Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!
Ever thought about Ski Patrolling???

I got into ski patrolling really knowing nothing about it, but it is a decision I will never regret! Many people view ski patrollers as lucky ski bums who ski free and cut lift lines, but this is a far cry from the whole truth! Ski patrollers spend hours learning advanced first aid, then even when they become patrollers, chances are they will spend more time helping little kids put on their skis or find parents, enforcing safe skiing, marking and fixing trail hazards, doing more first aid training, and handling accidents then they ever will skiing for fun. Then why do we spend hours out in the cold to help people, for no pay, when with the money we have spent on patrol equipment, jackets, etc. could easily have paid for a season pass at most any mountain? To be honest, I have no clue; although a ski instructor I know put it quite nicely..... "You must be crazy!!!!" Of course, there are some plus sides. For instance, you are providing a valuable service to the ski area, and many ski areas provide perks to their volunteer patrollers, such as free season passes for their families. But most importantly to me, you are meeting some great people, having a lot of fun, and sharing a love of skiing with many people. And then again, you can always cut lift lines!!!!

So you think you want to be a patroller? Well, the first thing to do is contact the ski area you wish to patrol at and talk to the Patrol Director. Chances are they have some sort of ski test you must pass before you can apply to their patrol. Then you need to take and pass Outdoor Emergency Care, an intensive first aid course very similar to that of an EMT level. Then once you pass OEC you spend you first year as a "Candidate" learning more first aid, sled handling, and the ropes of patrolling. Then in the spring you need to pass "Candidates Day" which will officially make you a patroller and allowing you to wear the prized cross on you back!

Ski Patrol Links

National Ski Patrol
National Ski Patrol Eastern Division
Ski Patrol Web
The Patrol Page
National Ski Patrol FAQ
NSP Eastern Pennsylvania Division
Canadian Ski Patrol System
My Ski Patrol Pack Contents Page!
My Skiing Page!

If you have any questions or comments about patrolling, e-mail me at siamese@slic.com!

The Johns Hopkins University Skiing and Snowboarding Injury Study

The above does not in any way reflect the views of National Ski Patrol, Whiteface Mt. Ski Patrol, Beartown Ski Patrol, or any one other than the personal opinions of the author.