New Season, New Patrollers. Who's New This Year?

It really depends on the area. You really need/want a good mix of people on your patrol. Ideally, you'd probably want every single person on your patrol to be a fantastic skier and have excellent medical skills and judgment. But the reality is that there are only a limited number of people in the world who are both world class skiers and world class medical technicians. Some stronger skiers may not have the best medical skills or judgment, while others with stronger medical skills might be weaker skiers. Most patrols will, of necessity, have a mix.

All that said, I don't see any reason why a level 7 skier couldn't safely handle a loaded sled on most types of terrain. Running a loaded sled is, in some ways, easier than free skiing, because the fundamental goal is safe, expeditious transport, not things like carving ability or rhythm. If the level 7 skier has a good, strong snowplow, solid transitions, and a competent falling leaf technique, there shouldn't be too much difference between a level 7 and a level 9 skier in the horns on most trails.

I say "most trails" because terrain obviously matters, and it would obviously not make sense to have a level 7 skier running a loaded sled down you steepest, iciest mogul trail if a stronger skier is available. But could a properly trained level 7 skier get the job done safely and efficiently, if perhaps not as gracefully as a level 9 skier would? I bet they could. They might not do it with the kind of form and confidence you'd need to pass a Senior S&T evaluation, but they could do it.

^^^ That's pretty much what I figured. However, hopefully she wouldn't be the only patrol available and someone else would get the task of pulling the toboggan unless she was the only person on duty. Level 7 was a stretch for this lady, but she might have had a gear issue or just been having a really bad run when I saw her.

Yehaa! 'Jester's' dead!! (Jester being the never-ending year of OEC-S/T). Final'd S/T yesterday, got the coveted NSP pin.
It's been a long but very rewarding year of training. One of the best periods of my life so far (outside of family/faith). The quality of the OEC training is outstanding. In what seemed like a continual stream (every weekend since Thanksgiving) of scenarios, I can say that it paid off very well. I've been 1st on numerous codes, mild wrists to serious head trauma, and have felt very confident and controlled in everyone of them.

For those that contribute to this forum, thank you! Your postings (all directions) have added to my knowledge and I appreciate it.

For those 'surfing' this forum for information and support of your potential career as patrollers, you have the best of it all here. I can say you will not be disappointed if you decide to go forward, often frustrated (its new stuff and you will sacrifice a good amount of time), but very rewarding as you gain new skills.

Good luck and may 'freshies' fill your days,