Sunny skies, blizzards, rain, strong winds... Ski patrols are on the snow whatever the conditions, ensuring safety within the ski resort. What kind of clothing do the patrols at Hakuba Happo-One wear every day and trust? We took a peek into their daily lives
Patrol work to ensure everyone's safety
Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort, located almost in the center of Hakuba Valley, is famous as the largest ski resort in Japan. Its total skiable area is 220 hectares, an area equivalent to about 44 Tokyo Domes, and is managed by a total of 27 patrol members, including part-timers
A while ago, the season was run with fewer staff members, but now, with the increase in off-piste areas such as Omusubi and Urakuro, an average of 15 staff members are involved in the work every day
A patrol day is as quick as you'd expect. When it's snowing heavily or there's avalanche management, they start even earlier, sometimes ascending from the base of the mountain on mobiles as early as 6:30. Usually, they board the gondola at 7:00 and head up to the patrol headquarters at the summit station. The meeting starts around 7:20. They share the previous day's details and get a grasp on the situation for that day and any dangerous areas. Team members patrol the slopes and check the routes for setting up signboards, then pair up and head off to the ski resort. The reporters accompanied team leader Ishihara Yoichiro
With power tools in hand, he expertly sets up flags and signboards with instructions such as "slow down" and "merge" in the designated locations. He spends 20 minutes working his way down the course from Panorama to Central, Shirakaba and along the gondola. He heads back to the same course, patrolling areas that haven't been visited before. After checking the course status with each team member over the radio, he gives the signal to the office that the course is open, and it's almost 8 o'clock
"The role of the patrol is to protect customers, staff, and everyone involved with the ski resort. When the weather is nice, things go smoothly, but when the weather is bad, there is more work to do and it takes longer."
Ishihara told us this as we went up in the gondola
Why is the appearance of clothing important?
The uniform worn by patrol staff in their daily work is Millet's "Typhon Warm Steep." It is waterproof and breathable, but is particularly good at wicking sweat, keeping them dry while they are on the move, while the brushed tricot lining keeps them warm. The flexible fabric is stretchy and easy to move in, making it popular
There are about 30 sets of patrol wear in total, each assigned to a staff member. These wears are used on snow for an average of about 100 days, from December to early May. What elements do they look for in clothing for such conditions? When I asked Ishihara, I got a surprising answer
"We place importance on functionality, but we also believe that appearance is equally important. This is because patrol work involves a lot of routine work, so it's a workplace where there are a lot of veterans. Day-to-day work goes smoothly, but it's undeniable that it's easy for thinking and technology updates to stagnate."
"Over the past 10 years, Happo-one has been trying new things, such as opening up ungroomed areas for snowballs and holding freeride competitions outside of managed areas."
"In order to accept and move forward with new things, we need to attract more and more young people with open minds. I think it's important for patrols to be seen as cool, and even though it looks tough, people aspire to it. This patrol wear has a clean, smart look, and yet it also has a good appearance and atmosphere. Furthermore, Millet is a partner of the Chamonix Mountain Guides Association, and they have a passion for the mountains, technical skills, and a constant pursuit of safety. It also matches the background and philosophy that the brand has cultivated."
Patrol wants more pockets
The Typhon Warm Steep has been well-received by staff for its ease of movement and good looks, but from a patrol perspective, it would be better if it had a few more pockets. The jacket has two large zippered pockets on the front, and the pants also have gusseted pockets..
"In the past, a waist pouch was enough. Nowadays, when you carry a backpack containing avalanche gear and rescue equipment, and carry a stopwatch, lighter, box cutter, pliers, radio, notepad, writing implements, and many other items, I understand the desire for smaller pockets. My jacket has two large pockets, but things tend to get mixed up inside. Of course, there's no problem with them for general use."
So, together with Mr. Ishihara, Millet created a special vest for the Happo-one Patrol, which is equipped with many pockets. It is made of the same Tyffon material as the clothing. It is easy to use and versatile enough to be used both indoors and outdoors, and Mr. Ishihara and the other staff members are very pleased with it
People interviewed
Yoichiro Ishihara, Patrol Leader at Hakuba Happo-one Ski Resort
He is a die-hard skier who patrols the entire area in his familiar racing boots and stiff, thin skis. He has been patrolling the Happo-one area for over 30 years and knows every nook and cranny
Special Thanks: Hakuba Happo-one Ski Resort
Information
MILLET
Official website: https://www.millet.jp/Official
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