For more information on joining the Seven Springs Ski Patrol complete the form below or call Dick Barron at 1-800-452-2223 Ext 7814 (Tell him you saw us on the web!)

There's really no such thing as a typical ski patroller. Nevertheless, when you hear the words "ski patroller," you probably think of someone performing a mountain-side rescue of an injured skier. The truth is, it takes all kinds to make this team. Emergency care is an important part of the mission of the National Ski Patrol. But it's just one way patrollers help the public . 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.

Gain The Advantages Of Higher Education
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! You'll test your knowledge and your skills with personalized support from your area and fellow patrollers. You'll also receive a free subscription to Ski Patrol Magazine, which provides timely information on emergency care and rescue techniques, skiing and snowboarding tips, association news, and more. NSP programs are an exciting challenge-in the classroom and on the slopes!

Find Your Niche
Many ski areas depend on volunteer patrol members to meet their many needs. Other areas employ full-time, paid patrollers, or use a combination of paid and volunteer staff to provide patrol services. 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. Here are just a few of the ways you can serve as a member of the patrol:

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. (A skiing or snowboarding position).

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 (A nordic skiing position). 

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.) 

Medical Associate- A volunteer physician who assists on Winter Emergency Care training and general medical training of patrollers. Requires medical credentials. 

How You Can Join The National Ski Patrol
Volunteer and paid patroller membership requirements of National Ski Patrol members include:

1. Association with a local patrol as an alpine skier or snowboarder, nordic patroller, or auxiliary patroller.

2. Ability to log in a minimum of 10 patrolling sessions each year with your local patrol.

3. Complete credentialed courses and annual training, refreshers, and continuing education in Outdoor Emergency Care, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR-BLS for Health Care Providers or CPR-BLS for the Professional Rescuer), skiing and toboggan handling (except for auxiliary), and other local patrol training requirements.

These are basic NSP requirements for all members; however, you may be expected to undergo additional training. After applying to join a patrol, you usually are asked to demonstrate your skiing skills. If they are acceptable for that patrol, you become a patrol candidate. The education and training programs identified above are organized through your local patrol or within the region where your ski area is located. After passing all performance objectives (written and practical) and demonstrating your competency in all education and training programs, you will be invited to officially join the patrol as a patroller.

We encourage you to contact the patrol directors at the ski areas of your choice to get an idea of the specific qualifications and experience they are seeking for their patrol members. Although the national office may not know the patroller needs at a specific area, we can direct you to patrol directors and NSP officers to contact within your location.

Associate registrants are individuals who may participate and be credentialed in NSP training or education programs, but have no patrol affiliation, no patrol skill designations, and do not perform any on-the-hill/trail ski patrolling duties. These registrations go directly to the national headquarters. 

Work Hard, Play Hard
There's nothing more rewarding than putting in a hard day's work-and having a good time doing it. The main objective of being a National Ski Patrol member is to assist area management in caring for injured skiers and in making mountain recreation safer and more fun. But, there are many other benefits. You'll be a respected part of the industry. You'll perfect your skills. And you'll make friendships that will last a lifetime.