About National Ski Patrol

Since 1938, the National Ski Patrol, a non profit organization has been a leading authority of on-mountain safety.  The NSP is dedicated to serving the public and outdoor recreation industry by providing education and accreditation to emergency care and safety service providers. The organization is made up of more than 30,000 members serving over 650 patrols, including alpine, Nordic, and auxiliary patrollers. Our members work on behalf of local ski and snowboard areas across northern Michigan to improve the overall experience for outdoor recreationalists.  Through the good work of the NSP and its members, each year nearly 40 lives are saved and 160,000 individuals receive care from patrollers, completely free of charge.  For over 75 years NSP has been supporting the outdoor recreation community by providing emergency care training, rescue services and safety education. 

Overview (A day in the life):

Patrollers live by the credo first on, last off.  As a patroller you are there to help open the mountain up in the morning.  Checking the slopes, preparing the equipment for the day, and making sure you are ready to support your resort when the first guests arrive.  As the day goes on, you may help injured guests get safely off the mountain and provide them the care they need.  You will also assist guests who need directions and make sure everyone is having a great day.  At the end of a long and sometimes action-packed day you sweep the hills to ensure every skier gets down to the lodge safely. 

As a patroller you will get to learn about emergency care, search and rescue, avalanche control, skiing techniques and so much more.  As you learn these skills you will be rewarded by putting them to the test as you promote safety and provide aid to the public.

Ideal candidates will have:

• A passion for assisting those that are in need
• A love of snow sports
• Can handle fast paced, potentially high-pressure environment
• Is flexible to volunteer required times to fulfill patrol needs (Scheduled)
• Sets the example for others
• Is supportive of the Core Values of the National Ski Patrol

Basic Requirements:

• Ability to handle varying weather conditions including extreme cold
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Ability to clearly communicate to patrollers, patients and guests
• Ability to prioritize needs in complex situations

Preferred experience and skills

• Outdoor Emergency care, EMT-B, Professional rescuer CPR
• Strong skiing or snowboarding background
• Ski industry experience
• Previous Patrol Experience

Perks of patrolling:

****Note: these are general benefits. Your sponsor patrol can discuss this further.*****

• Education programs and credentials
• NSP Online Store
• NSP Partner Pro deals
• Ski Patrol Magazine
• As much skiing as you possible can!

Are you up to the challenge?

Take your passion for snow sports to the next level by contacting our recruiter to set you up with one of our patrols. This is your opportunity to learn more about how the patrol operates and what is expected of its members.