Ski Patrol & Rescue Services

 
 

Every year people become lost in the mountains and ski areas of the alpine high country. To care for people in the snow, all ski resorts maintain skilled Ski Patrols throughout winter season.

Ski Patrol

Ski patrollers can easily be identified in all alpine resorts by their distinctive uniform with a cross. They are highly trained to deal with injured skiers and snowboarders, both within the resort and beyond resort boundaries. Patrollers open and close trails and runs, and mark hazards. For your safety, as well as that of others, obey the signs that are displayed by the Ski Patrol.

The main purposes for operating these Ski Patrol services are to:

  • Administer first aid assistance to injured persons on the snow.

  • Transfer those requiring further medical attention to resort or other advanced medical care.

  • In conjunction with the state police and other emergency services, search for and rescue skiers and snowboarders lost in alpine areas.

  • Serve the public with other assistance and skiing or snowboarding information.

  • Improve safety standards in alpine resorts, and reduce the accident rate.

Helicopters may be called in to rescue you in extreme circumstances. Keep well clear of the helicopter’s landing area and await instructions from the pilot. Never approach helicopters from the rear.

Ambulance Services

Ambulance services operate 24 hours a day at every major ski resort. The service works in close co-operation with the Ski Patrol and medical centres.

Given that most resorts are some distance from major centres, the cost of ambulance transport can be expensive. One ride in an ambulance could cost you more than $1000.

Even a small Ski Patrol evacuation for a minor injury is likely to require an ambulance. Most resorts do not allow patients to be walked to medical centres by ski patrollers, so ambulance use is frequent.

There is of course a way of enjoying your stay in the snow without having to be concerned about such costs. If you become an ambulance subscriber you are immediately covered for accidental injury or sudden illness. (A two month waiting period applies to existing medical conditions).

When you’re an ambulance subscriber, you get free transport and attention anywhere in Australia. That includes regular and emergency ambulance transport, as well as the specialist ambulances.