The sweetest new team member at Mt Buller has been unveiled and we are soooo excited.
A new ski patrol trainee who goes by the name of Chilli and is part of a pioneering program providing emotional support to patrollers and guests. Yes, that’s us, guests!
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Sweet Chilli (see what we did there), is a mere five months old and a breed of retriever perfect for therapy dogs that can help support first responders, living victims and anyone needing some comfort on mountain.
Her handlers are two experienced ski patrollers, Tess Hoinville and Campbell Allen-Craig who both share a life-long connection to the resort as third-generation Buller skiers with a deep passion for the sport, the community and their roles in the Ski Patrol.
“I’ve been interested in the role of therapy dogs for a while and after responding to challenging incidents which involved mental health support rather than physical trauma treatment, I saw the potential benefits,” explains Hoinville.
“I put together the research and a proposal to the resort to pioneer this program and I’m delighted that the community at Mt Buller has embraced it and come onboard to support a trial this winter.”
Hoinville also said that interaction with a dog causes us to release “happy hormones” (endorphins, oxytocin and serotonin) which reduces stress (cortisol levels), lowers heart rate, and provides overall feelings of well-being which can have great benefits in emergency rooms and first responder settings.
Chilli had her first experience on snow on the King’s Birthday long weekend when she started her alpine training based out of the Ski Patrol.
“Our focus in these early stages is all about her well-being as a young pup learning obedience and social skills in a unique environment. We’ll see how she goes this winter and if she enjoys it, and it suits her temperament and work drive, I am hopeful we can progress into therapy dog training and a future role for Chilli where she can comfort people in stressful situations.”
Ed Mahon, Manager of the Mt Buller Ski Patrol has welcomed the program, and Chilli.
“As our Patrol celebrates a significant 75 year anniversary this year it’s fitting that we embrace new ways to support our guests, and our team. The work of the Patrol is sometimes stressful as we care for patients, comfort lost children and conduct search and rescue operations. It will be interesting to see how Chilli’s presence and training can support us all.
There is a long history of dogs being part of Ski Patrol work around the world in a range of roles including avalanche rescue and therapy roles. Chilli is the first canine member of the Mt Buller Ski Patrol to pull on a red jacket and hopefully it’s a successful trial and she might not be the last.”
Chilli has only been in training on mountain for a couple of weeks however is already a popular figure and is spreading joy as she learns and explores the mountain.
Follow Chilli’s journey on her Instagram @red_hot_chilli_dog and look out for her when you are next visiting Mt Buller.
