Join
From SPVSP
Contents |
Process
All patrollers must be OEC certified. Typically OEC classes are held in the spring, summer, and fall to avoid the ski season but occasionally it is possible to find a winter OEC class. OEC classes are offered by many different patrols and you may take an OEC class from a patrol other than the one you wish to join.
At the beginning of the ski season 4-6 weeks of intensive toboggan training begins, starting with an empty toboggan on green runs and progressing to a fully-loaded toboggan on black diamond runs in all conditions.
After ski and toboggan training is completed, candidates must complete a series of on-hill and first-aid room tasks which are tracked on a check-off sheet. These tasks cover all patroller duties and responsibilities and are geared towards helping candidates understand the full range of patrol responsibilities and to familiarize candidates with the various procedures for each responsibility.
Upon completion of the check-off sheets, candidates are welcomed into the patrol as full patrollers.
Types of Patrollers
The Summit West Volunteer Ski Patrol is one of a family of four patrols at the Summit at Snoqualmie ski areas. We are affiliated with the NSP and have several types of patrollers:
Alpine Patroller
Alpine patrollers are ski and toboggan certified, trained in first aid, and perform most of their first aid duties on the hill. Alpine patrollers participate in on-hill patient care, hill maintenance, patient transport, and first-aid room care. We accept downhill skiers, telemark skiers, and snowboarders as alpine patroller candidates, but potential candidates must pass a ski test prior to becoming a candidate to ensure adequare skiing or riding ability.
Auxiliary Patroller
Auxiliary patrollers are trained in first aid, but are not certified to transport patients in a toboggan. Auxiliary patrollers participate in on-hill patient care, hill maintenance, and first-aid room care. Anyone, even those who do not ski or snowboard, is welcome to become an auxiliary patroller candidate.
Doctor Patroller
Physicians are welcome to join as either an alpine or auxiliary patroller. As a state-certified MD, doctors are exempted from OEC training as their medical training goes beyond OEC standards. Doc Patrollers perform all the same duties as their non-physician counterparts, but are permitted to use their medical training to undertake patient interventions which OEC certified patrollers do not perform.
Benefits
Being a ski patroller can be hard work, but it isn't without its rewards. Of course you'll have the good karma that comes with helping others, but there are a number of more tangible perks as well:
- Unlimited free skiing while in uniform
- Discount on a season pass for patroller's personal use
- Discount on season passes for patroller's family OR ski vouchers that can be exchanged for daily lift tickets
- No waiting in lift lines while working
- Pro deals on patrol-related equipment and apparel
- Free overnight accommodations for patrollers and their families in the patrol building
- RV parking with electrical hookups at the pass
- Make new friends
- Potlocks, banquets, and parties throughout the year
- Feel good about helping others
- Opportunities to become more involved
- Patrol leadership positions
- NSP leadership opportunities
- Volunteer with King County Search and Rescue's Ski Patrol Rescue Team
- Volunteer opportunities as an OEC technician at events throughout the year
- Seafair Beach Medical
- Mountain Bike Races
- Fourth of July Celebrations
- Ski Patrol Magazine
- Education programs and credentials
- NSP Winter Catalog
- Potential Tax Deductions
- Because SPVSP is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, you may be able to deduct your mileage to the ski area, gear purchases, and other items. We're not lawyers though, so you need to consult your financial person for details.
- Optional low cost health insurance
Time Commitments
Candidate Year
The Snoqualmie Pass Volunteer Ski Patrol is a volunteer organization made up of dedicated members and their contributions. The candidate year involves a significant level of commitment. Candidates participate in all the training below, except auxiliary candidates who do not undergo toboggan training.
| Name | Description | Approximate time required |
| Ski Test | Candidates must show proficiency in their skiing or boarding ability. Candidates do not have to ski fast or professionally, but must be able to handle all terrain under any conditions. | 1 weekend day |
| OEC | An emergency first-aid class taught by the National Ski Patrol. See First Aid for different types of first aid. Only EMTs and MDs may be exempt from this course. | 90-120 hours over 8-12 weeks |
| CPR/AED/FPR | CPR and AED for the professional rescuer. A general Red Cross CPR class does not meet this requirement. | 1 day |
| Chair Evacuation | Evacuation procedures for rescuing guests from chairlifts | 4 hours |
| Toboggan | Toboggan handling and general ski/riding skills. | 4-6 weekends |
| Final Certification | Before final acceptance into the patrol, candidates must complete an on-hill check-off list and a first-aid room check-off list. | varies |
Subsequent Years
| Name | Approximate time required |
| OEC Refresher | 1 weekend day |
| CPR/AED/FRP Re-certification | 4 hours |
| Chair Evac & On-hill Refresher | 1 Saturday |
| Duty Shifts | 15-20 shifts |
What Does It Cost?
Candidate Year
| Name | Approximate Cost |
| OEC Class | $30-$50 for books |
| CPR/AED/FRP Class | $30 |
| NSP Membership Dues | $53 |
| Patrol Uniform | $100-$250 |
Subsequent Years
| Name | Approximate Cost |
| NSP Membership Dues | $53 |
| CPR/AED/FRP Refresher | $10 |
More Information and Signup
The candidate year is by far the most time-intensive and most costly. Most patrollers who join stay with the patrol for many years and it can be helpful to view the candidate year as an investment whose benefits will be reaped for many years to come. We do not pressure potential candidates into joining and we would love for you to come visit us on the hill. Feel free to stop by the patrol building and introduce yourself anytime.
Why Join SPVSP?
The Summit West volunteer ski patrol is by no means your only option for joining a ski patrol in the Seattle area. We're partial, of course, but we think we're one of the best choices. Here's why.
- No assigned shifts.
- You pick when you want to patrol. You choose your shifts as long as you complete the shift count requiremnts.
- Family-friendly atmosphere.
- Your family is welcome to stay in the building.
- Get to know other families.
- Early to open
- Typically, Summit West is the first of the four Summit at Snoqualmie ski areas to open for the season. Get bragging rights after a weekend on the hill while everyone else is still closed.
- Lots of action
- We typically see more first aid incidents at our area, so if you like the ideas of lots of hands on help this is the place for you.
- Terrain
- Summit's terrain tends to be a bit easier, but we've also got steeps and cliffs (well hidden!). Come ski with us for a day and we'll show you around and find the secret stashes.
You may also email the Training Director with any questions you may have.
