Ski Patrol
WELCOME TO THE PATS PEAK SKI PATROL!
We are the people who work to keep the public safe on the mountain.
During ski season, you will find us patrolling the mountain from open to close, seven days a week. Regardless of conditions, we are out on the hill inspecting equipment, checking snow and grooming conditions, looking for hazards, helping injured patrons, and promoting safe skiing and riding.
All of our Patrollers are members of the National Ski Patrol. We receive extensive training in Outdoor Emergency Care, a specialized form of First Aid similar to Emergency Medical Technician training, but with special emphasis on outdoor sports injuries. Many of our Patrollers are also certified Emergency Medical Technicians, Nurses, or Doctors.
Our First Aid Room, located next to the Main Lodge, is open whenever the mountain is open to the public. Anyone with an injury should go to the First Aid Room for medical care or call (603) 428-7911.
You’ll recognize a Patroller by their red jacket with the white cross on the back.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PATROLLER
Our Ski Patrol opens the mountain every morning by riding and inspecting each lift. We ski all trails before opening them to customers. We check for snow and grooming conditions as well as for any hazards that may be present.
Once the mountain is open to the public, we spend the morning training and working on mountain improvements.
Since it is essential that we are always prepared for any incident that could occur on the mountain, we commit several hours a day to checking and maintaining on-hill and First Aid Room equipment, and to reviewing and improving emergency plans and procedures.
We also inspect the lifts and trails throughout the day, promoting safe skiing and riding along the way.
PATS PEAK SKI PATROL TEAM
This is a combination of paid, volunteers and students. We are very fortunate to have such a large group and feel that we have a great deal of friendship and respect for one another. As always in life, new opportunities arise, which take our members to different jobs, towns or lifestyles. Therefore, we are always looking for new recruits to join our team.
JOIN THE TEAM
Our Ski Patrol is comprised of paid, volunteer, and young adult patroller positions. If you are interested in applying for a position with the Ski Patrol, please email [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is OEC?
Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) is the medical curriculum that every ski patroller must attain in order to join National Ski Patrol (NSP) and patrol here at Pats Peak.
Outdoor Emergency Care is a specific level of training unique to the National Ski Patrol. OEC training classes are offered each Fall, either at Pats Peak or at a neighboring ski area. The course runs for approximately 16 weeks, and is followed by a written and practical exam.
For those with a medical background, such as EMTs, Registered Nurses or Doctors, National Ski Patrol will allow you to challenge the exam. We require several weeks of study before challenging the exam as the care, although much the same as that performed by EMTs, is specific to ski patrolling, and our conditions and equipment are unusual for most EMS workers. The best way to prepare for the challenge exam is to attend some fall OEC classes and ski with us for a few weeks during the season and train on the hill with our Patrollers. We conduct training at specific times so be sure to check with us in advance.
- What is the time commitment like for the OEC Course to become a Pats Peak Ski Patroller?
Pre-Season: 12 days of classroom OEC from September to December (100 hours of classroom + testing, as well as at home study time.)
In-Season: At least 100 on hill hours to complete the required on hill training portion
Commit to 16 shifts per season to receive full benefits.
- Are there any financial obligations?
Annual National Ski Patrol dues ($87)
Patroller Jacket (costs vary)
OEC class cost
Medical pack (backpack/lumbar pack of your choice)
Updated equipment able to pass an inspection
- Can I patrol on a snowboard?
Yes!
- I have patrolled on other mountains… do I still need to take OEC?
If your OEC is current, you do not need to take OEC again.
- How strong do my skiing skills need to be?
You need to be comfortable and stable skiing all the trails in all conditions. We can fine tune ski/riding patrol techniques, but a solid and stable base is required.
What’s the Next Step?
- Contact Pats Peak Ski Patrol to let them know you are interested.
- Join National Ski Patrol – www.nsp.org.
- Spend your first winter as a candidate ski patroller.
- Attend the OEC Class in the following Fall.
- Put in as many hours as possible next season to earn your jacket. You will need to practice and demonstrate a number of skills and learn protocols specific to our mountain before you can wear the jacket and white cross of a National Ski Patroller. These skills include skiing/boarding mastery, toboggan handling and other on-hill procedures.
- Have fun and enjoy! You will be among the best-trained patrollers in the country!
PAID AND VOLUNTEER PATROLLERS
We are always looking for volunteer Patrollers to join our team. Occasionally, we do have a paid spot available. Please take the time to read the information below.
Before taking your OEC final exam or any on-hill training, you must join the National Ski Patrol and pay the annual dues.
If you join too late to take the OEC Course, you may ski with us and train throughout the season as a Candidate. In the fall you can take the OEC course and become a full Patroller and wear the jacket and white cross of a National Ski Patroller once your checklist is complete.
Patrollers provide their own jackets and first aid belts or backpacks. We provide guidance in the selection of these items, and supply the regular equipment you will need to carry in your pack. Patroller discounts on ski equipment and supplies are available to you as a member of our Patrol. You also receive discounts in the Pats Peak Ski Shop, Cafeteria, and Sled Pub.
Our annual requirements are a minimum of 16 shifts per year to remain active in the Patrol and obtain benefits.
Weekday afternoon and evenings are extremely busy as we have over 8,000 young people participate in our after-school programs. As a result of this busy weekday schedule, we are always looking for afternoon and evening volunteers.
