Senior Patroller Outdoor Emergency Transportation (OET) Program
Advanced Skiing, Riding & Toboggan Handling Skills
The Senior Outdoor Emergency Transportation Module helps patrollers strengthen their skiing, riding, and toboggan-handling skills through structured training, feedback, and evaluation.
What You'll Learn
- Improve skiing, snowboarding, or telemark skills on more difficult terrain
- Develop stronger loaded and unloaded toboggan-handling skills
- Build confidence operating in varied snow, terrain, and patrol conditions
- Apply safe, efficient transportation techniques
- Prepare for higher-level patroller responsibilities and leadership roles
How the Program Works
Training is conducted through regional clinics and on-snow practice sessions. Candidates work with experienced OET instructors and trainer-evaluators to develop the skills required for the Senior OET evaluation.
- Candidates receive coaching and feedback throughout the training process
- Training focuses on both individual skiing or riding skills and toboggan-handling skills
- Clinics are typically held on Senior-rated terrain
- Participation may include alpine skis, telemark skis, or snowboard
Program Requirements
Patrollers may apply for participation in the Senior Patroller program after becoming an NSP member, obtaining Patroller status, and receiving their Patrol Director’s recommendation.
- Current NSP membership
- Patroller status
- Patrol Director recommendation
- Proficient skiing, riding, and toboggan skills on more difficult terrain
- Participation in regional training and evaluation activities
Evaluation Format
The Senior OET evaluation generally includes three primary skill areas: skiing or riding skills, patroller skills, and toboggan-handling skills.
- Skiing, riding, or telemark skills on varied terrain
- Patroller skills such as snowplow, sideslip, transitions, equipment carry, and crud skiing
- Loaded toboggan handling from both front and rear positions
- Unloaded toboggan handling
Clinic / Evaluation and Challenge Format
Regions may offer different evaluation formats, including a clinic/evaluation format or a Senior Patroller Challenge format.
The clinic/evaluation format provides candidates with additional time for practice, feedback, and improvement during the event. The challenge format is typically a one-day evaluation designed for candidates who are confident and well-prepared in their Senior-level OET skills.
The clinic/evaluation format provides candidates with additional time for practice, feedback, and improvement during the event. The challenge format is typically a one-day evaluation designed for candidates who are confident and well-prepared in their Senior-level OET skills.
Important to Understand
The Senior OET Module is designed to promote consistent, nationally recognized standards for ski, ride, and toboggan training. Division and regional program leaders may support training and evaluation, but they may not add requirements beyond the nationally established Senior Patroller OET guidelines.