain. We get free passes for us and our family. The training is quite a commitment, 2 days a week for 3 months and then 3 or 4 weekends at the hill learning tobbogan handling.

We dont have to teach whining kids.

Did I also mention we always get first tracks. Fresh cord is awesome on morning sweep. We have awesome mid season parties and usually do some summer functions too. Our Apex patrol is known to be some of the most hardcore. We bring a Keg to most events at the hill and to out of town training events and seminars. It is kinda funny, when we show up with the truck somewhere, everyone asks where the keg is.

In Canada, there are lots of boarders on the patrol. I was asked to be the assistant On snow Co-ordinator for the South Pacific Zone. (Southern BC-Vancouver to Alberta border.) That makes 2 hard booters on the committee which will boost snowboard specific training.

[bobdea]

and with being a patroller at least if you are full time your hours are way more consistant so you make more

and what he said about first tracks is important along with that they get to ride all over the place instead of staying on beginner stuff all day with a bunch of whining brats

another point is first tracks

and yeah first tracks too

did I mention that they often get first tracks unless the lifties beat 'em to it

[Jack M]

There is no manual labor involved in instructing. Not counting hauling little tykes onto the chairlift, or re-mounting someones bindings because the morons in the rental shop only did the push-from-behind test.

Patrolling seems glamorous, but besides the rescue work there is a ton of un-fun stuff that needs to get done around the mountain that is done by patrol. Unless you've done it, you probably don't even notice or think of it, and you'd be surprised at all the menial tasks that fall under the job description.

[Fleaman]

Unless you've done it, you probably don't even notice or think of it, and you'd be surprised at all the menial tasks that fall under the job description.

Haha, like throwing dynamite into heavy snow laden bowls, rescuing Snow cats that have gotten stuck while winching a run. Skiing closed areas that are full of danger to see if it is ok to open to the public.

Most of the menial tasks are done by the paid patroll staff like ropes and fencing and marking major hazards. I am one of the volounteer patrollers. No pay but free lift passes and the knowledge that I can help someone if needed.

First tracks?

[Dave Pushee]

Ski Patrol Ambassador.

At Loon, its a volunteer position working within the the Patrol, we but don't do manual labor, First Aid, or transport. We do get a reasonable amount of on-slope time, warm-up/dry-out by the stove in the patrol shack, join the patrol parties, etc.

During a typical day: a few scheduled postings; time moving around the mountain looking for trouble; and helping patrol close (sweep) the mountain. Scheduled postings might include assignments like: moving groups away from congested lift offload areas; crossing guard for a downhill race; greeting guests and answering questions at the top of the gondola. While moving around, we are on the lookout for safety concerns and for anyone who might need help from patrol. If a patroller is needed, we will call the situation in to dispatch and will direct traffic around the incident. If we spot a guest in an unsafe situation (like sitting in a blind spot) we will enlighten the guest.

Unfortunately, you still need a source of income, and it doesn't come with first tracks :(

[Neil Gendzwill]

I've never done either but I understand that until you get established, income is pretty inconsistent/crappy for instructors. So if I had to earn a living at one or the other, I pick the patrol.

[bjvircks]

Being a patrol-ambasador sounds like my 'best deal'.

I'm a 50 something engineer living on the mid american flatlands and looking forward to retirement. I want to ski and carve 'til I'm 90 or so and if I can get free lift tickets... sign me up when I move to the mountians.

[Allee]

if I was taking the winter off school and hanging out on the mountain every day, where would I meet the most eligible guys, and have the best parties?

I would think, not tied up in ski school (aka you're a honey and I'd love to have lunch with you, if you don't mind the eight screaming under 10's I have to chaperone...)

[Neil Gendzwill]

if I was taking the winter off school and hanging out on the mountain every day, where would I meet the most eligible guys, and have the best parties?

You're female and working on the mountain? From what I understand, you need to take up skiing so you have some poles to beat the guys off with. Hrmm.... that didn't come out sounding quite the way I wanted it to...

[Mr. T]

Although I have never tried to control a sled containing a broken overweight tourist. I have taught many a never ever board lesson (with Fin and Michelle no less, at Copper Mtn. back in the day) and a season of instruction definately takes its toll. Don't get me wrong, I had loads of fun, met great friends, rode a butt load, learned a bunch, but definately spent my second season looking for ways to duck out of work, and was pretty successful! Luckily, I had another job in the evening which payed the bills. Unfortunately I had to stand all evening which was dificult after riding all day. Patroling, while it is undoubtedly lot's of work for crappy pay would likely get one out on the hill and off the never ever slope. Not to mention, special secret mountain info, poaching rights, and of coarse you get to play with explosives, oh thats right and help people who are hurt. I am always floored by the mountain greeter, representitive people who get paid to smile, say hi, and gush general information. Oh better yet, try and get the job at snowmass handing out the mid-morning cookies and coffee treats at the mid station!!!! Yeah do that, do that!!!!!!

