SKI PATROL. Those two words invoke legend, mystery, and mythology in the ski bum’s metaphysical world. Within the ski-bum hierarchy, Ski patrollers belong to the highest class of skid and for good reason. On a daily basis, patrollers risk their lives, save others, and get to do what all of us have always wanted to do since we were kids– throw bombs. And in the early morning hours while destination skiers sleep, ski patrollers are riding lifts in the dark to make sure the mountain is ready and safe for the skiing public.

However, ski patrollers don’t get paid shit, work horrible hours, and have to put up with spoiled (and stupid) skiers and boarders who are constantly hurting themselves or breaking rules. So why is being a ski patroller such a sought after profession in ski towns? 

Watch: Behind the Scenes With Snowbird Ski Patrol

Here are the ‘Top 10 Reasons To Be A Ski Patroller’

Photo Credit: blog.breckenridge.com

10. Health insurance

Maybe this one should be the first on this list but then again, throwing bombs is way cooler than being enrolled in a health insurance plan.

9. Ride lifts in the dark

Riding the Jackson Hole Tram in the veritable dark is about as cool as it gets. The same is true for thousands of lifts across the country.

8. Get to ride in a snowcats/snowmobiles

While the skiing public waits in lift lines, ski patrollers are bypassing those lines and riding on snowmobiles up the mountain.

7. Free food/beer

Ski Patrollers are no strangers to hookups. From resort food to gifted beers, the ski patrol fridge is always stocked.

5. Ski resort will pay for your avy dog

Photo Credit: blog.coloradoski.com

You can get an avalanche dog and the resort will pay for its food and housing because at the end of the day, the dog is an employee of the resort… No joke.