Ready to Patrol the Slopes?

​So you love the snow. The mountains. The crisp air and the buzz of the lift lines. Maybe you even get a little thrill watching a perfect set of tracks across fresh powder.What if you could turn that love into purpose — by becoming part of something bigger: a team that keeps skiers safe, rescues the injured, and makes the mountain experience better for everyone?
That’s what being a member of the National Ski Patrol — our community of volunteer (and professional) patrollers across the Northeast — is all about.
If you’re passionate about skiing or snowboarding, helping people, learning emergency care, and being part of a dedicated crew, you might just be a perfect fit.
Looking for a patrol near you? Click here to find one in your area or email [email protected] for more information.​
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What Kind of Patroller Are You? Find Your Path
“Ski patroller” isn’t a one-size-fits-all label — you might show up on the mountain wearing a toboggan, or you might spend your time doing rescue training, ski inspections, avalanche control, or medical care.
Some ski areas rely mostly on volunteer patrollers, others hire part‑time or full‑time paid staff, and many use a mix. The best first move is to reach out to the patrol director at the ski area you ski at most often and ask what kind of patrollers they need.

Whatever path you take, here’s the vibe we’re after:
  • A strong work ethic.
  • ​A willingness to learn — from emergency care to mountain safety to rescue skills.
  • A real love of snow-covered trails, cold air, and mountain camaraderie.
  • A desire to give back — by making the slopes safer and more fun for everyone.

Why It's Worth It: Work Hard, Play Hard
Patrolling isn’t just “show up and ride.” It’s meaningful work — but also a ton of fun. Here’s what you get:
  • Make a difference — help injured skiers, keep the mountain safe, respond when it matters most.
  • Learn real‑world, serious skills — from first aid and rescue techniques to avalanche awareness, toboggan handling, and more.
  • Join a community — you’ll become part of a network of dedicated people who love snow, mountain life, and looking out for others.
  • Get perks — many patrols offer lift‑ticket deals, discounts on gear, and the kind of friendships that last.
  • Grow on and off the slopes — the skills you learn (first aid, teamwork, emergency response) translate far beyond skiing.

What It Takes: The Basics

Every local patrol may have slightly different needs — but here are the core requirements to get started with the NSP:
  1. ​Get in touch — Contact the patrol director at your local ski area (or the patrol you hope to join). You can browse by Region on our site
  2. Ski or ride test — Some patrols will ask you to demonstrate skiing or snowboarding ability before acceptance.
  3. Apply as a Candidate — Once approved by the patrol director, sign up on the national NSP site as a “Candidate.”
  4. Complete emergency-care training — You’ll take the Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) course (or, if you’re a licensed EMT/medic, you may be eligible for a “bridging” option).
  5. Hold a current CPR card — Valid CPR certification (American Red Cross or American Heart Association) is required and must be kept up to date.
  6. ​Meet any additional local patrol requirements — Some patrols layer on their own tests, training, or age criteria (e.g. 18+ for full “Basic Patroller,” or youth‑oriented track for younger folks).
For younger snow lovers (as young as 15), check out the Young Adult Patroller Program. It’s a great way to start building skills — first aid, skiing/snowboarding, teamwork — and maybe continue onto full patrol status down the road.

What You’ll Learn — It’s More Than Just First Aid

Being a ski patroller isn’t just about knowing how to wrap a sprain — though that’s part of it. Training with NSP gives you:
  • Medical and rescue skills — from first aid to emergency response, patient transport, and environmental‑injury care.
  • On‑hill rescue skills — toboggan handling, safe transport of injured skiers, moving across snowy terrain, mountain safety.
  • Real‑world readiness — dealing with everything from simple sprains to complex rescue scenarios, often under pressure.
  • Community and teamwork — you’ll ride and train with other patrollers who watch your back, learn together, and help each other grow.

Think You're Ready?  Here's What To Do Next

  • Check out the list of patrols in your Region on the NSP East website.
  • Reach out via email or phone to the Patrol Director of the ski area you frequent.
  • Ask about their specific needs, requirements, and upcoming “try‑out” or “ski‑along” days (many patrols offer these — a chance to shadow, meet the team, and see if patrol life fits you).
  • If they give you the green light — sign up as a Candidate, get enrolled in OEC (or bridging class), make sure your CPR is current — and then get ready for a season that’s equal parts rewarding challenge and mountain adventure.

Final Word

Joining NSP isn’t just volunteering. It’s about joining a community — a group of people who care as much about safety, service, and skiing as you do.
If you love the snow, love helping others, and ready for something that matters — we’d love to have you on the team.
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Hope to see you on the slopes