The Program
Aspen Highlands Boot Packing
Program
2010 - 2011 Season
During the fall of 2010 the Aspen Highlands Ski Patrol will be accepting volunteers to assist us with pre-season snow compaction efforts in the Highland Bowl and on the frontside. Here are the details.
THE WORK
♦ Boot and ski compaction at the ski area involves long days spend outside in severe winter conditions at high altitude. The work is extremely strenuous and is comparable to mountaineering. All the inherent risks of that sport are here also, including falls or possible avalanche involvement.
♦ Snowboarders are allowed to participate with the understanding they will not be used during 'ski-packing' days unless they use skis. Approximately 15% of the total time is spent ski packing. These days may be planned or spontaneous as weather and snow pack dictate.
THE SCHEDULE
♦ During the early season (pre-Highlands opening) we will be working Monday to Saturday from 8am till 4:30pm, weather permitting.
♦ Packing will begin when snow depths at timberline are 1.5-2 feet. Due to this requirement, dates of operations may begin or end at any time. In the past several years, we have begun mid November and finished by December 15th.
♦ Assuming favorable weather conditions, the job will last between 4 and 5 weeks. It is up to the individual to fit the required hours in the time available.
♦ Some week days, we will not work to perform scheduled yearly training of staff, OR to perform Avalanche Control work as required.
THE COMPENSATION
♦ Volunteer members of the boot packing team will be compensated with a ski pass trade only using voucher dollars. Volunteers are not employees of the Aspen Skiing Company therefore they will be required to sign releases indicating that fact. There is no Workman's Compensation coverage for this pass trade labor.
Packing for Pass Guidelines:
♦ Value of a complete day of packing is 100 pass voucher dollars.
♦ Voucher dollars are awarded only after completion of a minimum of 5 days. IMPORTANT!!... 5 day minimum required for compensation to be rewarded
♦ A complete day is equal to 8 hours of work with a break for lunch.
♦ Only at the end of a completed term greater than 5 days will packers receive voucher dollars that can be used to purchase Pass products from ASC offerings based on individual super early season pass prices. Note: Packers may add cash to the voucher dollars to purchase their choice of a pass. In the case of voucher dollars exceeding the value of the pass choice, no reimbursement will be made.
♦ Packers who participate for 15 complete days of work will be awarded a full Premier pass, and packers who complete 8 days will be rewarded a Flex pass or 800 voucher dollars.
♦ Complete days do not have to be consecutive to qualify.
♦ The award program will be based on actual work available depending on the duration of the packing program, with no guarantee of the amount of work available.
♦ Volunteers who do not reach the minimum 5 day milestone will not receive any voucher dollars.
♦ There will be no day tickets exchanged for complete days worked.
♦ Voucher Dollars cannot be used for Classic Passes OR in conjunction with a Chamber Discount
THE GEAR
♦ Mandatory - Avalanche rescue beacon broadcasting at 457mhz.
♦ A vibram soled boot is required. Alpine touring boots, telemark boots or stiff snowboard boots are the ideal footwear.
♦ Full winter clothing able to withstand entire days outside.
♦ Packers are responsible for their own lunch and water and must have a suitable backpack for carrying personal gear.
♦ Skis and boards will likely be damaged due to traveling over low snow depth terrain. Bring "rock" gear. Ask if you don't understand this.
♦ An ice axe, skins and AT bindings a plus but not necessary.
INJURY
♦ THE CHANCE OF INJURY EXISTS. AGAIN, YOU ARE NOT COVERED BY WORKMAN'S COMPENSATION.