What is Involved to Join the Whitetail Ski Patrol?
The process to become a patroller starts with you wanting to join the Patrol.
The next step is to contact our Recruitment Coordinator for an information session followed by a ski evaluation to find out if your skiing or snowboarding ability is strong and confidant enough to handle all of our terrain, under under all circumstances, and to learn to transport injured guests down the mountain in toboggans. During the evaluation, we will run you through drills on a variety of terrain - snowplow, sideslip, falling leaf, traverse, kick turns, long, medium, and short radius turns, bumps, etc. You do not have to be an expert skier or snowboarder but you must be a competent, secure, and confident skier or snowboarder. The ski evaluation is usually held in late February or early March for the following season. Contact us and/or check the calendar for the next ski evaluation.
If you pass the ski evaluation, then the next step is to begin your training. There are several parts to your training: OEC, CPR, AED, S&T, and Mnt Ops. The OEC (Outdoor Emergency Care), CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) for the Professional Rescuer and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) training takes about 120-140 hours and begins in late April for the following season. OEC is the NSP (National Ski Patrol) course and no other first aid courses or training can substitute. The S&T (Ski Skills and Toboggan Handling) training starts when snow conditions permit and continues each Saturday and one (1) weeknight until late February or early March. The MntOps (Mountain Operations) training is ongoing thru out the season.
RECRUITMENT INFORMATION: Whitetail Ski Patrol 2011 / 2012
The Whitetail Ski Patrol is a member chapter of the National Ski Patrol (NSP). As a team of primarily volunteers, we use our outdoor emergency care skills and knowledge of mountain operations to make our host mountain, Whitetail, a safe area for our guest to ski, board and enjoy. We number approximately 80 active members but are eager to increase our membership. Along the way, we have a great time furthering our own snow skills and enjoying the great camaraderie of a team of other like minded folks! Interested? Here’s some basic information:
ATTEND A “SKI/BOARD OFF” This half‐day on snow session allows us to evaluate your existing skill level and ensure a proper foundation to become a patroller. During the evaluation, we will run you through drills on a variety of terrain ‐ snowplow, sideslip, falling leaf, traverse, kick turns, long, medium, and short radius turns, bumps, etc. You do not have to be an expert skier or snowboarder but you must be a competent, secure, and confident skier or snowboarder.
THE 2012 SESSION IS SCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2012.
Registration will be from 8:00AM to 8:30AM in the Whitetail First Aid Clinic. The program starts at 8:30 sharp.
TRAINING Consists of several components, for a total of 120 to 140 hours, including:
· Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) ‐ An NSP developed curriculum tailored to the non‐urban rescuer. It is the standard of emergency care in the outdoor environment (i.e. our version of EMT).
· Skiing & Toboggan (Transportation) – Skiing and boarding skills to maneuver a loaded rescue sled, as well as maintain control in all snow environments and conditions.
· CPR – annual certification at the Professional Rescuer level
· Mountain Operations – Once on snow, training on the many aspects of our own local operations, including opening/closing, trail maintenance, lift evacuation, lift operations and resort operations.
CANDIDATE TRAINING SCHEDULE Begins in late spring/early summer on every Saturday and/or one weeknight a week, and finishing at the beginning of the approaching winter season. Initial training is focused heavily on OEC. Transportation and mountain operations are the focus once the resort opens for the season. Pre‐season training often occurs in the Montgomery County or Frederick County area.
TRAINING COST Approximately $325 to cover texts, medical equipment (for patrol belt) and training aids. Uniform costs as a patroller are additional.
ONGOING TRAINING Annual OEC Refresher (one full day in the fall); annual CPR certification; pre‐season “On The Hill” (OTH) over a full weekend for Mt Operations refreshing.
ONGOING PATROL DUTY REQUIREMENTS Whitetail offers one of two scheduling options:
· One weeknight a week, from 6:00PM until closing, or approximately 10:30/11:00PM.
· Every other weekend, Saturday and Sunday, rotating AM (7AM to 4PM) or PM (3PM to closing) shifts.
REWARDS Many! Aside from the camaraderie of other winter outdoor enthusiasts, it includes:
· A season pass for you, plus either any dependents or 20 lift ticket vouchers.
· NSP equipment discounts (including Rossignol, Dynastar, Smith, Patagonia & Merrell, amongst others)
· Ongoing Education
· The right to wear the colors!
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Ryan Siemers, Recruitment Coordinator
Whitetail Ski Patrol
Email: joinwsp@comcast.net
Phone: 202.716.9142
For additional information please refer to the Whitetail Recruitment Flyer attachment below.
What is Involved to Join the Mountain Safety Team?
Additional information needed...