How to Join
Click here to find the contacts for your local mountain's patrol!
Click here to learn more about the NSP and it's history
JOINING THE NATIONAL SKI PATROL
When you hear the words "ski patroller" you probably think of someone performing a mountain-side rescue of an injured skier with impressive technical skiing. While emergency care and skiing skills are an important part of the mission of the National Ski Patrol the remain just that, parts. The truth is there really is no such thing as a typical ski patroller, it takes all kinds to make this team. 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!
Types of PAtrollers
The national ski patrol is made up of a variety of different roles with different functions. Depending on the nature of the ski area they serve you may find the following roles present at any given area:
Alpine 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. Requires skiing or snowboarding skills and is based out of an Alpine/Downhill ski area.
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. Requires skiing skills and is based out of an Cross Country ski area.
Auxiliary Patroller - A person who provides emergency care 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.
Bike Patroller - A person who provides emergency care to injured or ill area cyclists; also may be responsible for a wide variety of area safety activities. Requires cycling skills and is based out of an recreation area.
Mountain Host - An individual who wants to help with the mountain operations of their local ski area. Depending on area needs they may help direction guests, sharing of information, identification of first aid needs and a varity of other tasks. Skiing or snowboarding skills helpful but not always mandatory.
Medical Associate - A volunteer physician who assists with Outdoor 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.
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 .
Benefits of patrolling
Patrolling offers those who opt to join a wide variety of skills and benefits:
Skills Education & Experience - 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! Not only do you have the chance to learn these skills, but also to apply them in a hands on setting.
Resources & Information - You'll also receive access to resources at NSP.org and 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!
Gear Access - NSP.org and your membership entitle you to access to partner programs and their services. These can be customized to the NSP or sometimes offered at discounted rates.
Area Benefits - Many ski areas offer their active patrol members additional benefits for serving in their areas.
Work Hard, Play Hard - Of course, last but not least, There's nothing more rewarding than putting in a hard day's work-and having a good time doing it. You perfect your skills and make friendships that will last a lifetime!
JOIN US!
To join, contact the NSP Patrol at your local ski area. Please reference our list of Far West Division patrol contacts on the Member Patrols page.