Anyone done Loveland volunteer ski patrol?

I tried out for their pro patrol. Got called back but turned the job down because $13/hr doesn't pay the bills. It seems like they have a pretty good program though.

For volunteers you basically get paid in tickets and a free pass which isn't too bad. But you won't be throwing dynamite or scoring fresh tracks ever. You just pick up the wrecks while the pros deal with that.

The time commitment is pretty big however. Not sure if your in high school, but if you are don't plan on doing any sports or activities. The OEC course will take up your fall and you're expected basically every weekend during the season.
 
I always thought Loveland had an unreal amount of patrollers. I would think “how do they have the budget for this??” Then I learned a lot were volunteers lol
 
14459491:BradFiAusNzCoCa said:
I always thought Loveland had an unreal amount of patrollers. I would think “how do they have the budget for this??” Then I learned a lot were volunteers lol
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Yeah I think they rely heavily on volunteer patrollers, but like only on the weekends and not at all on weekdays, which sucks because I only ski weekdays to avoid traffic. I dunno, the program seems like it would be a good way to eventually get into paid patrolling but it also seems super funny to me that you pay them to patrol for them.
 
14459493:Chunderface said:
Yeah I think they rely heavily on volunteer patrollers, but like only on the weekends and not at all on weekdays, which sucks because I only ski weekdays to avoid traffic. I dunno, the program seems like it would be a good way to eventually get into paid patrolling but it also seems super funny to me that you pay them to patrol for them.
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Truthfully it's just as easy to get into pro patrolling without being a volunteer. Just get your EMT and try out. As long as you're a good skier, most places are desperate for employees. You won't make much money but you'll have a blast doing it.
 
14459516:RIP_leos_shack said:
Truthfully it's just as easy to get into pro patrolling without being a volunteer. Just get your EMT and try out. As long as you're a good skier, most places are desperate for employees. You won't make much money but you'll have a blast doing it.
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What typically are the hours requirements for paid patrollers? Is it 40/week usually or does it just depend on the mountain?
 
14459517:Chunderface said:
What typically are the hours requirements for paid patrollers? Is it 40/week usually or does it just depend on the mountain?
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More like 50+ tbh. At Mammoth during storm cycles it would be 6AM to 5PM if there was avy work. Some places allow part time just depends on the mountain, but most pro patrol work full time.
 
Im a paid rookie this season at a different resort but you should definitely go for it, dude. I've met some great people thus far and have learned an incredible amount of knowledge so don't let the volunteer thing hold you up, but also definitely look into getting NREMT certified. Its a good way to get your foot into the door for OEC/WFR if you're interested and also may open up some doors to other stuff. Ive been told that it really depends on what you want to learn: Snow Safety, Medical/Trauma, or a blend of it all so pick your poison. Every mountain is different and has their challenges.

**This post was edited on Sep 24th 2022 at 2:26:38am
 
If you live in Summit or near, it might make sense. If you live in Denver, it might costs a bit more than it’s worth. I was talking it through with another NS member who was debating it and he decided that it didn’t make sense numbers wise.

Regardless, you’ll probably see me around. Say hi

14459493:Chunderface said:
Yeah I think they rely heavily on volunteer patrollers, but like only on the weekends and not at all on weekdays, which sucks because I only ski weekdays to avoid traffic. I dunno, the program seems like it would be a good way to eventually get into paid patrolling but it also seems super funny to me that you pay them to patrol for them.
Click to expand...
 
Can't speak on loveland's program but I've been a tenured member of A basin's volunteer thot patrol for quite some time now. It's a dirty job but someone's gotta do it.
 
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