Chairlift Chat Series: Season 2 Episode 1
Ski Patrol at Deer Valley
Published March 3, 2025
In Season 2 Episode 1 of the Chairlift Chat Series, join Todd Bennett, President & COO of Deer Valley Resort, as he rides the chairlift with Devon De Anda Alvarez, a Ski Patroller at Deer Valley who has helped create the resort’s popular Ski Patrol safety videos. With over a million views across social media, Devon’s videos blend education and entertainment to help guests stay safe on the mountain.
Whether you’ve seen the safety videos or just want to learn more about the dedicated patrollers behind the scenes, this episode offers a unique look at Deer Valley’s commitment to skier safety.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Short on time? Dive into our highlights at a glance!
TURNING A CHALLENGE INTO A PASSION
Devin didn’t start skiing until after college, making his journey to ski patrol unique. Learning without patient instructors made it tough, but once he grasped the fundamentals, the sport became enjoyable. His story is a great reminder that it’s never too late to start skiing and fall in love with the sport.
A CALLING TO HELP: FROM EMT TO SKI PATROL
Before joining Deer Valley, Devin worked in emergency medical services. His background as an EMT helped him transition into ski patrol, where he focuses on reducing guest anxiety in stressful situations. His calm presence is key to ensuring injured skiers feel secure and well cared for.
LEADING THE NEXT GENERATION OF PATROLLERS
Now in a leadership role, Devin takes pride in mentoring new ski patrollers. His focus is on training them to not only respond to emergencies but to provide exceptional guest service. He sees his job as more than just enforcing safety—it’s about creating a welcoming environment for both guests and staff.
THE DEER VALLEY CULTURE MAKES SAFETY SECOND NATURE
At Deer Valley, safety and service are part of the resort’s DNA. Devin explains that new patrollers quickly absorb this culture because they’re surrounded by a team that values guest experience. Upholding this tradition is both an honor and a responsibility for him.
SAFETY MESSAGES WITH A TOUCH OF HUMOR
Devin is well-known for his role in Deer Valley’s ski safety videos, which creatively convey critical messages. His favorite? A sledding safety video where he got to jump off a cornice. These videos make safety engaging, ensuring guests absorb important information while having a laugh.
"SKI LIKE YOU CARE" – A SIMPLE YET POWERFUL MESSAGE
A key initiative for Deer Valley’s safety efforts is encouraging skiers to “ski like you care.” This means being mindful of others, giving plenty of space, and considering the comfort level of those around you. It’s a simple way to make the slopes safer for everyone.
THE DEER VALLEY DIFFERENCE
Despite countless ski resorts across North America, Devin stays at Deer Valley because of the family-like atmosphere. He describes the team as a close-knit group that supports one another, making every day on the mountain special.
DEER VALLEY SETTING INDUSTRY FIRSTS
Devin takes pride in being part of a resort that continues to push boundaries. Deer Valley made history by opening new terrain and a new lift on its busiest day, December 31, 2024—an unprecedented feat in the ski industry. The team’s enthusiasm for such milestones showcases their dedication and passion.
BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER
Deer Valley’s commitment to safety isn’t just about protocols and rules—it’s about culture, community, and care. Devin’s journey from learning to ski later in life to leading a team of patrollers is a testament to the resort’s spirit of excellence. Whether it’s through safety videos, hands-on training, or simply fostering a supportive environment, he embodies what makes Deer Valley special. Skiing here isn’t just about great runs—it’s about great people ensuring an exceptional experience.
rich-text, responsive-table
In Season 2 Episode 1 of the Chairlift Chat Series, join Todd Bennett, President & COO of Deer Valley Resort, as he rides the chairlift with Devon De Anda Alvarez, a Ski Patroller at Deer Valley who has helped create the resort’s popular Ski Patrol safety videos. With over a million views across social media, Devon’s videos blend education and entertainment to help guests stay safe on the mountain.
Whether you’ve seen the safety videos or just want to learn more about the dedicated patrollers behind the scenes, this episode offers a unique look at Deer Valley’s commitment to skier safety.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Short on time? Dive into our highlights at a glance!
TURNING A CHALLENGE INTO A PASSION
Devin didn’t start skiing until after college, making his journey to ski patrol unique. Learning without patient instructors made it tough, but once he grasped the fundamentals, the sport became enjoyable. His story is a great reminder that it’s never too late to start skiing and fall in love with the sport.
A CALLING TO HELP: FROM EMT TO SKI PATROL
Before joining Deer Valley, Devin worked in emergency medical services. His background as an EMT helped him transition into ski patrol, where he focuses on reducing guest anxiety in stressful situations. His calm presence is key to ensuring injured skiers feel secure and well cared for.
LEADING THE NEXT GENERATION OF PATROLLERS
Now in a leadership role, Devin takes pride in mentoring new ski patrollers. His focus is on training them to not only respond to emergencies but to provide exceptional guest service. He sees his job as more than just enforcing safety—it’s about creating a welcoming environment for both guests and staff.
THE DEER VALLEY CULTURE MAKES SAFETY SECOND NATURE
At Deer Valley, safety and service are part of the resort’s DNA. Devin explains that new patrollers quickly absorb this culture because they’re surrounded by a team that values guest experience. Upholding this tradition is both an honor and a responsibility for him.
SAFETY MESSAGES WITH A TOUCH OF HUMOR
Devin is well-known for his role in Deer Valley’s ski safety videos, which creatively convey critical messages. His favorite? A sledding safety video where he got to jump off a cornice. These videos make safety engaging, ensuring guests absorb important information while having a laugh.
"SKI LIKE YOU CARE" – A SIMPLE YET POWERFUL MESSAGE
A key initiative for Deer Valley’s safety efforts is encouraging skiers to “ski like you care.” This means being mindful of others, giving plenty of space, and considering the comfort level of those around you. It’s a simple way to make the slopes safer for everyone.
THE DEER VALLEY DIFFERENCE
Despite countless ski resorts across North America, Devin stays at Deer Valley because of the family-like atmosphere. He describes the team as a close-knit group that supports one another, making every day on the mountain special.
DEER VALLEY SETTING INDUSTRY FIRSTS
Devin takes pride in being part of a resort that continues to push boundaries. Deer Valley made history by opening new terrain and a new lift on its busiest day, December 31, 2024—an unprecedented feat in the ski industry. The team’s enthusiasm for such milestones showcases their dedication and passion.
BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER
Deer Valley’s commitment to safety isn’t just about protocols and rules—it’s about culture, community, and care. Devin’s journey from learning to ski later in life to leading a team of patrollers is a testament to the resort’s spirit of excellence. Whether it’s through safety videos, hands-on training, or simply fostering a supportive environment, he embodies what makes Deer Valley special. Skiing here isn’t just about great runs—it’s about great people ensuring an exceptional experience.
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Continue Exploring the Chairlift Chat Series:
S 1, Ep 1: Mountain Operations
S 1, Ep 2: Skier Services
S 1, Ep 3: Food & Beverage
S 1, Ep 4: Human Resources
S 1, Ep 5: History & Hospitality
S 2, Ep 1: Ski Patrol
S 1, Ep 1: Mountain Operations
S 1, Ep 2: Skier Services
S 1, Ep 3: Food & Beverage
S 1, Ep 4: Human Resources
S 1, Ep 5: History & Hospitality
S 2, Ep 1: Ski Patrol