2012 Mt. Bachelor Spring Clinic Review

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Monday 4/23:
  • Registration opened with an onslaught of eager patrollers to test and ski.  The entire mountain was open with great warm, spring conditions. 
  • Written tests were very popular with the candidate patrollers, and once again, Hal Bechtle was there to help administer the tests and review results with the candidates. Thanks Hal!!!
  • At 9:00 the educational forum started, which included the Mt. Bachelor patrol discussing operational issues at a large, pacific northwest ski resort, a risk forum with Jimmy Lawrence, avalanche dog rescue discussion, and the medical forum by Dr. Terri Schmidt (more on this below). 
  • A general meeting was conducted followed by a social/mixer at the lodge. 

Tuesday 4/24:
  • Another stellar day on the mountain, with the entire mountain open and all practical tests were held. 
  • Brad Urban gave a great talk on Explosives 101 and another room full of patrollers were captivated and asked many great questions of Brad.
  • Once again a social at the end of the day allowed patrollers to network and talk, and catch up on the day's events.

Monday and Tuesday highlighted Dr. Terri Schmidt, to present issues and symptoms surrounding traumatic injuries related to Avalanche injuries. The clinics were well attended and was the first time an educational forum could be counted towards continuing education credits. Thanks Dr. Schmidt for these two great lectures. 

Wednesday 4/25:
  • Weather started to turn and unfortunately the Summit was closed - but testing continued, both written and practical. 
  • The Ski Patrol Olympics were held, and once again, Walt Foley from Red River captured the gold - congrats Walt!
  • AFter a long day of olympics, testing and free skiing, 100+ convened at the Good Life Brewery for a social and dinner.  
  • Surfing Legend Gerry Lopez was the keynote speaker after dinner. Gerry is a resident of Bend Oregon and he presented an amazing slide show about his career, challenges and adventures. 
  • Following the dinner was more social time, and then general business with the members - the highlight of with were the nominations for five open Board positions. For more information on the voting process, visit this page.
     
Thursday 4/26:
  • Weather came in strong, closing the Summit once again. But tests continued and the die hard skiiers/boarders were out in force. 
  • A Patrol Director's Forum and a Women's Forum were conducted and well attended by the membership.

Friday 4/26:
  • The skies cleared and the sun was shining on this gorgeous ending day to the clinic. At least a half of foot of fresh powder fell overnight, leaving the mountain to be explored by all. The Summit opened at noon which allowed for a few more ski and toboggan tests to be conducted on this final day. 
  • After the testing, the APP Board met, followed by a general meeting, where the candidate of the Clinic was announced (David Galson), as well as the seven patrollers who became certified during the clinic. 
  • Everyone said the goodbyes with hugs and handshakes, looking forward to a great summer and new friendships through the APP.

                                       Thanks to all for a great clinic!!!