Members inspect trails and lifts daily
MARQUETTE -- It's estimated that more than two million skiers hit Michigan slopes every winter. With so many skiers, it's inevitable that injuries will occur, but local ski patrols are doing their part to make sure people stay safe.
Ski patrols encourage skiers and snowboarders to always wear a helmet when they ride and be aware of the trail conditions. They also suggest taking a lesson before hitting the slopes to learn how to ski safely. And members of the ski patrol do their own daily inspections on the trails and lifts to make sure they're working properly.
"We're looking for obvious defects, mechanical problems, things that don't sound right or don't feel right, and on the trail, I'm looking for things that a skier or snowboarder might experience that would cause them to fall," explains Ski Patrol member Andrew Bek.
Ski patrols also participate in yearly emergency drills and emergency care courses.
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