How To Become A Pisteur (Bonus Episode #13)

In this Ski Podcast Special, Tom Greenall tells us how he qualified as a pisteur in France, allowing him to become one of the few Brits in the ski patrol. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout. ·       The first qualification required is a Fleche Vermillion, which he passed on his second attempt ·       Glen Plake has been coming to Chamonix since 1987 (this will be the first winter he's missed since then) ·       The Test Technique for the ski patrol took Tom four attempts: Puy St Vincent, then Chatel, Serre Chevalier and then finally passing at Puy St Vincent ·       The Premiere Secours Equipe Niveau 1 & 2 is the standard rescue industry first aid course ·       Tom’s Pisteur Course cost €3000 and took place in Les Orres ·       The course included knowledge of middle mountain environment; weather and snow awareness; Rules and Regulations; taking the PSE2 first aid to the ski patrol environment; sled (‘bloodwagon’ practice); avalanche practice ·       This concluded with exams on the two types of sled; an avalanche beacon search; a simple first aid case and a complex first aid case.  ·       You can listen to our interview with the producers of ‘Ski A&E’ in Val Thorens in Episode 43