April 19th, 2008, Alpental

None of the pro's would make an naive statement like that.
Clark is not on the pro patrol. In other words, a volunteer making unfortunate remarks, that do not accurately represent the pro patrol or the many other volunteer patrol that do know what they are doing and work very hard.

Second Corey's statement.
Just get the pass and get over it.

Patrol was stopping people at the mid gate off of International, but only checking for their "backcountry pass," but not for Avalanche Gear.  This is really pathetic, and sad because of the litigation society that we live in. 

What was even more disappointing was the arrogant patroller "Clark" that informed me that he doesn't bring beacon, shovel and probe; but only his beacon and shovel.  I told him that I wouldn't want to be buried and know that he would be looking for me without a probe.  He said that he's a really, really fast shoveler (I'm not making this up!) and that he routinely out digs whoever he is with.  I inquired a little bit more, as to his super shoveling, and he confessed that he uses a "special shovel." 

Now, I think this guy is pro patrol, and this is why I'm calling for a complete makeover of the ski patrol at Alpental, because it's this kind of clueless, litigation oriented and not safety first program that they are running that needs to be changed.  Oh, and by the way, if anyone is still curious about his "super shovel," here's the lowdown....you can buy them at REI, and they are called a Snow Claw.   Are you freakin' kidding me?  I'd like to see that guy out dig someone with a metal shovel in dense avy debris, or debris with trees in it. 

-Really frustrated with the Patrol situation at Alpental. 

People who ride chairlifts with expectation of getting a pristine "backcountry" expeirence and are going to be dissapointed that its not. Developed ski areas are just that. Alpental is seeing more people every year so its not going to get better anytime soon. Safety in the backcountry is about self responsibilty. You are right, the snow is a joke, but the patroller is a volunteer.

Barclay, you may be confused about the purpose of the alpental backcountry pass. It ain't about avalanche safety. They don't open the backcountry unless it is pretty safe.

The pass is about knowledge of the terrain. They are trying to protect the ignorant masses from going off a cliff. The process to get a backcountry pass is about going on a tour of the various terrain features and about using a common nomenclature to describe them...so that if you did see an injured rider, then you could actually describe to the patrol where you saw that injured rider.

So sure you may be able to get one in 2 minutes...well perhaps 20 minutes to fill out the paperwork...if you already know the area and can name every feature. But it is probably better to take a run with the pro patrollers. When I got mine, it was a fun experience to talk with the dudes. They are nice and friendly. (Clark wasn't there;)

Also checkout www.alpental.com for a virtual tour.

Alpental Pro Patrol guys are second to none. I've skiied all over the world and can tell you these guys are tops in competance, selflessness, and genuine friendliness. Most of them are long timers, and care about the mountain and the people more than you can imagine - ego is not an issue, so I've gotta agree with gravitmk that the pros just plain aren't cocky - none of them.

I've also read many rags on their not opening chair 2 early enough but you have to realize they are a small budget operation. A lot of the avy stuff they do could be done more timely with heavy (expensive) equipment. The cliffy terrain makes assessing avy danger much more difficult than your standard open bowl in the Rockies or the Alps.

Since a lot of BC pass holders have taken a run with them to get their pass, and the area is small, they remember their clients and recognize them on the slopes.

Some people thrive on complaining - but there has to be something more worthy to gripe about.

I was just looking for a ski report????

I was just looking for a ski report????

As of Sunday...

Tons of snow. Everything is still very filled in.
Lower mountain was typical Spring slushy soft, real fun. Upper mountain more of the same on South aspects. Nash is in great shape, both entrances are in good condition. Only skied elevator gate Sunday, but the shaft, right of Rock Face and other aspects presented great skiing, even on a pair of old school 225cm DH boards (sunday was LB day at Alpy). Spring conditions are the best I have seen in a while, come up!