Ski Patrol is composed of paid and volunteer members. If you are interested in joining as a volunteer read the requirements and benefits in the sections listed below. Consider the time commitment in the classroom and on the mountain, if work will be impacted, and have a conversation with family. Schedule a day to shadow ski patrol and see a "day in the life" of a patroller. A patroller will also take you out for a ski skills test to assess your ski ability.
If you are interested in joining patrol as a volunteer:
1. Complete an application.
2. You will be contacted to coordinate a Shadow Day during the season.
3. Once you are accepted follow the NSP Candidate Registration Process to be added to the patrol.
If you are interested in joining as a full-time paid patrol member, apply on the RLM website.
The Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) Hybrid course is required for paid and volunteer candidates and it begins prior to the ski season with online and in-person classroom training. Candidates are expected to attend all training sessions to be prepared for the written and practical skills examinations. In addition to the knowledge and skills gained through the OEC Hybrid course, candidates will learn mountain operations, ski skills, medical scenarios, and toboggan transport.
When you successfully complete all training and examinations you will be become an NSP Alpine Patroller.
Volunteer Requirements
Costs
- Maintain annual membership ($142.90 covers national and division dues)
- Pay one-time Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) Hybrid course fee ($150)
- Purchase or borrow an OEC textbook ($90)
- Provide your own skis, boots, poles, helmet, goggles, gloves, etc.
Duty Day Requirements
- Perform 14 duty days each season (training days at RLM count towards total)
- NOTE: Rookies will attend training their first year and are not required to perform additional duty days.
Training Requirements
- Complete the Outdoor Emergency Care Hybrid course
- Complete the online modules and pass the end of course written test
- Attend all scheduled on-mountain training days
- Pass the practical skills examination
- Maintain OEC certification (complete annual refresher requirements)
- Complete Introduction to Patrolling course (first season only)
- Complete Outdoor Emergency Transportation course and refresher
- Complete BLS CPR for Healthcare Providers
- Attend annual CPR refresher training
- Complete Incident Command System 100 (ICS 100) online course
- Attend annual Lift Evacuation training
- Attend RLM Safety training
- Attend Mountain Operations training
- Complete Continuing Education throughout the season
Age/Experience Requirements
- Minimum 18 years old (16-17 years may apply for Young Adult Patrol)
- Competent skier
- Probationary first season for transfer candidates
Skill requirements
- Ability to pass ski skills test on a variety of terrain
- Ability to handle a loaded toboggan on a variety of terrain
- Demonstrate the ability to work well on a team
Volunteer Benefits
- Upon successful completion of Candidate Training:
- Season pass for patroller
- $100 spouse pass and $50 dependents pass (18 years & under)
- Significant other pass available for purchase at our best early season pass price
- Six full-day friendship vouchers
- Six rental equipment vouchers
- Volunteers can join any group lesson
- Family receives 50% off select children’s snowsports programs
- 50% off Food & Beverage (does not include alcohol)
- 10% off Retail purchases
- One free ski tune per month
- Discounted gym membership at Well Approach
- Discounted gear and services through the NSP Pro Page
Volunteers are not eligible for MSAA pass benefits per MSAA guidelines
If volunteers have pre-purchased season passes for themselves and/or their families, passes will be reimbursed after 14 Duty Days have been completed.