Joining the National Ski Patrol

There's really no such thing as a typical ski patroller. Nevertheless, when you hear the words "ski patroller," you probably think of someone performing a mountainside rescue of an injured skier. The truth is, it takes all kinds to make this team. Emergency care is an important part of the mission of the National Ski Patrol. We educate. We communicate. We participate!

National Ski Patrol members are people with a strong desire to help others. People who want to learn - and use - emergency care skills, improve their skiing or snowboarding and help make mountain recreation safer for all. If this sounds like you, read on and find out how you can join this exclusive team.

Find Your Niche

Many ski areas depend on volunteer patrol members to meet their many needs. Other areas employ full-time or part-time paid patrollers, or use a combination of paid and volunteer staff to provide patrol services. We encourage you to contact the patrol directors at the ski and snowboard areas of your choice to get an idea of the specific qualifications and experience they are seeking for their patrollers. Although the national office may not know the patroller needs at a specific area, we can direct you to patrol directors near your location. In any case, the profile of the National Ski Patrol member is that of a person willing to work hard, devote many hours, and continually enhance personal knowledge and skills.

Work Hard, Play Hard

There's nothing more rewarding than putting in a hard day's work and having a good time doing it. The main objective of being a National Ski Patrol member is to support the area management function of caring for injured skiers and in making mountain recreation safer and more fun. But, there are many other benefits. You'll be a respected part of the industry. You'll perfect your skills. And you'll make friendships that will last a lifetime.

Gain The Advantages Of Higher Education

National Ski Patrol education programs offer you the chance to learn about emergency care, search and rescue, avalanche control, lift evacuation, mountaineering, toboggan handling, and other interesting topics! You'll test your knowledge and your skills with personalized support from your area and fellow patrollers. You'll also receive a free subscription to Ski Patrol Magazine, which provides timely information about emergency care techniques, skiing and snowboarding tips, association news, and more. NSP programs are an exciting challenge in the classroom and on the slopes!

Requirements

Advanced First Aid

An OEC (Outdoor Emergency Care) course is offered through the NSP. Licensed EMT's, nurses or physicians can take a 'bridging' course in lieu of the full OEC course. This is often referred to as "Challenging" the course.

CPR Course

A current CPR card. NSP recognizes either American Red Cross or The Heart Association. CPR cards must be renewed every year, even those with multi-year expiration dates.

Skills

The National Ski Patrol has various patroller roles. Once a new member or candidate passes all the first aid skills tests they can become either a Basic or Auxiliary patroller. Strong skiers or snowboarders train with toboggans and become Basic Patrollers who primarily function on the hill. The Auxiliary Patrollers does not require any skiing, snowboarding or toboggan skills.

Age

There are three different programs within the National Ski Patrol. Basic and Auxiliary patrollers start at age 18 years. There is also the Young Adult Patrol available for younger people that concentrate on First Aid and Skiing and Snowboarding skills.

Next Steps

Want to learn more? Reach out to the Patrol Director of your local ski area and let them know you are interested in joining.

Nashoba Valley - Betsey Reeves
Blue Hills - Nick Rasher
Wachusett Mountain  - Jon Longley
Yawgoo Valley - William Krieger
Ski Ward  - safetyservices@skiward.com
Ski Bradford - (978) 373-0071