WITH CODY SHEPPARD
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SFR: You realize you have a hell of a name for a ski patrol director at Ski Santa Fe.
CS:
Shepherding my flock down the mountain [chuckles]? I actually feel that way about some of the people who I've seen grow up on the mountain. I've been here long enough to watch kids from when they first got on skis until eventually they're working for me. That's very rewarding.
How long have you been on patrol?
A long time-on and off since the mid '70s.
How long has it been since you've seen snow like this?
You can take it back 20 to 25 years. It's phenomenal. From a business standpoint, it would have been nice if it was here at Christmas but, once it came, the amount of snow has been as good or better as I've ever seen it.
Has that translated into more people on the slopes?
As good as the snow has been, it's been too good at times-there are some people who have had a hard time just driving up the mountain. And then there's the phenomenon of the "fair-weather skier" who wants to wait until it's clear skies and perfect conditions. But the hardcore skiers love it like this-it's as good as it gets. Most years we're sitting here looking up at Colorado wishing we were them as they get [snow] in feet and we're getting it in inches. But the tables have turned this year.
Will the proposed new ski lift help accommodate more skiers?
I think the key to a master plan for a ski resort is that it's well-managed and well-balanced. It doesn't make sense to have more terrain if you don't have more lifts. For a long time we had people parking cars three miles away before we got the new parking lot. We also have the Chipmunk daycare center now…Little by little, every aspect of the mountain has really been upgraded. And we have something for everyone. There are the wider, gentler, groomed slopes for the beginners and then there's a lot of very advanced tree-skiing, mogul runs and steep chutes that can challenge even the best skiers.
What about the controversy surrounding the new lift?
I think the dire environmental predictions have been basically disproved. Frankly, I was offended by some of those claims. I certainly consider myself an environmentalist, but I'm also a realist. We all use resources. The key is finding efficient ways to use those resources and limit the impact on the environment. One thing I've been impressed with here is the emphasis on the ecology. We have a revegetation program, erosion care and a state-of-the-art water treatment plant…It's great to work for an organization that puts so much time and effort into taking care of the mountain.
Does more snow and more people mean more injuries?
We've had our share of rescues this year and not just in-bounds either. Just last week we rescued a guy who broke his leg in the Big Tesuque.
Have any battle scars of your own?
I have a few. If you do this for any length of time you'll have your share. I had both bones in my leg busted, a couple of knee sprains and a herniated disc in my back. But I stay active-doing triathlons, swimming, biking, rock-climbing-in the summer and that helps me keep in shape for when the season comes around again.
What causes most accidents?
Two things-lack of control and too much speed. You eliminate those and I'd pretty much be out of a job. Mario Andretti doesn't go through a school zone at 150 mph. You have to realize you're sharing the mountain with a lot of people. It's really a safe sport, but it can be as dangerous as you make it.
How dangerous do you make it?
On the ski patrol, you tend to be more cautious because you see first-hand what happens to people who don't take cautionary measures…But statistically you're more apt to get hurt or killed driving up to the mountain than skiing down it. I use that rationalization for a lot of risky things I do. Skiing. Rock-climbing. Sailing across the Sea of Cortez to Baja. People say 'Isn't that dangerous?' Not any more than sharing the road with some of the crazy drivers we have in this state.
Is extending the season a pain in the ass for employees?
Most of us love it enough that another week or two is just fine. The bigger the storm the more excited we are to be up here. All we can think about is those seven months when we aren't going to have any snow to play around in.
What other repercussions does this much snow have?
It's exciting to see a season like this…and not just because I'm finding lines that I've never skied. There are a lot of other benefits-reducing fire danger, filling reservoirs…and Santa Fe is going to be greener this summer than it has been in years.
Is being on the ski patrol anything like what we learned in Ski School?
There's an element of that but we're still working 40 hours a week. It's a beautiful environment to work in but it's still a job, even if it's on skis. When we're not patrolling, it's a lot of shoveling snow, hauling toboggans, moving ropes and pads and dealing with customers. It's a labor of love-not all just glorious fun in the powder. But you get enough of that to keep you coming back.
