05 November 2003

Just when you thought there was nothing to look forward to for Christmas, along comes 'Al Pine', a new snow patroller toy from Fisher-Price.

Super buff and handy with an ice pick
Al is apparently an accomplished skier and snowboarder, traveling the slopes in search of stranded avalanche victims, ready to free them with his scary looking ice pick.

Al's ski and snowboard tips
A dead ringer for Buzz Lightyear, Al offers the following advice to the kids out there:
- "Slide smart! Make sure that you can avoid people in front of you"
- "Be sure your bindings are properly adjusted before you start"
- "Skiing and snowboarding are more fun when you can see. Always wear sunglasses or goggles."
- "Don't carry an ice-pick any heavier than your own body weight" (Okay, so we made that last one up)

Positive role model
Al is inspired by US National Ski Patrol (NSP) patrollers and a portion of the profits from each Al sold helps support the National Ski Patrol. NSP Executive Director Stephen Over optimistically noted “This role model will help deliver a positive message about our sport and profession to a new audience that may one day translate into new riders, as well as new members.”

On the other hand, can a toy be a role model?

[Source: Skipressnews]

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