Outstanding Success Of Ruapehu Ski Patrol

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29270, 30 July 1960, Page 5

Outstanding Success Of Ruapehu Ski Patrol

Z"\NE of the most successful projects in ski-ing in New Zealand in recent years has been the introduction of a highly efficient ski patrol service to the slopes of Mount Ruapehu, where thousands of pleasure skiers congregate on fine winter week-ends. The outstanding success of this unit, known officially as the Ruapehu Ski Patrol, is an example to ski fields in ether parts of the country.

In Canterbury, ski patrols have been in existence for some time at several dubs, but with the smaller numbers on the snow slopes it has not been necessary to go to the same lengths as at Mount Ruapehu. Ski-ing can be dangerous for beginners on steep and icy slopes, and the introduction of skilled patrol systems by Canterbury clubs has been a great step forward. At steeper fields such as Temple Basin it is imperative that an efficient ski patrol be operative to safeguard beginners. Equipment The need for a ski patrol at Mount Ruapehu has been much greater than at South Island fields because of the far greater number of persons who ski there. Today the patrollers guard the slopes with walkie-talkie radios and first-aid equipment strapped to their backs, and assistance can be given an injured skier within a few minutes of an accident. The patrol is responsible for marking out dangerous parts of the slopes, and also checks on safety fences which prevent inexperienced skiers from hurtling over bluffs.

The record of accidents on the snow in Canterbury is fortunately a good one, and with the sport increasing in popularity, the, ski patrols should be maintained and increased as necessary in the public interest.