SILVER STAR – Things will be a little different at Silver Star next winter. While skiers may not notice, the resort won’t be bringing Canadian Ski Patrol volunteers back next season.
Instead, they’re planning to hire new staff members, disappointing many who have volunteered for years.
Tom Tull has been patrolling at Silver Star for 22 years, 16 of those with Canadian Ski Patrol.
“I’m really proud of that accomplishment, and to wipe it out is just really sad…there are a lot of people who are upset by that,” says Tull.
Tull says while he is saddened by the move, he understands it was a business decision.
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“In terminating the services of Canadian Ski Patrol, Silver Star is acting completely within the rights of the contract that we created with them. I’m sad but I don’t want to do anything that is going to jeopardize the ski area that we have supported for all kinds of years,” he says.
The local division president is taking the decision in stride.
“We support their decision. It is their right. They do own the hill and they have to make these decisions,” says Quentin Steen, president of Canadian Ski Patrol’s Pacific South Division.
No one from Silver Star was available for an interview today.
“After much thought and consideration, our team made the decision we feel is in the best interests of our guests, staff, the community and the Resort. It is simply an operational decision we deem necessary to evolve the ski patrol as our resort community and business levels continue to grow and evolve. These changes will not diminish the daily patrol coverage, service levels or level of care,” said operations director, Brad Baker, in a release issued by the ski resort.
Silver Star says despite the change, there will still be opportunities for volunteer patrollers and medical personnel at the ski resort this winter.
Canadian Ski Patrol says it will be providing services at nearby Sovereign Lake and is looking at options for Silver Star volunteers to use their skills at other local mountains.
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