SoCal Ski Patrol Asks for Help After Devastating Wildfire

Mountain High Ski Resort's patrol team is asking for donations via GoFundMe after two of its buildings and all of its rescue equipment were destroyed during the Bridge Fire in California.

View the original article to see embedded media.

“Patrol lost the patrol shack, our sleds, climbing rescue equipment,” the GoFundMe page reads. “All our tables and benches, tools, first aid kits, trauma bags, medical supplies, and so much more. Please if you have ever been helped by patrol, you know the importance.”

One of the buildings lost was REX. "[That was] our main bump shack. Where many memories have been made. Where candidates became Ski Patrollers. And where friends became family," Mountain High's patrol wrote in a social media post.

The patrol is asking for $100,000 in donations. So far, the GoFundMe has raised nearly $5,000. Mountain High’s patrol team is running the fundraiser without third-party involvement. The patrol aims to use the funds to reconstruct the lost buildings and purchase new equipment. They also asked for equipment donations from fellow patrols nationwide. “If you could donate a toboggan or lift evac bag, it would mean so much to us. Anything helps,” they wrote.

In the evening hours of September 10th, the enormous Bridge Fire crept into the resort boundaries of Mountain High, a Californian ski area. That night, webcam footage of the flame licking a chairlift terminal surfaced online, leading some to believe that the blaze had destroyed Mountain High .

However, the following day, Mountain High reported on Instagram that “all the main lifts and buildings survived with little to no damage.” A press release issued that same day noted that Mountain High is still assessing the damage but anticipates opening on time for the winter season. Six days ago, the resort confirmed that its wallride—a terrain park feature—was untouched by the Bridge Fire.

Video: Bridge Fire Engulfs Chairlift at Mountain High Resorts, California (9/10/24)

The Bridge Fire has burned nearly 55,000 acres and is 79% contained. According to an update published on the Cal Fire website yesterday, it has destroyed 81 structures and damaged 17. Five firefighters have been injured.

Mt. Baldy Resort, another Californian ski area, has also been affected by the Bridge Fire. While the blaze didn’t damage the ski area, it lost a considerable amount of summer operating revenue due to two fire-related closures, the first caused by the Vista Fire . Last week, Mt. Baldy encouraged local skiers to provide financial support by purchasing a discounted season pass . The ski area will be open this weekend for scenic lift rides, and a concert will be held at The Notch on Saturday, according to its website.

Related: Sleeping Giant Ski Area, WY Won't Open for Second Consecutive Season

Be the first to read breaking ski news with POWDER. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of skiing. From ski resort news to profiles of the world’s best skiers, we are committed to keeping you informed.

Submit your best clips for a chance to be featured on POWDER. Tune in and watch handpicked, high-quality ski videos streaming all day long on POWDER TV , and subscribe to our YouTube channel .