[kipstar]

The other one is race dept; that looked to me (when I did a season working in Mammoth) as the best on the mountain job. You got to hang out on race courses, learn about courses, see good racers, run courses a bit and so on. HOwever, my friend that did it was enjoying this 10 years ago, whether race depts run the same way now (where you can work for them and help carrying things around, sweep courses, reset gates etc) I don't know.

Patrolling is actually hard work sometimes, and also dangerous from time to time (well at Mammoth anyway, it would seem). I would not be into transporting people with busted shoulders around the mountain and taking responsibility for that. HOwever the ambassador type set up of cruising around making sure people are happy would seem to be an easier if unpaid job.

For actual snow time, they both suck compared to working a night office job associated with the mountain (to get a pass), in Mammoth I was night auditor so worked 10pm -7am, but actually work required was only about 2 hours, so really it was sleep 1am - 6am, ride everyday with a free pass until 2pm, then sleep from 3pm - 9pm. Not so good for social life, but I was under 21 anyway back then, and USA sucks if you aren't 21 or have fake ID AFAIK. No energy wasted with kids or carrying stuff.

As for Allee, women a ski resorts can choose from 10 well presented ski bum guys, 10 skanky ski bum guys, 5 frat boys, 3 investment banker types, 2.4 sales men and 20 Mexican housekeepers for each one woman. The odds work reverse for the men, and they were well suck when I was there; despite my wildly exotic good looks and foreign accent plus fashionable baggy jeans and beanie just 'so', American guys dem be too good looking with nice fancy teeth is what my Kiwi friends used to say.

Every decent looking Kiwi girl I can remember in Mammoth had about 20 guys lining up for her....daily. Especially the ones who were into skiing/boarding. I don't think you would ever be lonely!

[ncermak]

and ride where and when I want.

In Lieu of that, I have settled for instructor...with a real job on the side. Income is taken care of with the real job...school paycheck covers beer.

I get to ride most of the day...usually only have to teach 1 or 2 lessons for a day.

Instructors with whom you ride ride will always push you to improve personal riding...

Less paperwork

kids often like instructors...but never like patrol...until they are hurt.

very rewarding to see a kid "get it"

[Allee]

As for Allee, women a ski resorts can choose from 10 well presented ski bum guys, 10 skanky ski bum guys, 5 frat boys, 3 investment banker types, 2.4 sales men and 20 Mexican housekeepers for each one woman. The odds work reverse for the men, and they were well suck when I was there; despite my wildly exotic good looks and foreign accent plus fashionable baggy jeans and beanie just 'so', American guys dem be too good looking with nice fancy teeth is what my Kiwi friends used to say.

Every decent looking Kiwi girl I can remember in Mammoth had about 20 guys lining up for her....daily. Especially the ones who were into skiing/boarding. I don't think you would ever be lonely!

Kip, that's hilarious. I remember my first trip to Canada, I was on an improvement camp at Whistler - because it was a really cheap package for Whistler - and I roomed with 2 Kiwi girls who were skiing, they had been in TO for three years and were on their way home. At the end of a hard week of skiing and partying we were standing in the lift line bemoaning the lack of a hot tub at our condo, and debating the wisdom of putting signs on our backs saying "3 Kiwi girls looking for hot tub and beer ... apply here". The instructor said it was a bad idea, unless we wanted to cause a riot ... so I guess it's much the same all over!

Anyway, I'm not taking the winter off (I wish) but I think that's what Tonja's thinking ... I'm sure her chances are even better than mine!

[Tommy D]

Gosh. This is a tough one.

Initially, I was thinking I'd like to be an instructor. I have all kinds of experience teaching friends how to ski/ride, and instructor experience in other sports. The feeling of satisfaction when the student "gets it" is wonderful. Definitely something I enjoy.

But, there is also the possibility of standing around on bunny slopes all day dragging them little groms around. Don't know if I want to be a baby-sitter ... but if they were old enough to be enthusiastic .... or if I were teaching advanced classes ...

Then, I considered patrol. I think somebody mentioned first tracks. :lol: Sure there are perks/drawbacks here too, but at least I wouldn't be stuck on the bunny slope, baby-sitting. But then again, I might be stuck with other "chores" that aren't too-fun. But I might get in a lot of skiing, and fun-chores too.

