There is nothing like a day on the ski slopes at one of Utah’s world-class ski resorts. Whether you are plowing powder or skiing a well-groomed run the exhilaration of a day on the slopes is a day well spent. And if something happens to go wrong, well-trained ski patrol organizations are there to provide medical, and rescue services, as well as hazard prevention.

Utah Stories recently ran a story about Alta’s Old Wild Bunch, a group of senior skiers who have been enjoying the skiing at Alta for decades And now the 80-year history of Alta Ski Patrol comes to life in this Sweetgrass Productions documentary–capturing the story behind the birthplace of avalanche research in North America and what it takes to get the mountain open. Alta’s patrollers work hard to get the mountain open safely for the public.

“Alta’s Ski Patrol provides emergency first aid response and evacuation from the Alta Ski Area. It has also become known as the birthplace of avalanche research in North America and home to one of the most respected snow safety departments in the industry.

Alta Ski Patrol consists of over 80 men and women, with 20-30 working on most days. On mornings with significant overnight snowfall, that number can double.

Advanced medical services are provided by the Alta Medical Clinic and Salt Lake City area hospitals.” (From Alta’s website)

View the entire documentary here.