In the heart of Pyhä — ski patrol, your safety expert

February 10th is celebrated as the International Ski Patrol Day. In honor of the day, we interviewed Matti Honkanen, a pioneer of Pyhä's ski patrol team, to uncover the various aspects of ski patrol duties in the fell.

 

Matti Honkanen, a familiar face in Pyhä, began his career as a Pyhä ski patroller long before the official title was even used in Finland — well before 2012. His expertise, cultivated over decades, shines outwardly in reliability and calmness. We delved into Honkanen's career to explore the tasks involved in a day in the life of a ski patroller in Pyhä.

 

What is your history as a ski patroller in Pyhä ski resort?

I started in Pyhä as a ski instructor in 1986, later becoming the seasonal coordinator for the ski school in the early nineties. In 2004, I collaborated with slope maintenance in customer service coordination, which included "ski patrol tasks" such as signage and nets, first aid, evacuation, working in potentially hazardous areas, and overall slope safety. During that time, I worked alongside Väijy, or Jarmo Timlin, as my partner and slope manager. In 2012, I participated in the first Ski Patrol course. I also contributed to planning the training program for patrollers as part of the guidance group at that time.

How big is the team working here in Pyhä? Does the number vary depending on the season?

Customer Service Manager Hanne Mäkinen acts as the supervisor for the patrols in Pyhä and leads the operations. The team here in Pyhä consists of five patrollers, with two usually on duty at a time. The team size may vary depending on the season, and we can expand it as needed for events. Currently, we have one volunteer on skis, and we hope to recruit more for the spring. If anyone who has completed the patrol course is interested in volunteering, they can easily contact Hanne.
 

What daily measures does the ski patrol take to ensure the safety of the slopes in Pyhä?

Regarding daily procedures, ski patrol ensures the safety of Pyhä's slopes through various measures. We begin the day with a morning round to ensure everything on the slopes is in order before opening. Emphasizing proactive safety, we communicate information both on and off the slopes. Comprehensive information can be found on our website. On the slopes, we guide customers using barriers and instructional signs. Special performance areas, practice slopes, and competition areas are always marked and delimited in advance. During the workday, we monitor skiers' behavior on the slopes and guide customers as needed. Feel free to approach us at any time. We are constantly ready to provide first aid in case of accidents and evacuate customers from lifts if necessary.

 

How does ski patrol prepare for first aid situations? How quickly can ski patrol respond to emergencies?

We always ensure that our transportation equipment, transfer devices, and first aid supplies are in good condition. These include a snowmobile, skis, a sled transported by a snowmobile, and a rescue sled on skis for evacuation. Most importantly, we ensure that the training of our ski patrols is always up-to-date, involving both national first aid courses and internal training within the company and the team. Ski patrols are trained to provide layman and emergency first aid and safely transfer patients from the slope to the medical center or ambulance. The medical staff at the Bene clinic in Pyhä performs the actual medical procedures.

The response time of patrols is fast; we are on-site in the ski area within a few minutes. Our operational area in Pyhä also includes forest areas near the slopes. Finding a location in the forest may take longer, but we always move as soon as we receive information. If necessary, the patrol calls for additional assistance from the emergency center.

Every skier descending outside the ski area should have a location app like 112. This significantly facilitates finding the patient, and the emergency center receives location information more easily and accurately.

 

What kind of training and qualifications do ski patrols have?

Each of our patrols has a valid EA1 or EA2 training. Many patrols also have professional qualifications related to their work, such as training as an emergency care provider or in the fire department. The ski patrol courses organized by SHKY are mandatory; there are three levels, and at least level 1 must be completed to work as a patrol.

Pyhä is also a freeride center. Do you have special measures for avalanches? Does the job require specific expertise/training in snow safety?

Avalanche rescue training is considered an advantage for us, but it is not mandatory. We provide internal training for avalanche rescue. Patrols always carry two backpacks for avalanche rescue; a transceiver, shovel, probe, and thermal protection are included. If necessary, the fire department may request assistance from on-duty patrols, for example, for terrain searches in case of an avalanche.

Pyhä Snow Safety Center provides up-to-date avalanche forecasts for the area. Forecasts and information about snow safety training and guided tours can be found in Finnish on the Snow Safety Center's website.

 

What are the most important things for a skier to know and remember on the slopes?

In addition to slope rules, it is important to know one's skill level and be able to relate it to the environment. This does not happen instantly but requires practice. Especially for novice skiers, the shortcut to success can be found at the ski school – they know how to guide to suitable slopes and ensure a safe start to skiing.

How can customers best contact ski patrol when needed on the slopes?

The easiest way to reach us is by contacting the staff at the lower lift stations. Feel free to also come chat with us on the slopes; we're always happy to help and provide guidance.

 

What is the most rewarding aspect of your work, and what is the most challenging?

Working with customers is rewarding, and mountain rescue operations can sometimes be challenging but fulfilling. Often, small everyday things make me happy. Each of us can be a hero in our daily lives by remembering to consider our fellow human beings.

 

Will we see you as a member of the Pyhä ski patrol in the future?

I enjoy being in Pyhä. It's like home to me, so we will surely see each other in the future.