And then there is the whole fun + work /= funwork thing. When I'm on the slopes, it's my time to relax, and forget about the real world for a while. I want to do what I want to do when I want to do it. Back in high school, I was on the ski team. Sure it was fun hanging out with the teams, etc, but after a while, it felt like work to me. Yeah, I got a tonne of snow time (50 sum-odd days that year!) but I noticed that it was taking away from skiing: I wasn't skiing for me anymore, I was skiing for the team.

Personally, I like skiing/riding for me. Soul-carving, if you will. Sure it's great to help somebody out (Instructor/patrol) occasionally (It's a nice tangent to break up the slope time), but I don't want that to be the focus of my slope time.

EDIT: With this post I am now an ALPINE ACE!!! Yay me! :p

[bobdea]

I have gone the instructor route and I do like to teach people stuff but patrol, events/race setup, parks crews and even being a liftie in most cases gets you more quality freeride time and in most cases way better pay with less headaches

with teaching you generally only get time to freeride after lessons are all done for the day so you get the leftovers as well as the days that it's deep they beg you to work because other people did not show up

with the other jobs you are still gonna get the fresh

when I was a liftie I got lots a runs because I would ride around to different lifts to shovel them out when there was a dump and I would ride the woods to get where I needed most of the time as well as I got to know the patrollers so I would help them do sweeps and open trails

god I miss that lifestyle, do it while you still have the knees and before you get wrapped up in a job or something

[Cindy Kleh]

I have nothing but respect for ski patrol. They pull long, hard hours and don't get paid enough for what they are responsible for. Snowboard instructor: been there, done that, not going back. The classes and students can be fun and rewarding, but the hierarchy-BS and ego running amok is so irritating, it takes the fun out of it. I teach for National Sports Center for the Disabled and would rather volunteer my time for ppl who appreciate it than get paid by jerks.

I do the snow report for Winter Park in the morning, and although 5 am can be brutal, it gets me up for first tracks on pow days and comes with a season pass and early morning lift priviledges (pre-9am). Last season, it was pretty easy to be enthusiastic as we were getting new snow almost every day. But there were always those mornings that I had to re-record a dozen times because I had a BAC of .2 and a half hour of sleep. Snow reporting is about the only job I'd do for The Man.

[quest4powder]

Don't know if you ever get over to epicski.com, but there is a similar discussion going on there.

________

LIVE SEX

[JohnO'Brien]

Done both and Patroling is far better. Just stay away from the resorts that cater to bussloads of beginners and you pretty much snowboard for free and get to cut lines at busy times. Patrollers party much more and generally have a better time. Some schools are too intense and some instructors think too much of themselves.

[LeeW]

Ah, I was a bit resistant to post my comments/thoughts, but here we go.

I've done it all, but patrolling. I think my hearing impediment may be an of an issues with it, considering timing and resources are very critical when it comes to life and death situation.

Ive never done "regular" ski/snowboard school teaching. I much prefer teaching skiing and snowboarding to the Disabled, and I have in the past informally for Ski Apache Disabled Skiiers Program. I feel my time with them are far rewarding with them. I mostly stay away from the "regular" ski school despite my heavy mingling with them. Im just not interested on who is hotshot-who-cant-do-!!!!-on-the-mountain, and I see too many of those type of people on the ski school staffs. There are some PSIA instructors whom I have a deep respect for, and I would be humble by their presence because they do emit a certain aura on the love/passion for the sport and I thrive to learn a thing or two from 'em when we go ride together for pure fun. Those type of people are quite rare in the PSIA, IMHO.

Im currently PSIA level teacher for snowboard, but am using it as a route towards my ambitions to get PSIA disabled snowboarding cert. :)

Race/Special Events/Terrain Park maintenance and Snowmaking are pretty much the best jobs Ive ever have. Im not sure if Ill be returning to Race/S.E./Terrain Park department again this 3rd coming season, because I admit pay money's an issue here. May end up doing snowcat shuttling for the employees in break of dawn til sun sets with ski/snowboard runs in between when theyre all working. just a bit more bucks, and i could squeeze in every bucks i could to blow it off on my motorcycle/snowboard racing hobbies. :)

[skipuppy]

Wow!! Thanks so much for all of this feedback. As Allee stated, I am thinking of taking time off, perhaps once I am done with my BA- spend a summer south of the border or something and then come up, or the other way around. I would need the money but I also want to be with an awesome group of people and party lots. I could probably bartend or work at a casino as a dealer or something like that too.

Based on all the commentary and knowing that I won't do this for a living- I think ski patrol would be better just because I would bring all the first aid skills with me later on.

Questions: Should I start in the United States/ Canada (maybe Tahoe or Portland area) or south of the border (during our summer) ?

Any particular resorts you would recommend?

Money supplements?

Thanks