By Brian Low, National Life Member No. 63 and Canadian FIPS Delegate (brian.low@skipatrol.ca)
As patrollers, we consider our assigned patrol and resort as our home. We are aware we are part of a zone, a division and ultimately part of this amazing national organization called the Canadian Ski Patrol. But did you know there is more? We have ski patrol colleagues in many countries around the world who also are “professional, passionate and proud” to be a ski patroller. And better yet, we are connected to most of them! You can learn, ski and develop friendships with these patrollers through another incredible organization – FIPS!
The Fédération internationale des patrouilles de ski (FIPS) is an international organization representing ski patrol and associated ski safety organizations, with membership from around the world. These patrol and safety organizations comprise full-time and volunteer ski patrollers, doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers, technicians, ski equipment instructors, ski area managers, etc., who are involved in the multi-disciplinary activities of ski patrolling and safety.
The foundation of FIPS can be traced back prior to 1979 when the first meeting was held in Calgary, Canada. The CSP is a founding member of FIPS. The first president of FIPS was CSP member Mark Labow (CSP Life Member No. 6). Although there were many ski patrols in existence at that time, there was very little communication between them. Patrollers who had the opportunity to ski in other countries noticed differences and also some commonality in procedures and standards relative to their own. In addition, accident prevention programs were being implemented in some countries but not in others. A number of countries did not have a national ski patrol organization.
FIPS was created as the world forum for ski patrollers to meet, exchange ideas and compare the latest in patrol techniques on a regular basis. FIPS is supported by national patrol organizations, both large and small, to provide the necessary input and to offer potential solutions to patrolling issues.
Not all patrols gain the same benefits from FIPS. Indeed, there are many that give a lot more than they receive. This sharing is the essence of FIPS. As more and more countries join FIPS, the interchange of ideas can only improve the effectiveness of ski patrolling and, in turn, benefit the snow sports public.
FIPS exists due to the combined efforts of interested patrollers, individual ski patrols and national patrol organizations. With their help, FIPS will continue to grow in size and stature, and will continue to ensure patrollers deliver the best services possible to the skiing public.
FIPS, incorporated in Canada, has a board of directors representing the member countries, an elected president and an appointed volunteer secretariat of secretary and treasurer. There are officials appointed to assist with coordination within particular regions of the world and to manage specific aspects of the FIPS organisation. A FIPS executive committee takes care of day-to-day management of the organization. FIPS funding is from organization membership fees and by patroller attendance at the biennial congresses. There are special interest groups (SIGs), that include: medical, avalanche, technology, rescue dogs, disability, FIS liaison, and risk management that meet year-round, share information among members and plan programs for each world congress.
Since its inception, FIPS members have gathered approximately every two years for a congress at a ski resort in one of the member countries. These congresses provide an opportunity for ski patrollers from around the globe to learn from each other, grow together and benefit from each other’s experiences. Congresses have been held in Canada, the United States, Chile, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Scotland, Italy, Argentina, France, and in 2024, once again, in Sweden. At the congresses there are formal presentations, workshops, demonstrations, and discussion groups that have targeted specific areas of patrolling. Some of the topics covered have included skier safety, training and education, medical aspects, innovations, statistics, injury types, disabled skiers, avalanche, evacuation techniques, administration of drugs, cross-country and downhill patrolling, snowboard injuries, legal aspects, search and rescue, extended care, avalanche, updates from the various countries, etc. The FIPS board of directors also meets during each congress.
Current FIPS member countries include Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Finland, France, Italy, Japan, Norway, Romania, Serbia, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States.
In the coming 5/5 publications, I will share more information about FIPS, our upcoming World Congress in late April 2024, at Riksgränsen, Sweden’s northernmost and most legendary ski resort, 200 km north of the Arctic Circle. I will also let you know how you can become involved with FIPS in the future.