Ski Patrol Insights: Breaking Barriers and Ensuring Safety with Janna Allen

Welcome to season four of the Ski Moms podcast!
Become a paid subscriber on Substack to listen ad-free

In this episode Nicole and Sarah interview Janna Allen, Ski Patrol Director at Brundage Mountain in Idaho. Janna shares her journey from a ski-loving child to a professional snowboarder and eventually a ski patrol leader. 

We learn about what it means to be a Ski Patrol Director, overseeing ski patrol operations, including the use of explosives for avalanche control and managing medical emergencies on the mountain. Janna discusses the daily challenges of ski patrol, from unpredictable schedules to handling serious injuries. She emphasizes the importance of flexibility in hiring and scheduling to attract and retain women in ski patrol, noting that at Brundage, 42% of patrollers are women, compared to the national average of 23%. 

We discuss the qualifications needed for ski patrol, such as Outdoor Emergency Care certification or EMT training, and the physical skills required to operate rescue toboggans. Janna offers valuable safety tips for skiers and snowboarders, including the importance of pre-season fitness, knowing emergency contact numbers, and following the skier's responsibility code. 

We loved learning about the apres ski scene in McCall, Idaho,  which includes activities like hockey, snowmobiling to hot springs, a

If your child lives for trail time and is constantly pushing limits on two wheels, we’ve found the summer experience that checks every box. Woodward PA’s Mountain Bike Camp is redefining what an action sports camp can be — blending epic adventure with professional coaching and a whole lot of fresh air.

Ski Moms can save $150 off summer camp. Use code skimoms www.woodwardpa.com/summer-camps/moun

Opening June 20, Portillo Chile is one of the most iconic ski destinations in the world—gorgeous, uncrowded, and incredibly easy for families since everything’s right on-site.

Ski Moms listeners get 10% off stays from June 20 to August 1.

Email reservations@skiportillo.com and mention SKIMOMS.

Spring family fun in Ulster County:

• Earth Fest at the Ashokan Center/April 19
• Kingston Point Beach for the Hudson Valley Kite Festival /May 17, 
• Hudson Valley Faerie Festival/May 30 

For more ways to get outside together this spring, head to VisitUlsterCountyNY.com and start planning your spring getaway.

Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:
 👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club