Becoming a Ski Patroller
If you have the drive and desire, we invite you to join our patrol.
Questions about being a Patroller
No! You will learn all the medical skills and knowledge required to be a patroller during Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) class. We hold the class at Paoli Peaks every Saturday morning starting late November through mid-March and is designed to train you to provide first aid in an outdoor setting, possibly under harsh conditions.
Not necessarily; however, it helps! Our certified instructors will review your skiing ability and advise where you can improve your skills. You will need to do certain skills prior to training on the transport sled though. Skills such as side step, pivot slips, and skiing under control are critical to safely transporting a patient down the hill.
This is an intensive course consisting of both hands on and textbook work. It’s important that you recognize the time commitment for the both the OEC portion of the class as well, if you choose to go on, the Outdoor Emergency Transport (OET) portion. We encourage you to have the support of your family and friends due to the time in and out of class required. you will get the opportunity 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 well worth the time and effort.
Class will start promptly due to the amount of work and limited time available. Each class will consist of approximately 25% lecture/discussion and 75% hands on practice. You will be given the opportunity and training to become a team member in the National Ski Patrol, a nationally recognized organization. You will get the opportunity 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 well worth the time and effort.
Most find that being a part of Paoli Peaks Ski Patrol is its own reward but Patrollers also have access to highquality ski and snowboard instruction at little to no cost. Becoming more skilled is what the Patrol is all about. As part of the Vail family of resorts, we do recive one complimentory Eastern Region NSP Volunteer Ski Pass from Vail. This includes unlimited access to Vail's eastern region resorts (21 resorts) + 10 visits in their other US regions. Additional dependant passes can be purchased for $80. In addition there are many discounts available at other ski areas and on many ski related items through manufacturer’s promotional offers. But the bottom line is the wonderful feeling a patroller gets from helping someone in need.
For OEC, you will need to purchase OEC 6th Edition prior to the start of class. After the class is completed, there are items needed prior to your first day on the slopes which will be discussed during class; however, these costs are minimal. Lastly, there local ($18) and regional ($60) dues that are due each year to continue being a member of the National Ski Patrol. Local and regional dues are expected to be paid first day of class and then at our yearly refresher thereafter.
Individuals who are EMT, EMT-A, or EMT-P certified may qualitfy for the Modifed OEC Challenge which consists of completing the OEC Practical. Please apply here and we will contact you to answer any questions and provide additional information.
Individuals who are EMT, EMT-A, or EMT-P certified may qualitfy for the Modifed OEC Challenge which consists of completing the OEC Practical. Please apply here and we will contact you to answer any questions and provide additional information.
Of course! Individuals who are emergency trained and currnetly certified as MD/DO, PA/NP, RN or LPN may qualify to challenge OEC which consist of completing written and practical exams. This may also include those who are trained as wilderness first responders and include WMI, WMA, and SOLO. Please apply here and we will contact you to answer any questions and provide additional information.
As long as your status with the National Ski Patrol is current, it is possible to join our patrol. Please contact us here for further information.
As part of the Vail family of resorts, we are expected to wear a uniform that will need to be purchased. Candidates will be provided a black vest to use during training. Alpine Patrollers will need to purchase a NSP branded Jacket or vest as well as black pants are required.
As volunteers, we patrol 7 days a week during the winter season. During the weekday, Vail has paid pro patrollers patrol from the resort opening until 6 PM. We start our volunteer shift at 5:30 PM until the resort closes. During the weekend, we patrol open to close which an AM shift, a PM shift, and a midnight shift when the resort is open for midnight hours.
