Welcome to the BEHIND THE SNOW RESORT series! This article aims to show you the behind-the-scenes supporting Hakuba Goryu
The first job we are focussing on are the “ski patrols”.
Contrary to what one might imagine from the title "Patrol," their duties are extensive. The patrol team at Hakuba Goryu refers to themselves as "jack-of-all-trades/All rounder" within the ski resort. Known mainly for responding to accidents and providing first aid, their role also involves preventing such incidents through tasks like inspecting and managing the slopes, setting up course poles and informational signs, and maintaining ropes and nets. Essentially, they manage all aspects of the ski resort.
At Hakuba Goryu, about 15 patrol members aged between 19 to 64 are on duty. We spoke with three patrol members: Kurometto, GAN, and Tonbei (the names are pseudonyms used in their patrol blog).
The Patrol Duties at Goryu
Patrol members at Hakuba Goryu start their work 1 to 1.5 hours before the ski resort opens. They ride the gondola to the top while it’s still dark and inspect the slopes as they ski down.
While responding to accidents is a crucial part of their job, preventing them is even more important. They inspect the slopes daily to ensure the safety of the many visitors coming to Goryu.
GAN: "The most important thing is to take preemptive measures to prevent accidents or other issues from occurring. Many different problems can arise, and we address them before they escalate. I see our role as being a sort of 'jack-of-all-trades' on the slopes."
When accidents or injuries do occur, patrol members respond quickly. They provide rescue and first aid, a vital role that only patrol members can fulfill. Beyond that, they also manage the slope conditions and relay information about temperature, wind direction, snowfall, and snow quality to the visitors.
Tonbei: "Before joining the patrol, I only imagined it would be a job dealing with injured people. But I've learned that our role involves managing slope conditions, providing information, interacting with guests, and managing avalanches—there's a lot more to it."
Among the various tasks, one routine job is setting up course poles. The poles and nets seen throughout the resort are all installed by the patrol. They are not set up once and left; the patrol team go around and change the poles positions, daily depending on snow conditions and course requirements.
GAN: "Poles are used to mark courses. Without them, we would have to be stationed at those points ourselves. The poles take our place, and we have to set them up day after day. Even though the locations change, the sense of purpose and satisfaction from the work remains."
Reasons to work as a Patrol
To work as a patrol member, one needs advanced skiing skills and the ability to handle various slope conditions. However all Patrol members come from diverse backgrounds and have different levels of experience. We asked them why they chose to work as patrols and about their experiences.
Kurometto: "I was inspired by firefighters and the coast guards, and I was interested in working in a job related to skiing, which I enjoyed. To become a ski patrol, skills were required but since I was hired I’ve been learning everyday.
Tonbei: "I’m not from a snowy region, but I loved skiing and wanted to work in the mountains. It was a job I had dreamed of doing since my childhood."
GAN: "I remember my first impression as a rookie when I wore the patrol uniform with the cross on the back. I thought, 'Can I really wear this?' Seeing myself in the mirror, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness."
The fulfillments of working as a Patrol
Despite the differences in age, patrol members at Goryu have a close-knit team spirit and work together to improve the ski resort. Some staff have worked here for over 17 years! When asked about their sense of fulfilment, their answers highlighted what makes working at Hakuba Goryu special.
Kurometto: "When someone I helped comes back and shows their smile, it confirms that what we do is meaningful. We also run a patrol blog, so knowing people read it adds to our sense of purpose."
GAN: "Wearing the patrol uniform allows us to interact with guests in various ways, which is enjoyable."
The patrol's role is to maintain the slopes in good condition and provide a great experience for guests. This involves service and hospitality, and communication with guests is essential. Many staff members find it rewarding to work in nature, surrounded by snow-covered mountains while enjoying skiing.
GAN: "The location is spectacular. Every day the scenery changes, and even after many years, you can still encounter breathtaking moments."
Kurometto: "I love being outdoors, so the fact that my job involves constantly moving around the resort is fulfilling."
Tonbei: "Being an alpine skier, I enjoy seeing various styles of skiing, from freeride to aerial. The patrol team is friendly, and despite age differences, we get along well, whether we’re playing with kids or spending our days off together."
Everyone shares a pure desire to convey the joy of skiing. Patrols work to eliminate dangers to ensure that guests have a safe and enjoyable experience. By communicating their activities, they contribute to creating a better ski resort and making the slopes more enjoyable. They believe that their efforts make the slopes more exciting and are dedicated to heading up the mountain each day.
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