Its not about surveillance, its about the consequences of behavior that is a danger to others. How often does a ski patroller pull a pass when the person in question is out of control and/or has hit someone?
As most of you know, Liam and I work at the same spot, and I have not pulled a pass in 3 years. I have given a lot of lectures (generally to the younger set) prepared to pull the pass if I get any attitude. If they have gotten the message and look like they are going to put it into practice, they are off the hook. But, it pretty much never happens that we are standing right there when one skier clocks another.
Most of us don't relish the role of traffic cop - I know I don't. There are some patrollers who really love to try to catch people poaching closed trails etc. If someone is merely putting themselves at risk, I generally won't intervene unless a kid is involved. They haven't earned the right to make all their own decisions yet (not that they won't suffer the consequences). Of course, I also know who is going to be up all night searching for the person who hits a tree in the middle of the woods and doesn't show up at the lodge at closing time.
It would be impossible for the patrol (or anyone else at a ski area) to catch everyone skiing out of control, just as (thankfully) it is impossible for the traffic cops to catch everyone who speeds. When we catch them, they are reminded of their responsibility. If they don't get it, the pass is gone. It's another use for those EMT shears.
Liam, I pity the boarder, messing with the 'Irish Mafia'. Did Shorty learn a think or two about hooks and jabs?
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