White Pass volunteer ski patrol hopes to upgrade facilities
WHITE PASS -- Owners of White Pass Ski Resort are basking in the glow of what's expected to be its busiest season on the slopes. The recent expansion opened up more runs for skiers. The new terrain is attracting more people to the mountain, and it will likely increase the number of people who are getting hurt. Now, it seems the 40 year-old facility used to treat them still needs to play catch up.
"It's a little tight at times," says Ski Patrol Director, Chris Talbot. "Sometimes we fill this room up."
Just while KIMA was there, we talked with two boys with possible broken bones.
"It was my first ever day of snowboarding," says one injured boarder.
"I was right about 500 feet off the lift, and I landed with my feet over my head with the snowboard and that's when that one sprained," says another boarder.
They are only two of the nearly 500 skiers and boarders treated each year at White Pass.That number is likely to rise as more skiers take the slopes. Last year, this mountain saw 25% more people than year before.
"This spot is the trauma area and it also doubles as an office area," says Talbot. "So, there are some conflicts there."
White Pass more than doubled its ski patrol after expanding its operation to handle more skiers and more expected injuries. Volunteers do plan to raise money for a new facility. It would be twice the size and add at least three more beds. Giving injured people like you more efficient and more private care.
White Pass tells KIMA the new facility will be built either way, but construction time depends on donations.
You can send monetary donations by mail or visit the White Pass Ski Patrol website for more information on how and where to donate.
