"They" are the employees of the Ski Patrol of Titlis Bergbahnen AG. Around 20 people work for the Ski Patrol during the long winter season from October to May, and just half that number in summer. Their day often begins very early in the morning at 6 a.m., especially when they have to blast for avalanches to ensure that the slopes are clear by 8.30 a.m.

Weather permitting, the explosives are thrown out of a helicopter. This is more accurate than a remote-controlled detonation via blasting masts and safer than taking the 1.5 kg of explosives up the steep slopes on skis, igniting them and having just 90 seconds to seek refuge. On days when lots of fresh snow has fallen, the Ski Patrol carries out up to 50 blasts before the slopes are declared safe for guests.

This work must be recorded in detail. The employees of the Ski Patrol update the avalanche bulletin and enter all of the information in the databases of the Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research. They bring information boards to the site and switch on the hazard warning lights on particularly dangerous days. But even then, their work is far from over.

Before the slopes can be opened, they have to be inspected for so-called atypical dangers: Did the wind bring down barriers overnight?Has the padding around a metal pillar slipped out of place? Has rock come into view anywhere? In bad weather, the slopes must be marked out afresh according to the visibility conditions. The premise is clear – guests must always be able to find their way, even in poor visibility.

Once the slopes are open, the Ski Patrol employees move to their bases at Stand, Jochpass and Titlis. From there, they spread out on patrol across the entire ski area to ensure order and safety on the slopes throughout the day – and to assist with any accidents. The Ski Patrol carries out the initial assessment and decides whether transportation off the mountain will be via toboggan or the air rescue service, Rega. In the case of collisions, which are fortunately rare, the employees also gather information about the cause of the accident before then forwarding this to the police. The Ski Patrol records around 400 accidents resulting in injury every winter season. Far more common than back and head injuries are those to the knee or shoulder.

This data is also recorded and fed into the Snow GIS. The structured preparation of information means that the data can be analysed and assessed. This then reveals sensitive locations within the ski area where congestion or accidents arise more frequently, for example. The management of the slopes is then adapted accordingly – work may even take place during the summer to make certain sections of slope wider and safer. The Ski Patrol does the groundwork here.

In the afternoon, preparations begin for the next day. Snow coverage is analysed, weather forecasts are studied and fresh snowfall volumes are anticipated. For our Ski Patrol employees, the working day ends once all guests are safely down the mountain. Until early the next morning. Boom!