There is also a great need for volunteers on the weekends.
Supervisors and Senior Patrollers are always available to provide training, answer questions, help out or give guidance.
Young Adult Patrollers are young adults 15 through 18. See Young Adult Patrollers section for additional information.
We are a small family-oriented mountain with a great staff and excellent equipment. We look forward to having you join our team.
PATS PEAK SKI PATROL BENEFITS
PAID PATROLLERS
Free skiing & rentals at Pats Peak
(1) free ski pass a week for friends & family
Free skiing & rentals for immediate family
Food Discounts
Retail Discounts *
Clothing allowance (jacket or ski pant every other year after first year)
Paid training
Competitive pay
Free Locker room use +Free ski lessons #
Free binding checks and monthly sharpen and wax
Additional compensation for Senior Patrollers and Nationally Registered EMT
VOLUNTEER PATROLLERS
Free skiing at Pats Peak
Season passes for family (must patrol at least 16 shifts previous season)
Food Discounts
Retail Discounts *
Free daycare & nursery #
Free Locker room use +
Free Ski Patrol dues after 10 years service to Pats Peak (must patrol at least 16 shifts previous season).
Free ski tuning every 64 volunteer hours.
* See Patrol Director for details
+ As space permits
# When open
VOLUNTEER MOUNTAIN HOSTS
Mountain Hosts are ambassadors of the Pats Peak Ski Patrol who help our customers enjoy our ski area. Mountain Hosts are found on the slopes assisting guests by answering questions, directing customers to various guest services, help guests find the right runs for their ability, promote safe skiing and boarding and help the ski patrol with daily operations.
Mountain Hosts will have successfully completed Basic First Aid and professional rescuer CPR, as well as the Pats Peak Mountain Host checklist. Mountain Hosts shall wear a green vest and will be welcome to use ski patrol facilities (First Aid Room and Patrol Top Building). Mountain Hosts shall provide first aid according to basic first aid/CPR guidelines. Mountain Hosts are not be responsible for transporting injured guests.
Volunteer Mountain Hosts shall:
- Wear a green uniform vest and carry a working cell phone for communications with ski patrol. Mountain Hosts may be issued a ski patrol radio at the discretion of the supervisor or patroller in charge.
- Educate guests regarding on snow safety including the NSP responsibility code.
- Provide information to guests on the hill regarding directions, locations of ability appropriate trails and lifts, and available Pats Peak services.
- Interact with guests while stationed in high traffic areas such as lift and carpet offload areas, top of mountain during alpine racing activities, major trail intersections and in front of lodges.
- Assist in ski patrol operations:
- Participate in opening procedures, shift change and end of day trail sweep as directed.
- Serve as emergency first responders (following basic first aid/CPR guidelines), notifying ski patrol of accidents or safety concerns, and assisting as needed with accident scene safety and crowd control.
- Assist in searches for lost guests.
- Repair signs and fences as directed by the shift supervisor.
- This is only a partial list, as the responsibilities of the Mountain Host will vary from day to day. Mountain Hosts are also responsible for following Pats Peak Ski Area and department policies and procedures.
Requirements:
- Mountain hosts will commit to working a minimum of 10 pre-scheduled full shifts during the ski season.
- Mountain hosts are required to have a current certification in Basic First Aid and CPR.
- Mountain Hosts are expected to be capable of skiing/snowboarding any open groomed run at Pats Peak in any weather conditions and will complete an annual ski refresher given by the Ski Patrol.
- Mountain hosts are expected to have a strong working knowledge of Pats Peak trails, lifts, lodges, and services available, as demonstrated by the completion of the Mountain Host checklist.
- Mountain Hosts will be exposed to cold, wind, snow, rain and other winter weather conditions. They stand and walk on surfaces that may be slippery from snow and/or ice coverage. Involves prolonged periods of standing for most assigned tasks. Mental demands include stress from dealing with fast-paced environment, occasionally difficult and/or upset customers, and quickly jumping from one situation to the next.
For more information on joining the Pats Peak Mountain Host program, please email [email protected].
YOUNG ADULT PATROLLERS
At 15 years old, you can become a Young Adult Patroller. Young Adult Patroller is an age group only and does not determine the level of patrolling you do. Young Adult Patrollers who have taken the OEC course and completed their on-hill checklist just like an Adult Patroller can do what the adults do with the exception of operating machinery such as our power drill, snowmobile or act as a temporary lift operator.
Young Adult Patrollers receive extra training from our Young Adult Patroller Advisor and from seminars held around NH at various ski areas on OEC skills, skiing and riding, and toboggan handling. They also have an opportunity to attend a three-day Division Young Adult Patroller Seminar held somewhere in the North East. Each season is hosted by a different ski area, which allows the Young Adult Patrollers to experience a variety of terrain.
Our Young Adult Patrollers have become Outstanding Patrollers in the past. Since 1991 Pats Peak has had the Outstanding Young Adult Patroller Award in the country many times and the runner-up several times also.
SKI PATROL RESOURCES
National Ski Patrol website
New Hampshire National Ski Patrol website
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY CODE
- Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
- People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
- Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
- Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
- You must prevent runaway equipment.
- Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
- Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
- You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
- Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.
Know and Obey the Code.
It’s Your Responsibility.
Officially endorsed by:
Pats Peak Ski Patrol
1-888-PATS PEAK, ext. 201
[email protected]