What is the
Time Commitment?
Ski Patrol training is a significant time investment. Once training is completed, you are expected to patrol half the weekend days of the season, plus a
limited number of weekend night shifts. You are welcome to patrol
anytime. Chestnut is one of the few ski areas that allows their
patrollers to 'sign on' any day or night of the ski season.
What is the Training Commitment?
Patrollers have to complete 7
stages of training: the NSP first aide course, called Outdoor
Emergency Care (OEC); CPR; training on Patrol procedures;
accident scenario practical training; toboggan skills (skiing
one, not riding one); chairlift evacuation; and of course, skiing
or boarding proficiency. The training schedule will be provided
to the candidate class in the fall, prior to the ski season.
What Benefits do Member's Receive?
Chestnut patrollers and candidates
ski for free when on duty. Chestnut patrol candidates receive a minimum
of 80 hours skiing/boarding lessons, at a skill level not
available to the average member of the public. Our first aide
course is designed for the rural and back country environment.
Our course is unique and NSP training is sought by most
wilderness search and rescue organizations. Passing your basic
patroller evaluations is not the end of training. Patrollers
train constantly to maintain and improve our skiing, boarding,
toboggan and first aide skills. Training is also available to our
members in Avalanche Control and Mountaineering. Ski Patrollers
train Ski Patrollers. As you gain skill and experience, expect to
be asked to step into the role of trainer for one or more areas.
Train The Trainer programs are in place for all NSP training
courses.
As NSP volunteers we are not considered employees of Chestnut Mountain. However, Chestnut management does extend to us certain employee benefits: we receive an employee discount in the gift and apparel shops, and on certain drinks in the bars; when working, we get three meals a day; during the summer, patrollers, and their families, can get free rides on the Alpine Slide. Chestnut also provides Ski Patrol and Ski School with dorm rooms, a locker room and ski lockup, where patrollers and instructors can stay for free and store their equipment. After you successfully complete the OEC course, married patrollers are given a season pass for their spouses and dependant children.
There are only 24,000 Ski Patrollers in the United States. An NSP member is recognized as a ski professional throughout the industry. Your NSP dues covers the cost of several patrol publications, including Ski Patroller Magazine, only available to patrol members. As a NSP member, throughout the year, various manufacturers make new products available to us at a discounted price. Most area ski shops, also offer NSP discounts or discounted 'Pro Nights' in the fall. Most local ski areas will 'sign on' patrollers from other areas for a day, and many destination resorts offer NSP members discounted lift tickets. All discounts are at the discretion of the area or shop, and may be discontinued at any time.