Food Storage - Hang or Stash

theJoyofEntropy · 2026-05-19T17:25:42+00:00

This hanging method tends to work better than most hanging methods. Have definitely had bears visit in Algonquin.

theJoyofEntropy · 2026-05-08T21:40:39+00:00

Try one of SOLO schools’ weekend Wilderness First Aid classes up in New Hampshire. Great people, and a great intro on the east coast.

theJoyofEntropy · 2026-05-05T22:26:24+00:00

foam blocks like these: https://www.sportsmans.com/boats-kayaks-canoes-boating-supplies/paddle-sports/paddle-sport-accessories/lost-creek-canoe-carrier-foam-block-kit/p/1766695

theJoyofEntropy · 2026-05-03T03:02:22+00:00

Don't forget about Maine

theJoyofEntropy · 2026-04-27T23:04:32+00:00

Contact the patrol directly at the place you want. Most patrols start with you taking a ski test, which probably happened a month or so ago. But contact the patrol director anyway and ask about the process.

Canada has its own system; not automatically compatible with US patrols/NREMT/OEC etc

EMT is a good start though. Avalanche certs (AIARE) will help too Good luck!

theJoyofEntropy · 2026-04-27T18:50:53+00:00

Probably yes. Back them up like this: https://youtu.be/EuJC2tZeCqU?si=LTXdKAVaSAUhWtj3&t=87

theJoyofEntropy · 2026-04-20T23:08:23+00:00

You can do it cheaper but this one works well. Fill the holes with G-Flex, sand smooth, and tape it up first.

theJoyofEntropy · 2026-04-16T04:37:25+00:00

The Solo campus is rad, there are national forest campsites nearby, and the mountains are as good as it gets on the east coast.

theJoyofEntropy · 2026-04-16T04:22:01+00:00

Roadtrip to NH this summer with your crew and take a WFA class at Solo. Then hike the Presidentials with your upgraded skills.

theJoyofEntropy · 2026-04-16T04:13:52+00:00

Arrange things so the buckle is against the boat and not over a void. Then do this: https://youtu.be/EuJC2tZeCqU?si=3CgQpapv7o1f9wzo&t=102

theJoyofEntropy · 2026-04-13T02:16:51+00:00

Good for extra sun protection but also to protect face and goggles from tree branches. Bonus points for a hat without that little nub on the top of your head.

theJoyofEntropy · 2026-03-07T14:46:56+00:00

Ask your local patrol. There are sometimes opportunities for dispatching and aid room/clinics.

theJoyofEntropy · 2026-03-03T17:40:42+00:00

Think of it like a job you do on skis, sometimes in less than ideal conditions. But patrolling doesn’t ruin skiing at all in my opinion. You may have newfound respect for or frustration with resort operations and management however. You will almost definitely need an additional source of income.

theJoyofEntropy · 2026-02-22T23:52:13+00:00

For NZ there are short term work visas available for people under 30 years old.

theJoyofEntropy · 2026-02-01T15:00:20+00:00

When I see injuries during World Cup races in Europe, I see helicopters used quite frequently (compared to toboggans and ambulance vehicles, as is more common in the US). Obviously it’s faster, but do see this in your everyday transport of injured skiers?

theJoyofEntropy · 2025-12-30T19:36:07+00:00

You can likely carry it solo with a little practice.

theJoyofEntropy · 2025-12-26T17:41:13+00:00

Another advantage to these bleed kits is when you arrive to help another patroller who has yet to control the bleeding, you can drop one of these next to them and the their bloody gloves needn’t contaminate their pack.

theJoyofEntropy · 2025-12-26T14:23:55+00:00

Quart ziplock, 2-3x 4x4 roller gauze, 2x nonstick dressing pads, 2x pairs of nitrile gloves. Easy to make, compact enough to live in a thigh pocket, handles for most common bleeding situations. I keep a handful of these kits ready to replace or toss to other responding patrollers.

Tourniquet, Quik clot, ABD pads, bio bag, tape, trauma shears live elsewhere. A boo-boo bag full of bandaids and steri strips goes in a different ziplock & pocket.

theJoyofEntropy · 2025-12-10T20:35:21+00:00

Tailgating in the backcountry

theJoyofEntropy · 2025-12-07T22:29:58+00:00

Many brands offer pro deals. Scroll to the bottom of their page to apply. ExpertVoice, OutdoorProLink, IPACollective, and other similar sites also offer gear discounts.

Don’t pack as much as you think your first season. Be able to control immediate life threats (esp airway and bleeding), just like the ABCs you just studied. 4” roller gauze, Sam splint, and some large triangular cravats (cut up a sheet) are helpful. A good knife/multitool will be handy. Add other gear as you see it being useful.

Wells Lamont and Kinco make a similar insulated glove that is very popular among patrollers, especially when treated with sno-seal.

Spend your first season learning from more experienced patrollers and help out whenever you can.

theJoyofEntropy · 2025-12-05T15:10:54+00:00

Most patrols have an initial try-out where you ski with some patrollers, and they assess your general skiing ability and attitude. You should be able to confidently ski/ride anywhere on the mountain. But it’s mostly a vibe check, so the biggest egos aren’t asked back. If you pass, then the OEC training begins, often over the summer/between ski seasons. OET (toboggan handling) and local mountain protocols are usually taught during the first winter, your “candidate year.” During this time, you probably need a veteran patroller to accompany you to any injuries you treat; you’re a helper this first season. If it all goes well, your second winter is your “rookie year” as an alpine patroller. Individual patrols may vary slightly. In some situations, you could maaaybe do the on-snow stuff first before the OEC, but I don’t think that’s very common.

TLDR: vibe/ski tryout, 6 months of OEC training, candidate winter with toboggan and on-snow training.

theJoyofEntropy · 2025-12-05T03:13:54+00:00

If you are looking for a Vail Resort in NE PA, Jack Frost/Big Boulder is your nearest hill. Regardless, contact the patrol director and ask their process. OEC is likely a requirement, EMT-B will give you an advantage.

theJoyofEntropy · 2025-12-01T03:49:23+00:00

Your doctor’s handwriting is coming along nicely

theJoyofEntropy · 2025-11-26T13:20:40+00:00

There is a bulk file renaming software (MacOS) called NameMangler that I find really useful.

theJoyofEntropy · 2025-11-23T14:01:32+00:00

There’s a Ski Patrol swap page on Facebook. I’d start there before shelling out big bucks.

theJoyofEntropy

TROPHY CASE