Ski patrollers, your guardian angels
On the magnificent ski slopes of Verbier, we slide, hurtle down the slopes, unwind, relax, walk around, and enjoy the snow!
It’s a magical place, maintained with great attention and care (see our article on the ski trails of Verbier). All slopes are signposted, marked out, secured, obstacles are protected, etc. This is a mammoth task, done by a team of professionals working behind the scenes. You’ve probably already met them on the slopes: they are the ski patrollers and specialists in slope maintenance and rescue. They take on huge responsibilities so that you can enjoy your skiing to the full.
There are 30 patrollers at Verbier, and they share different positions and sectors. Their day begins at dawn so that the slopes are ready before opening.
Their task
Protection, signage and marking
In the morning, patrollers gather at the Ruinettes before returning to their posts. They divide up work to be done over the whole area. They have to put up boards saying “slow down” and other important signs, check the slope marking and ensure the snow has been groomed.
Prévention
Every morning they check the weather forecast (looking at fresh snow, temperature, wind direction, etc.). This information is transmitted to the SLF service, the institute for snow and avalanches.
A lot of work is done throughout the day to assess the snowpack and the influence of weather conditions on the avalanche danger level and to take the necessary protective and precautionary measures in case of danger – such as triggering avalanches artificially by different means: manually, with a helicopter, with GAZEX, or closing the sectors at risk.
Help and rescue
If you hurt yourself on the slopes, it is the patrollers who will provide first aid, evacuate you by sled or organise your snowmobile or helicopter transport. During the day, they stay at their posts and roam around the tracks to carry out checks. At Verbier, there is an average of 650 accidents per season, with up to 850 accidents in the worst years.
In the evening, when the lifts are turned off, the patrollers close the various tracks and check that no one is still up there.
