Ski patrollers represent the first line of defense for skiers and snowboarders in trouble— but theyre often undervalued.
The last few years have seen repeated labor disputes between ski patrollers and the corporate-owned resorts that employ them. Worker strikes against Vail Resorts caused so much disruption this winter season that even a Utah major asked for a speedy resolution. A rising number of ski patrol organizations are choosing to unionize to obtain the pay they say they need to continue their work in increasingly expensive ski towns.
So, for anyone who loves to ski, its worth a moment to appreciate the first responders celebrated International Ski Patroller Day on Feb. 10.
To remind mountain sports lovers worldwide how much they owe to these trained rescuers, Norwegian brand Helly Hansen dropped a short documentary interviewing a handful of skiers about their most memorable experiences with patrollers. The brands commitment to patrollers stems directly from its sales of ski gear, which is used by patrollers at more than 200 resorts around the world.
With International Ski Patrollers Day 2025, we celebrate their passion and unwavering dedication, and, alongside our resort partners, we invite mountain-goers around the world to join us in thanking them for all that they do to keep the mountain safe for everyone, Joumana Løvstad, chief marketing officer at Helly Hansen, said in a news release.
If you buy from Helly Hansen on Feb. 10, the brand will donate 5% of the sale to various organizations that support ski patrol internationally. Those include Fédération Internationale des Patrouilles de Ski (FIPS), the Canadian Ski Patrol, the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC), and more.
Runtime: 4 minutes
EMTs and WFRs Welcome: National Ski Patrol Expands Certifications to Include First RespondersUntil now, ski patrollers who didn't take an Outdoor Emergency Care course couldn't become members of the National Ski Patrol. Now, the organization is changing that. Read more
Beginner Friendly, Yet Fast: Salomon S/Max Skate Kit Review
How to Watch the Upcoming Total Lunar Eclipse
9 Quiet Destinations That Cut Out All the Noise
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Review: Lots to Love, but Thirsty and Expensive
Copper Mountain to Add 500+ Skiable Acres & Highest Lift in North America
The Best Coolers of 2025
AI Bird Feeder IDs, Takes Pics: FeatherSnap Scout Review
Why Do So Many People Get Into Trouble While Hiking in Hawaii?