Becoming a Ski Patroller/Mountain Host
If you ask a patroller why they want to join the Patrol they will typically tell you “the free skiing, of course.” This is usually accompanied with a little chuckle and a smile. The reality of this answer though is that most Patrollers can’t really explain why they joined. Of course they loved to ski or board but deep down they had an urge to help others and become a part of something bigger. This is the drive that keeps each and every patroller out there on the hill in the freezing cold or pouring rain.
Joining the Patrol can be very rewarding but at the same time, it’s a lot of work. A lot more work than most realize. Patrollers at Perfect North are put through some of the most advanced training with both medical and on-the-hill skills. The first year is always the toughest with the most extensive training and time commitment. But all of our patrollers are continuously refining their skills to become better patrollers.
If you have the drive and desire, we invite you to join our patrol.
Medical Training
Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC Class) is the first aid portion of the program and begins in August. The class meets on a weeknight from 6:30pm-10pm (the same night each week, typically Tuesdays and Thursdays). There is a written final exam and a practical final exam which are held in November.
The course is designed to train you to provide first aid in an outdoor setting, possibly under harsh conditions, with limited initial access to equipment, but progressively adding equipment and resources. It’s curriculum is based on the 1994 DOT EMS Response Curriculum. This is an intensive course consisting of both hands on and textbook work. You will be making a time commitment in terms of training, as will your instructors. It’s important that you recognize the time commitment for both the OEC portion of the class and, if you choose to go on, the Outdoor Emergency Transport (OET) portion. We encourage you to have the support of your family and friends in this because of the time required. Classes will start promptly because there is much work to be done, so you will need to be on time. Approximately 25% of the class is lecture/discussion and 75% hands on practice. You will be given the opportunity and training to become a team member in a nationally recognized organization. As a team member you will learn to be both a leader and a team player. You will get to meet and work with a diverse group of like-minded individuals who will encourage and support you in this endeavor. All of them will tell you that it wasn’t easy, but it was worth the effort.
On-Hill Training
Outdoor Emergency Transportation (OET Class) training is intended to adequately prepare skiers & snowboarders in the skills required to safely transport loaded and unloaded toboggans down all slopes, under any condition. The training is a self paced program that must be completed within your first 2 seasons as a patroller. Trainers are available most days and nights during the ski season and are here to help your in your training however they can.
2013 Candidate Class
2012 Candidate Class
FAQ
Yes.
The training that you will receive also covers handling a toboggan to bring a guest down the ski hill.
Yes.
Red Jacket/Vest – Patrollers at Perfect North are required to wear a specific Red Jacket/Vest. We have 2 styles of authorized jackets to choose from. Patrollers are responsible for obtaining there own Jacket/Vest.
Black Vest – During your first year as a patroller you will be provided with a Black Vest to wear while patrolling. Once you complete the “oh-hill” training you will be permitted to wear a red Jacket/Vest.
Pants – Pants should be black.
Yes.
Patrollers are required to have their own equipment and may not use rental equipment. There are various discounts and “pro deals” that you will have access to in order to purchase any equipment you would want.
No.
One of the benefits of joining the ski patrol is having access to numerous trainers and events at no extra cost. So whether your only experience is on the tubing hill or you are skiing on the PRO circuit, you are welcome to join the patrol.
As part of your initial training you will work with our trainers to become a better skier/boarder. The initial training is self paced and you have 2 years to progress through. After the initial training, you are welcome to train as much or little as you want to refine your skills.
Perfect North Slopes hosts an annual OEC class starting in August and ending in November. Classes are typically every Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30-9:30pm.
After becoming a certified in OEC, patrollers are also required to attend a 1 day training each year. These dates are typically held on a weekend and vary each season.
Yes.
Perfect North Slopes provides several perks to our patrollers to recognize the commitment and service we provide.
- Skiing privileges for yourself.
- Some skiing privileges for family/friends. (details are covered at the Ski Along)
- Discounts on Food/Drinks
- Discounts in the loft shop
In addition there are various “Pro Deals” that patrollers have access to through the NSP and other organisations. Pro Deals vary per organisation and can change at any time. They are not guaranteed.
If your status with National Ski Patrol is current, it is possible for you to join/transfer to our patrol. Please contact us for more details.
At Perfect North, we do not allow our patrollers to “Challenge” the course in order to test out. Although this is an option at the National level we feel it is important for our patrollers to attend our course. There are a lot of topics that we cover during the class that are not part of the National OEC program.
No.
The OEC certification is a National requirement to become a Ski Patroller. In addition, there are different restrictions and methods that are used on the hill when taking care of a guest. The OEC class covers both information and hands on training with the equipment that we use on the hill and in the first aid room.
In addition to OEC, we will also cover Patrol Basics, Chair Evacuation, Low Angle Rescue, and Local Protocols.
Yes.
All patrollers will become certified in “Outdoor Emergency Care”.
Outdoor Emergency Care® is the NSP’s award-winning training program for patrollers and others in the recreation community who deal with emergency situations. This nationally recognized program is designed to help you manage the toughest emergencies, in all seasons. Developed in the late 1980s for the 28,000 members of the National Ski Patrol, Outdoor Emergency Care is a training program that is tailored to the nonurban rescuer. Over the years, OEC has evolved to address the needs of other outdoor-based emergency care providers too, including wilderness medical technicians, river rafting and mountaineering guides, members of search and rescue groups, mountain bike patrollers, and parks and recreation employees. Today, OEC is considered the standard of training for emergency care in the outdoor environment and is recognized by resorts and recreational facilities in all 50 states.
Yes. There is an upfront fee to join and yearly membership dues.
Upfront Fees – The cost to join the patrol is $200. This includes basic supplies, jacket rental, National Dues, National Test Fees, CPR Fees.
Yearly Fees – Each year their is a ‘National Ski Patrol’ membership fee of $80 to maintain your status as a National Ski Patroller. Perfect North does offer opportunities for you to “earn” your dues so that you do not have to pay them out of pocket.
The Perfect North Ski Patrol is a volunteer organisation.