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Join Us
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 mountain-side 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.
But it's just one way patrollers help the public . 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.
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 on emergency care and rescue techniques, skiing
and snowboarding tips, association news, and more. NSP programs
are an exciting challenge-in the classroom and on the slopes!
Find Your Niche
Many ski areas depend on volunteer patrol members to meet
their many needs. Other areas employ full-time, paid patrollers,
or use a combination of paid and volunteer staff to provide
patrol services. 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. Here are just a few of the ways you can serve
as a member of the patrol:
Patroller
- A person who provides emergency care to injured or ill
area guests ; also may be responsible for a wide variety
of area safety activities. (A skiing or snowboarding position).
Nordic Patroller
- A person who provides emergency care to injured or ill
area guests; also may be responsible for a wide variety
of area safety activities (A skiing position).
Auxiliary Patroller
- A person who provides emergency to injured or ill guests,
but may not transport guests off the hill/slope; may help
lead training and education activities. (Skiing or snowboarding
skills helpful but not always mandatory.)
Medical Associate
- A volunteer physician who assists on Winter Emergency
Care training and general medical training of patrollers.
Requires medical credentials.
Associate Member
- An individual who has a need or desire to take National
Ski Patrol courses and be associated with the National Ski
Patrol.
How You Can Join
The National Ski Patrol
Volunteer and paid patroller membership requirements of National
Ski Patrol members include:
1. Association with a local patrol as an
alpine skier or snowboarder, nordic patroller, or auxiliary
patroller.
2. Complete credentialed courses and annual
training, refreshers, and continuing education in Outdoor
Emergency Care, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR-BLS for
Health Care Providers or CPR-BLS for the Professional Rescuer),
skiing and toboggan handling (except for auxiliary), and other
local patrol training requirements.
These are basic NSP requirements for all
members; however, you may be expected to undergo additional
training. After applying to join a patrol, you usually are
asked to demonstrate your skiing skills. If they are acceptable
for that patrol, you become a patrol candidate. The education
and training programs identified above are organized through
your local patrol or within the region where your ski area
is located. After passing all performance objectives (written
and practical) and demonstrating your competency in all education
and training programs, you will be invited to officially join
the patrol as a patroller.
We encourage you to contact the patrol
directors at the ski areas of your choice to get an idea of
the specific qualifications and experience they are seeking
for their patrol members. Although the national office may
not know the patroller needs at a specific area, we can direct
you to patrol directors and NSP officers to contact within
your location.
Associate registrants are individuals who may participate
and be credentialed in NSP training or education programs,
but have no patrol affiliation, no patrol skill designations,
and do not perform any on-the-hill/trail ski patrolling duties.
These registrations go directly to the national headquarters.
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
assist area management in 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.
© National Ski Patrol System, Inc.
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