History of Diamond Peaks Ski Patrol
The Diamond Peaks Ski Patrol was established during the 1990-1991 season as a backcountry education, emergency care, and rescue organization. The patrol serves the winter use area at Cameron Pass, located 65 miles west of Fort Collins, Colorado, along State Highway 14. The specific characteristics of this winter use area required a unique patrol that was not originally defined by the National Ski Patrol.
Types of NSP Patrols
The National Ski Patrol (NSP) recognizes two distinct types of ski patrols:
How Diamond Peaks Patrol Differs from Standard NSP Patrols
Diamond Peaks Patrol (DPSP) possesses unique characteristics that do not fit either the Alpine or Nordic definitions as described by the NSP. These characteristics include:
To address these unique challenges, patrollers at Diamond Peaks had to adapt by designing their own equipment, techniques, and rescue procedures, which included:
Developing a New Type of Patrol
In the spring of 1990, negotiations with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) began to establish a new patrol, led by Ron Splittgerber. This announcement followed the National Park Service's (NPS) closure of Hidden Valley Ski Area in Rocky Mountain National Park. Many former members of the Hidden Valley patrol registered with both the Lake Eldora patrol and the newly formed Diamond Peaks Patrol (DPSP). Most of the first aid and rescue equipment from the Hidden Valley patrol was designed for Alpine ski areas and was donated to the Lake Eldora and Medicine Bow patrols, leaving DPSP without equipment and with several aging radios incompatible with the required radio service. Splittgerber negotiated an agreement with the USFS that covered liability, workers' compensation, and the use of government radios. The agreement also specified the trails to be patrolled in the Cameron Pass area. This foundation served as a model for several other patrol negotiations with the USFS within the Rocky Mountain Division of the NSP.
During DPSP’s first two seasons, the patrol functioned as a volunteer organization under the law enforcement arm of the USFS. In the 1992-93 season, the Forest Service established a Volunteer Coordinator position, enabling DPSP to more effectively coordinate its activities with this coordinator, a practice that continues to this day. In the 2000-2001 season, the patrol received a generous grant from Jeff Lebesch, co-owner of New Belgium Brewing Company in Fort Collins, CO. This donation significantly enhanced the patrol’s training and rescue capabilities.
Throughout its first decade, DPSP provided public education on avalanche hazards and mountain travel to over 600 members of the public, sold more than 150 avalanche transceivers at wholesale prices, and assisted in several search and rescue missions. Patrollers also communicated snow information to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) regarding current snow conditions in the northern mountains.
The current roster includes over 55 dedicated patrollers and instructors, along with additional supporters. The contributions of the patrol are immeasurable, covering areas from first aid services and mechanical repairs to avalanche hazard evaluations and search and rescue efforts.
Types of NSP Patrols
The National Ski Patrol (NSP) recognizes two distinct types of ski patrols:
- Alpine Patrols: These patrols operate in ski areas served by lifts. Patrollers typically use downhill skis, Cascade toboggans equipped with first-aid gear, and follow strict schedules.
- Nordic Patrols: These patrols are found in ski areas with maintained terrain that is usually not served by lifts. Patrollers use light touring or skate skis.
How Diamond Peaks Patrol Differs from Standard NSP Patrols
Diamond Peaks Patrol (DPSP) possesses unique characteristics that do not fit either the Alpine or Nordic definitions as described by the NSP. These characteristics include:
- No lifts, but a vertical elevation comparable to many Alpine ski areas.
- Over 100 miles of trails that are not regularly maintained.
- Lack of phone service and marginal emergency radio communications.
- An over one-hour drive to the nearest medical facility.
- Public use numbers similar to those of a small Alpine area.
- Several high-use areas with significant avalanche danger.
- No commercial ski facilities.
To address these unique challenges, patrollers at Diamond Peaks had to adapt by designing their own equipment, techniques, and rescue procedures, which included:
- Using Norpine equipment (Alpine-type skis, heavy boots, adjustable poles).
- Carrying full packs with emergency gear.
- Developing unique training methods, such as building emergency toboggans using a victim's skis and employing backcountry search techniques and avalanche rescue procedures.
- Conducting snow surveys and understanding avalanche hazards.
- Coordinating with the local ambulance service and county search and rescue group.
- Utilizing vehicles/trailers as rescue caches for oxygen packs and other supplies.
- Acquiring skills to teach classes in avalanche safety and mountain travel.
Developing a New Type of Patrol
In the spring of 1990, negotiations with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) began to establish a new patrol, led by Ron Splittgerber. This announcement followed the National Park Service's (NPS) closure of Hidden Valley Ski Area in Rocky Mountain National Park. Many former members of the Hidden Valley patrol registered with both the Lake Eldora patrol and the newly formed Diamond Peaks Patrol (DPSP). Most of the first aid and rescue equipment from the Hidden Valley patrol was designed for Alpine ski areas and was donated to the Lake Eldora and Medicine Bow patrols, leaving DPSP without equipment and with several aging radios incompatible with the required radio service. Splittgerber negotiated an agreement with the USFS that covered liability, workers' compensation, and the use of government radios. The agreement also specified the trails to be patrolled in the Cameron Pass area. This foundation served as a model for several other patrol negotiations with the USFS within the Rocky Mountain Division of the NSP.
During DPSP’s first two seasons, the patrol functioned as a volunteer organization under the law enforcement arm of the USFS. In the 1992-93 season, the Forest Service established a Volunteer Coordinator position, enabling DPSP to more effectively coordinate its activities with this coordinator, a practice that continues to this day. In the 2000-2001 season, the patrol received a generous grant from Jeff Lebesch, co-owner of New Belgium Brewing Company in Fort Collins, CO. This donation significantly enhanced the patrol’s training and rescue capabilities.
Throughout its first decade, DPSP provided public education on avalanche hazards and mountain travel to over 600 members of the public, sold more than 150 avalanche transceivers at wholesale prices, and assisted in several search and rescue missions. Patrollers also communicated snow information to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) regarding current snow conditions in the northern mountains.
The current roster includes over 55 dedicated patrollers and instructors, along with additional supporters. The contributions of the patrol are immeasurable, covering areas from first aid services and mechanical repairs to avalanche hazard evaluations and search and rescue efforts.