Industry News
Big White Ski Resort in British Columbia is hosting the world’s top ski patrol professionals this week as more than 155 delegates from 12 countries gather for the Fédération Internationale des Patrouilles de Ski (FIPS) 25th World Congress — the second time Big White has hosted the congress, and the first time in North America since 2014.
Running March 27 to April 3 and hosted by the Canadian Ski Patrol (CSP), the congress is the premier international forum for advancing mountain safety, bringing together frontline experts from North America, Europe, and South America to share tactics, test techniques, and set new benchmarks for ski patrol operations worldwide.
“It is a tremendous honor to welcome the world’s top ski patrol delegates back to Big White. This congress is a testament to our commitment to mountain safety and the incredible work of ski patrollers worldwide. To have that happening here speaks to the strength of Big White, our team and our community,” Michael J. Ballingall, senior vice-president of Big White Ski Resort, said.
Throughout the week, delegates are taking part in high-impact on-snow training and workshops led by seven FIPS special interest groups: Avalanche, Medical, People with Disabilities, FIS Liaison, Risk Management, Rescue Dog, and Technology. Sessions cover avalanche and snow-immersion rescue, emergency medical response, adaptive snow sports, rescue dog operations, and emerging safety technologies.
“Big White Ski Resort also offers tremendous opportunities to enjoy the social interaction of patrollers and great skiing in Western Canada. FIPS wishes to thank the Canadian Ski Patrol for hosting this World Congress and Big White Ski Resort for providing such a wonderful venue for hosting meetings and the wide variety of terrain for on snow sessions. Ski patrol organizations around the world will benefit from the information sharing and practical learning at this congress,” FIPS president Marie Nordgren said.
As a founding member of FIPS, the Canadian Ski Patrol is proud to mark the milestone 25th congress on home soil. “The snow conditions have been excellent for our on-snow professional development sessions. The hospitality and service provided by Big White have been outstanding and allowed us to focus on the sharing of skills and knowledge, which will benefit skiers and snowboarders around the world in creating a safe environment for them,” said Mike Palamarek, board chair of the CSP. “What’s learned on this mountain this week will make ski areas safer globally.”
Big White‘s terrain has served as a live training ground for advanced real-world scenarios, reinforcing the resort’s standing as a leader in mountain safety and operations. The congress has also delivered a welcome boost to the local tourism economy — and winter has played its part. Temperatures remained below freezing throughout the week, with steady snowfall providing ideal conditions for hands-on training in the true Okanagan alpine.
