There is no guarantee that any particular candidate will become a Patroller simply by putting in the requisite time for training. Patrolling is hard, occasionally strenuous, work involving long hours, attention to detail, and advanced skills. The successful candidate will demonstrate their aptitude with a balance of skill and perseverance. What this means is that we do not expect our candidates to have perfect skiing/riding skills or a lot of hands-on first aid experience when they join the program. Candidates that have a skill deficiency may nevertheless complete the training program with an expectation that they will 'grow into the job' and several pathways are provided to do this. For those not proficient in skiing/riding, they may spend several weeks or months as an Auxilliary Patroller, providing a half day of First Aid services in the Patrol Room and spending the other half of the day further developing their skiing/riding skills. Those not fully confident with their first aid and scene management abilities may start off doing trail and ropeline maintenance while they observe, assist and learn from more experienced patrollers as they handle accident scenes.
Our general skiing/boarding requirement is that a Patroller 1) knows their limitations and never exceeds them, and 2) can get down any run on the mountain, in any snow condition, under control. You don't have to be a "pretty" skier/rider (but it never hurts). If you are uncertain whether your skiing or riding skills are up to Level 3 PSIA ability, we welcome you to "Ski with a Patroller" when we provide you a complimentary lift ticket in exchange for the opportunity to give you a tour of Patrolling and put you through your paces to help you have a good idea whether starting into the training program will result in a successful completion.
Contact our First Year Patroller Advisor Dave Nelson at iwant2patrol@gmail.com
Or complete the First Year Patroller Application located here.
Other than demonstrating physical skill proficiency, mental acuity to manage complex situations within hazardous environments, and the ability to work well on a team, the patrol does not discriminate on the basis of age (must be over 18), race, gender, income or nationality. On the contrary, we are proud of and enjoy the diversity of our patrollers.