The Four Main Commands
“Traverse”
The patroller in the handles asking if it is safe to traverse across the slope.
(The only command spoken by the patroller in the handles)
“Clear”
The patroller in the tail informing the patroller in the handles that the slope is clear of obstructions and it is safe to start the traverse across the slope.
“Fall Line”
After the traverse, the patroller in the tail informing the patroller in the handles that the tail is aligned with the fall line of the toboggan.
“Around”
The patroller in the tail informing the patroller in the handles that the patroller in the tail has completed the transition and is pointing their skis to the center of the slope.
(Snowboarders may not transition in the fall line. Even though they may not have performed a transition, to inform the patroller in the handles that they are ready to traverse, snowboarders in the tail still yell “Around”.)
Other Commands
“Ready”
The patroller in the handles asking the guest and the patroller in the tail if they are ready to proceed.
“Stop”
Can be used by either patroller to indicate a need to stop for any reason.
“Run it out”
The patroller in the handles telling the patroller in the tail that they are going to stop traversing and proceed straight down the slope.
IMPORTANT!
After the patroller in the handles yells “Traverse” and the slope is not clear, the patroller in the tails says NOTHING or “STOP!” It’s very difficult to hear while in the handles. If the patroller in the tail says, “Not clear”, “No”, or any other command to indicate that it is not safe to traverse, the patroller in the handles may misinterpret the command.
The sound of the toboggan, skis, snowboards, and lifts can be very loud. It’s important to yell commands louder than you think is necessary.
Be sure to use only these commands while transporting a guest.