Ski Patrol

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The Adrenalin Rush Of Ski Patrol Job

Jobs that can be found in a ski resort can be anywhere from being a clerk pushing pencils to ski patrollers, ski instructors and ski resort guides. It could even include the people manning the gift shops. Of all these jobs, nothing beats the thrill that one can get from being a ski patroller.

Ski patrollers are further divided into two groups – paid medical staff and volunteer emergency workers. The main difference lies in whether they get paid or not. They, however, undergo the same rigorous training needed to become a full-fledged ski patroller.

Ski patrollers are the ones responsible for securing people who have encountered a mishap. They should have a good command of the different terrains and should be able to ski in any weather condition. They also need to have sufficient knowledge of basic first aid and life support.

A ski patroller’s job would require both a sound mind and a sound body. In order to achiever this, they would need to undergo a series of skiing courses the most basic of which is the basic life support as well as outdoor emergency care and rescue fundamentals. If you are interested in feeling the adrenalin rush as you zoom from one place to another or is simply interested in helping people, then you should start honing your skiing skills. Oftentimes, you would also need to undergo search and rescue courses and avalanche safety courses.

Once you mastered the whole skiing courses package, you would be required to undergo supervised actual ski training. At this stage, most ski course providers would promote you to the level of Auxiliary Patroller. As an auxiliary patroller, you would be able to shadow a junior patroller.

Being a ski patroller is more complicated than being a ski instructor but it also pays to get certified as a ski instructor. That way, you can always shift careers whenever you feel the burnout from being a ski patroller. If you are on the lookout for providers of ski courses, you can start your check by going online or by checking with your local ski resort.

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How Do You Become A Ski Patrol?

Yeah I want to be a ski patrol, but how? What are the requirments and stuff? THanks!!
And yeah, I am an awesome skier so.... besides that

The first thing you need to do is contact a member, preferably the Patrol Director, at the resort you wish to work or volunteer. Let them know you are interested in becoming a member of the Patrol and ask what the specific requirements for their Patrol. Every Patrol has different time requirements and training schedules.

You do not need to be a strong skier. You don't even need to know how to ski. If you are not a strong skier you may join as an Auxillary member. Normally these are people who have specific skills or medical training needed by the patrol. Auxillary members are not required to learn tobogganing techniques and some never put on skis.

Then you pay the membership fee. Each Patrol has their own fee and it includes your dues to the National Ski Patrol. Most newcomers join first and then become a Candidate.

You will have to take the Outdoor Emergency Care course through your Patrol or another Patrol if yours is not offering one that year. This is a 40 hour course usually held over several weeks prior to ski season. Costs vary but figure about $140. If you are an EMT or Wilderness First Responder (or have a higher medical rating) you may opt out and take a challenge test. I will say that knowing the medical stuff is more important than your skiing ability. If you can't pass the course, you can't be a Patroller. The written test covers things like anatomy, knowing how to treat for frostbite, shock, dehydration, and patient assessment. The final hands-on test is different every year, but you can bet you'll have to know how to administer oxygen, assess a patient for injuries, use a traction splint on a broken femur, use box splints on a wrist, and properly secure a patient to a backboard.

After you complete the OEC course you will have additional training on the snow with your Patrol. At least one day a week will be devoted to things like lift-evacuation, patient assessment, patient transport, or skier improvement.

The NSP requires you patrol at least 10 days to mainitain an active status. Most patrols require more if you get perks like a season pass and employee benefits, even if you are a volunteer.

Once you successfully finish your first year as a Candidiate your Director will change your status to "Patroller."

After that you must take a refresher every 3 years and it is highly suggested that you take additional clinics such as Avalanche Rescue, Backcountry Travel, or advanced OEC classes as well.

My total investment my first year was:
$75 for dues
$135 for the OEC (not counting gas to drive to the classes.)
$100 for my Patrol Jacket
$45 for my own lift-evac supplies
$35 for other medical supplies I didn't already have or wasn't provided by my Patrol.
$15 on stuff I bought from the NSP website

This year I volunteered over 20 shifts, ended up getting paid for two of them because we have to pay at least one Patroller a shift by law. So I made $80. (woohoo!)

Here's some links:
http://www.nsp.org
http://www.oeczone.com

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