Heidi's mom had encouraged her over the years to consider joining the ski patrol, the group responsible for safety, first aid and rescue on the hill. The winter following our marriage we approached members of the patrol at Clearfork and asked about joining. The following winter she had completed her first aid certification courses and was accepted as a candidate.
Heidi did quite well, and since I participated in the training along with her, I decided to apply and was accepted as a candidate the following year, 1977, as Heidi passed her basic patroller test and became a full member of the National Ski Patrol. The following year I passed my tests and we were both Saturday evening fixtures on the slopes during the following winter months.
Heidi remained an active member of the ski patrol for twenty-six years. I lasted nine before my increasing disability forced me to resign. In honesty, we were both surprised I was able to pass the skiing test. It took a lot of hard work and practice as well as thoughtful interpretation of the intent of some of the required tests by the testers. I'd like to think I was an asset during those years. I sure enjoyed them.