Patrol Requirements

Thank you for your interest in the Swiss Valley Ski Patrol

The first year requires the most time commitment and cost. Training is broken down into two elements, the OEC/CPR training, and ski/snowboarding skills with toboggan training (on-hill training).

The first step is to register with the National Ski Patrol, and pay the annual dues (currently $60.00).

Taking the OEC (Outdoor Emergence Care) is approximately a 12-week course that normally meets Mondays and Thursdays from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. It starts the first part of September and goes thru the end of November. The class is equivalent to a 3-credit hour college course. Although the course is a lot of fun and a great learning experience, it does require a good deal of time and effort with the classroom, study sessions, midterm and finals. The cost of the class is $60.00 plus textbook fees. In 2011, the NSP will be publishing a new OEC text and work book, so the cost is unknown at this time ($60.00 – $85.00?). The great majority of candidates do not have a problem passing the course as long as they spend the time and effort required for the class. Please do not underestimate the time commitment! If you are a credited EMT, nurse, or physician, you may Challenge the course which requires a one day class session and then the taking of the final test, both written and practical.

The CPR course may be either the American Red Cross or American Heart Association, but must be the Professional version with AED training. The workbook portion may be taken on-line, and the practical portion can be done in association with the OEC course at Swiss Valley. Costs may vary between the affiliations.

Once you have paid your annual dues, passed the OEC and CPR courses, you will be reclassified as an Auxiliary patroller at Swiss Valley and awarded a Swiss Valley season pass.

Ski/snowboard training (hill training) is usually held Saturday mornings and some weeknight evenings, depending upon instructors’ availabilities. Each candidate is started on basic ski/board skills, and as they progress to a certain level, then training with a toboggan begins. Upon obtaining a competent handling performance with the toboggan, the candidate completes a Hill test. Upon successful completion of the OEC, CPR, and Hill tests, the candidate will then be classified as a Basic level patroller.

Annual requirements after achieving (at least) Auxiliary status: pay dues, attend a one day OEC refresher (first Sunday in October) and a ½ day CPR and Chair Evacuation refresher (either the last Sunday morning in September or a Sunday morning mid- October: TBD) all at Swiss Valley. If you are unable to attend our refresher, it may be taken at other locations on other dates.

Contact a Patrol Representative to Join or Ask a Question