I am writing to express my family’s profound gratitude for the professionalism, skill, and care of the Park City Mountain ski patrol team. Their dedication and expertise saved my arm — and likely my life — after a severe skiing accident on March 8.
Early that morning, I hit an ice patch, lost control, and crashed into a tree. The impact left me upside down in a tree well, unable to move, with my arm broken and twisted 360 degrees.
Within minutes, five ski patrollers arrived with a sled, a toboggan, and a snowmobile. And importantly, they rendered expert medical care assessing and immobilizing my mangled arm to limit internal bleeding and nerve damage. Their swift response and expertise ensured I was stabilized and transported off the mountain with remarkable efficiency. I arrived at the University of Utah’s trauma center in less than an hour!
The expertise and compassion these patrollers demonstrated during one of the scariest moments of my life were extraordinary. Their calm demeanor and clear communication reassured me and my husband during this terrifying ordeal.
Without their immediate intervention, the outcome could have been far worse.
This experience sealed our decision to move to Utah, drawn by the care and commitment of this community. It wasn’t Vail Resorts or its corporate offices in Colorado that welcomed us — it was the ski patrol, whose dedication to my care, safety and health reflects the true spirit of Utah.
It is troubling to see these essential workers struggle for a modest wage increase.
Their life-saving work deserves this recognition and much more. We stand in solidarity with them, grateful for their extraordinary service that has touched lives and strengthened our community.
Christina and Xavier Amador, Park City
