By Brian Low, FIPS Secretary (brian.low@fips-skipatrol.org)
Four years ago, the Canadian Ski Patrol presented a proposal to the Fédération Internationale des Patrouilles de Ski (FIPS) to host the 2024 FIPS World Congress in Canada. That year, Sweden was successful in being selected to host the World Congress. However, given the high quality of the CSP proposal, it was offered “first refusal” to host in 2026. The CSP agreed and in 2024, was selected to host the XXV World Congress in 2026.
After what has been four years of planning, and two in a very focused way, the CSP is prepared to host the global ski patrol community at Big White Ski Resort near Kelowna, British Columbia, March 27 to April 3. Approximately 150 patrollers from 12 countries of the 18 FIPS national member countries will be attending the event.
The CSP is responsible for all logistics to support the congress from registration, resort liaison, airport greeting and shuttles, special tours, equipment and supplies to support both lectures and on snow sessions.
FIPS is responsible to develop the actual program to be presented. FIPS has seven special interest groups (SIGs), focused on avalanche, medical, people with disabilities, rescue dogs, risk management, FIS liaison and technology. Each SIG coordinator works with an international community to select current topics, identify and contact global leaders and subject matter experts to present at FIPS. The congress has a focus on professional development, and information shared often leads to improvements in patrol procedures and protocols around the world when reviewed by member organizations. The program and topics being presented at the congress, along with the presenter information may be viewed here*.
Of course, when ski patrollers come together there must be skiing and social times. Lifelong friendships have emerged from FIPS world congresses, and memorable skiing adventures provide stories to take home and share for years. There is also a small bit of competitive spirit to be displayed when there is the “toboggan challenge,” a controlled, safe, descent while driving a loaded toboggan with patroller on tail rope. Of course, it is not a race. This event was first run in 2014 at the World Congress also held at Big White.
FIPS represents the best of patrolling as reflected by the Canadian Ski Patrol with its ethos of professionalism, passion and pride. FIPS also reflects this along with a level of camaraderie only found within the ski patrol community.
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