We’re Waking the Giant! The last few days have been spent training and dressing the mountain ahead of this upcoming weather system that will hopefully bring that magical white goodness all winter sport enthusiasts eagerly anticipate. Friday night, the Park County Search and Rescue high angle rope team trained alongside North Absaroka Ski Patrol under the new lights for night chair lift evacuation drills.  This is annual training that is performed each winter season in hopes that it is never needed. Our lift maintenance crew have been working very hard to keep our lifts in great working order. Lift Evac is probably one of the highest risk maneuvers that is performed on the mountain and our teams are ready should we be called to action. I’m very proud of the knowledge and professionalism displayed by everyone who participated.  

Guardian flew in on Saturday to stick a landing in our designated landing zone (LZ.)  They refreshed our patrol and mountain staff on proper LZ management and air-to-ground communications in the event an air evacuation is needed. Fortunately, this is a very rare situation, but it’s important that everyone know their responsibilities should we need to fly out an ill/injured person. Tower and obstacle pads are in place and now it’s up to mother nature to do her winter dance.  Looking forward to a stellar season and seeing everyone on the hill.  And remember… Helmets are Cool!!

Travis Gass RN

North Absaroka

Ski Patrol Director