The Breckenridge Ski Patrol is conducting its annual gondola evacuation training today and is looking for volunteers from the public to participate. This is the first year they've invited the public to participate in the exercise.

According to Breckenridge Ski Resort spokeswoman Austyn Williams, it's a great way to observe and assist the professional patrollers as they conduct their regular training to safely evacuate the gondola.

The day begins at 9:30 a.m. at the base of the gondola and finishes at roughly noon. Breckenridge patrol will supply food and coffee in the morning and a barbecue lunch at the Ski Hill Grill following the training.

Patrol seeks up to 50 volunteers. Contact Duke Barlow at dbarlow@vailresorts.com or (970) 453-5000 for additional information or to sign up.