February 10, 2024 | Helly Hansen
THANK YOU FOR KEEPING THE SLOPES SAFE
On February 10, 2024, we celebrate ski patrollers around the globe on International Ski Patrol Day. This is an opportunity to say thanks to patrollers everywhere, making some noise on the day at our resorts around the globe, and on the slopes.
THE SKI PATROL UNIFORM
A SYMBOL OF SAFETY
We work with ski patrollers at resorts worldwide to ensure we understand their specific needs, enabling us to create apparel and gear that performs well in all conditions and scenarios. In this article, we're breaking down the anatomy of some of our recently redesigned uniforms to give you a deeper look into the key aspects of patroller uniforms and the considerations that went into the development process.
Ski patrol uniforms are an important aspect of a ski patrol team's appearance. They serve as a symbol of safety on the slopes and help identify the patrol team to skiers and snowboarders. A uniform appearance helps to establish trust and confidence in the ski patrol's abilities, ensuring that everyone knows that they can turn to the patrol team for assistance and first aid if needed.
THE ANATOMY OF A SKI PATROL UNIFORM
Ski patrollers at different resorts have different preferences and needs for the uniforms we create for them. Through the development process, we consider the characteristics of the resort and activities, as well as the typical weather conditions and local safety measures. This season, based on our longstanding relationship with the Vail Resorts team and employees, we have redesigned their uniforms with a focus on safety, performance, and sustainability. Here's a rundown of the key aspects of the new uniforms.
SAFETY
The safety of ski patrollers was an important consideration during the development process. To enhance visibility in low light conditions, the jacket features a high visibility brim with reflective hits all the way around for 360 degrees. This makes patrollers easily visible on the mountain, especially during dawn and dusk.
PERFORMANCE
The ski patrol uniform is designed with performance in mind. The jacket features a fully adjustable helmet-compatible hood with high visibility and reflectivity, stretch panels, and an added neck gusset, enabling the hood to easily be taken on or off without having to unzip the jacket. Stretch panels have been added to the sides, neck, and back for ease of use and heat evaporation. The jacket also features multiple pockets, including a radio pocket with both vertical and horizontal access points, lapel mic loops, and an insulated chest pocket that keeps cell phones alive longer in cold weather. Additionally, the jacket has snaps at the cuffs for customisation and to reduce wear on the Velcro.
The pants are made of the same durable and recycled nylon material as the jacket. The pants feature removable and adjustable suspenders, micro-adjustment at the waist, belt loops, and four-pocket detail on the front. The two lower pockets are bellowed cargo pockets with reinforcement at the knees and lower cuff as a ski guard. The pants also have ventilation zippers on the inner thigh and a fully adjustable and customisable knee pad pocket. Both leg length and waist size can be adjusted for a customised fit. The back of the pants is cut higher for extra protection and comfort during sled rides.
SUSTAINABILITY
When developing the ski patrol uniform program, sustainability was a key area of focus. Design updates include a lighter and more durable fabric, integration of recycled materials wherever possible, a PFC-free durable water-repellent treatment for all waterproof and water-resistant pieces, and the use of solution-dyed materials, which reduces water usage in the production process by 75%.
Wherever they're patrolling this winter and seasons to come, we're proud to work with patrollers around the globe to deliver gear fit for purpose, so they can keep us safe and skiing on the slopes.
