With special permission and support from ARV and BSL, Mt Buller Mt Stirling Ski Patrollers this year have introduced Chilli – in training to become an official ski patroller.
Usually dogs are not allowed in the ‘National Park’ without special permits, so it has taken a little time to get Chilli’s status in place.
Mt Buller recently welcomed its new trainee to the ski patrol this winter in a pioneering program providing emotional support to patrollers and guests.
Chilli is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever and is only about five months old at this stage and has just started her training.
She was chosen for this role as her breed of dog is known for its hardiness, double coat and love of playing, running, alertness and strong work drive.
The training includes ‘therapy dog training’ which will allow her to assist in rescues on the snow and supporting both patrollers and skiers/snowboarders or just snow lovers visiting the mountain.
Chilli's introduction was posted on the Buller Facebook page from her handlers Tess Hainville and Campbell Allen Craig.
Her two handlers are experienced ski patrollers and l 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 Tess.
“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.”
“There is a growing body of research showing how therapy dogs can help people in stressful situations; an 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 is only in the early stages of her training however we are already seeing the potential for how she may be able to assist our guests and the patrol team. The response from the staff on mountain is overwhelmingly positive and our hope is that Chilli will play a role in boosting morale and provide support for our team as well as the public.”
At her first time in the snow on the King's Birthday weekend Tess said Chilli loved the snow and spent the first few days sniffing everything and getting familiar with her new surroundings.
“It was wonderful seeing her take to the snow so happily and revelling in catching snowflakes. We had a couple of runs on Bourke Street before the public got out skiing, with her learning to run on the snow between our skis and she even managed her first ride on the chairlift quite calmly,” Tess explained.
“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.”
As a patrol support Chilli loves walking or running between the legs of her trainers and will be moving around the mountain with them as part of her training.
This is one of the riskier activities on the snow given how sharp ski and board edges are.
Her short training sessions allow her to build her still young developing joints.
Also part of Chilli’s training this season in particular – is having fun – to ride a skidoo – welcoming her training in socializing.
Chilli was introduced to the mountain at just five months old and is the first canine member of the Paw Patrol.
She can be recognised by her red ski patrol harness.
Undergoing training this season she will further her training over the summer break of 2025-26 before hopefully returning to the slopes – fully fledged as a ski patrol assistant.
Manager of the Mt Buller Ski Patrol, Ed Mahon, also posted his message ont he Facebook page - "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.," Ed said.
"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,” he said.
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.
"She definitely has a fan club already and our team love to see her out in her red jacket with Tess and Campbell."
"She has a gentle and calm disposition and already seems to be settling into her ‘job’ up here,” said resort spokesperson Rhylla Morgan.
“Mt Buller is very proud of the 75 years of continuous contribution the Ski Patrol has made to our community.
Tess and Campbell are blazing a new trail that we are all very excited to see succeed and Chilli’s training has the full ‘suppawt’ of the lift company and the resort management.
"We all wish Chilli the best as she settles in and brings comfort to everyone she meets,” she added.
Tess and Campbell did extensive research before settling on the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever as the breed they wanted to work with.
Chilli is a dog that has been bred with the qualities and physical characteristics to suit her role including a water-repellent double coat of medium length and a soft dense undercoat.
They are known as curious and intelligent dogs with a strong work drive that get along well with children.
‘Tollers’, as the breed are known, also love water which is a good fit as Tess is a marine scientist spending much time in the ocean during the summer months.
Both Tess and Campbell are keen divers and enjoy time on and in the water when they are not up on snow.
Tess and Campbell met patrolling together 10 years ago, got engaged on the Mt Buller summit and are now happily married, with Chilli a welcome addition to their family. Follow Chilli’s journey on her Instagram @red_hot_chilli_dog and look out for her when you are next visiting Mt Buller.
She’s very cute but please ask Tess and Campbell before approaching Chilli – she’s learning and working!
