A ski patrol job at a Colorado resort comes with serious challenges. A new program helps address them

A position on the ski patrol at a Colorado resort is a dream job for many people – even in a dry winter like this one. They get paid to spend their days on some of the best terrain in the U.S. And they help thousands of skiers and snowboarders have a great time in the High Country.  But that work can also take a toll. Aside from the physical demands of skiing as a full-time job, there are downright traumatic moments -- like when a patrol team responds to a skier who's badly injured or gone missing.   Winter Park's ski patrol set out in recent years to make sure its patrol members are properly equipped to handle the toughest incidents. Working with a nonprofit called Responder Alliance, they got their patrol team talking about stress and resilience. The story was featured in a recent Colorado Sun article. Zachary Akselrad is in his 16th season as a ski patrol employee, and he's assistant director of Winter Park’s ski patrol. He talked with In The NoCo’s Brad Turner in January about how the new approach has made the patrol team better. As a particularly tough ski season winds down in Colorado, we’re listening back to that conversation today. * * * * *Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: [email protected] Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!  Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole Executive Producer: Brad Turner  Theme music by Robbie Reverb Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.