Senior ProgramThe Senior Program is designed to develop patrollers with broad expertise, advanced skills, and exceptional leadership abilities. This module focuses on strengthening leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills essential for managing complex or unusually challenging emergency situations.
The program includes both core and elective requirements tailored to the needs of alpine, Nordic, and other patrollers. While core requirements vary by discipline, all participants must complete the OEC Module of the Senior Program. Key Responsibilities
The OEC Module of the Senior Program consists of field-relevant exercises to develop skills in the objectives of decision-making, problem management, and leadership. Further information on this module can be found in the OEC Senior Training Coordinators Guide, which is posted on the member website. The Senior Alpine (skiing/snowboarding) component consists of long, medium-, and short radius turns, skiing/snowboarding unpacked snow or icy conditions, and equipment carry exercises that require edging, weight transfer, and upper and lower body movements. The objective is to help patrollers become better alpine skiers/snowboarders and toboggan handlers. The Senior Alpine Toboggan-handling component covers the mechanics and components of various rescue toboggans, as well as the operation of loaded and unloaded toboggans. From the front and tail in a variety of conditions on more difficult slopes and including route selection. Toboggan-handling criteria will vary with the multiplicity of equipment used across the country and the differences between alpine and Nordic/Backcountry techniques. The Aid Room Management module includes an educational element and an evaluation element that encourages Patrollers to participate in written exercises, panel discussions, and aid room scenarios. This is to help them gain a deeper understanding of aid room operations and related area management policies. The Senior Nordic/Backcountry component consists of on-snow exercises to develop leadership abilities while increasing and enhancing Nordic/Backcountry skiing proficiency, Nordic/Backcountry toboggan handling, and related Nordic/Backcountry skills. How to Get Started
To begin the program, first you must be a current NSP member with at least one year's experience patrolling is recommended. Second, contact your Patrol Director, who will assess your readiness to enter the Senior Patroller Program. If approved, your Patrol Director will sign your application, which can be found here. Your next step is to decide whether to complete the OET or the OEC Module first, or to pursue both concurrently. You should then contact your Region Senior OET and Senior OEC Advisors, who can explain how the programs are conducted in your region and help guide you through your progression in the program. Most patrollers are able to complete the Senior OEC program within one year, while many require up to two years to complete the OET portion. Your timeline will depend on your current skill level and your ability to train within each program. Both programs offer ample opportunities to build skills, confidence, and leadership throughout your patrolling career. There is no time limit for completing the Senior Patroller Program. Senior Core Components
Senior Alpine Patroller
Senior Nordic Patroller
Senior Patroller
Continuing Education
To maintain Senior alpine or Nordic/Backcountry classification, patrollers must complete national- or division-authorized clinics once every three years. They will be given performance feedback during these clinics. Participation in these clinics fulfills the requirement; participants do not need to meet a performance standard. To maintain the Senior patroller classification, Senior patrollers are required to meet the continuing education requirement once every three years by retaking the Aid Room Management Module or serving as an evaluator, advocate, or trainer for this module at least once every three years. |
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