Why are there no rescue snowboarders on the slopes?
2006-12-30 07:42:04 · 5 answers · asked by wahooey 1 in Sports ➔ Winter Sports ➔ Other - Winter Sports
Youre wrong. You can use a snow board on ski patrol. Its up to the particular patrol at a mountain to decide ultimately if its ok, but there is no rule against it. The only catch is that you must be able to lead the sled down.
>> I should add that Being a patroler is a very hard job on skiis, being on a board doesnt make it easier, just different. theres advantages and disadvantages to both. If youre asking the question you must have an interest. If you do you really should go to the area you ski most and ask the ski patrol there some questions. The training you get makes you more than the equivelent of an EMT because of the rescue training. It Is hard, but alot of fun and VERY rewarding. There are some mountains with paid patrolers too.
2006-12-30 13:08:45 · answer #1 · answered by nick b 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I like the two answers above mine.
However, I think the first answerer does have a point, maybe they just didn't get it across clearly.
What I THINK they were getting at is that at some areas the ski patrol do a lot of slope maintenance activities (especially in the west). They have to set access gates, ensure fencing and ropes are adequate, do avalanche prevent work. Sometimes they go into places that would be not impossible, but just inefficient and difficult, for a snowboarder. A lot of flat areas, a lot of deep powder areas that are difficult to retreat from, some hiking, etc.
You do have a great question...but I also think that other areas would be fine for a snowboarder to be on "ski" patrol. It's just in that my 30 years of skiing, I don't ever remember seeing that! But as long as the person can lead a sled on all open terrain, there shouldn't be an issue.
2006-12-30 16:54:28 · answer #2 · answered by powhound 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is a good question! I've often wondered about that myself. Thanks to Nick for a well-informed answer from experience, rather than one made of assumptions like the one above it.
As a snowboarder, I can imagine it would be somewhat more difficult to lead a sled, than doing it on skis, but as long as it can be done safely and effectively, then I don't see why not. Also, a snowboarder patrol would be less hindered by carrying ski poles, and ski bindings releasing and whatnot. It might be a better balance if rescue crews could implement it!
2006-12-30 14:41:14 · answer #3 · answered by D15AV0W3D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would have to agree, as long as you can lead a sled. Where I snowboard, they have boarders on patrol. They have the quick snap in, snap out bindings, and they can just stake their board in the snow and do their work. They can move just as easily as the skiers on patrol do. I would think in some aspects it would even be easier, because snowboarding boots allow for more movement in the ankles, and therefore would be easier to walk/hike if need be.
2006-12-31 05:30:32 · answer #4 · answered by heart_attack_2006 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Skis are better used in cross country style. Snowboard is meant for downhill only, which is not what's needed for rescues.
2006-12-30 07:44:25 · answer #5 · answered by Gray 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