Women in Colorado are transforming the traditionally male-dominated ski patrolling sector in mountainous regions
In the heart of Colorado's skiing landscape, Arapahoe Basin is making strides in diversity, particularly in the traditionally male-dominated field of ski patrolling. Jasmine Wieger, a ski patroller at Arapahoe Basin, has been instrumental in setting safety measures on the slopes and is a powerful example of encouragement for women considering a career in this physically demanding field.
Spencer Wilson, a reporter specializing in coverage of news in Colorado's mountains, shares Wieger's inspiring story. Wieger's office, nestled in a snow-covered terrain, requires heavy winter gear, a testament to the challenging yet rewarding nature of her work.
Wieger, who started her career as a restaurant cook, has witnessed a transformation in herself and the ski industry during her six years at Arapahoe Basin. Initially, the physical demands of the job were daunting for Wieger, but with determination, she has overcome these challenges. Today, she can handle tasks she once found difficult, such as running multiple toboggans and lifting heavy weights while on skis.
The local demographics play a role in the diversity of applicants for ski patrolling jobs. Arapahoe Basin, with its proximity to the Front Range, attracts a more diverse crowd, which is reflected in the ski patrol team. As of current, there are approximately 15 female employees in mountain operations at Arapahoe Basin, a significant increase from a decade ago when the number was much lower. In fact, the number of female employees within operations at Arapahoe Basin has more than doubled in the last decade.
Jasmine Wieger is proud of the efforts made by Arapahoe Basin to foster growth within the occupation. She offers a message of encouragement to anyone, especially women, who might feel intimidated to enter a physically demanding and historically male-filled career, stating that with determination, one can succeed in becoming a ski patroller.
Interested parties can share story ideas with Spencer Wilson by sending an email to [email protected]. For detailed, up-to-date information about the female ski patrol demographic trends at Arapahoe Basin, consulting Arapahoe Basin’s official communications, industry reports, or ski patrol organizations such as the National Ski Patrol might be necessary.
Wieger's personal growth on the job is a testament to the ski patrol's importance. The job is crucial for ensuring the safety of guests and preserving Colorado's skiing identity. Wieger attributes her personal growth on the job to her increased physical and mental capabilities, a clear indication of the transformative power of this challenging yet rewarding career.
- Spencer Wilson, a reporter specializing in Colorado's mountain news, is sharing Jasmine Wieger's inspiring story, a female ski patroller at Arapahoe Basin known for setting safety measures on the slopes.
- In a traditionally male-dominated field like ski patrolling, Wieger has been a powerful example of encouragement for women considering a career in this physically demanding field.
- The ski industry at Arapahoe Basin has witnessed a transformation over the past decade, with an increase in female employees in mountain operations, particularly in ski patrolling.
- For anyone, especially women, who might feel intimidated to enter a physically demanding and historically male-filled career like ski patrolling, Wieger encourages determination and the belief that one can succeed.
- The role of a ski patroller, crucial for ensuring safety and preserving Colorado's skiing identity, is a challenging yet rewarding career that can lead to personal growth and increased physical and mental capabilities.
