Join the Patrol

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 guests to ski, board and enjoy. We number approximately 100 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:

1. ATTEND A SNOW SKILLS EVALUATION

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, 18 yrs or older. The snow skills evaluation is held in late-February. Contact us for details & registration.

2. TRAINING

Initial training Consists of several components, for a total of 120 to 140 hours, including:

• 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).
• 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 operation and resort operations.

3. 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.

4. TRAINING COST

Approximately $395 to cover texts, medical equipment (for patrol belt) and training aids. Uniform costs as a patroller are additional. All stated costs are subject to revision.

5. 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.

6. ONGOING PATROL DUTY REQUIREMENTS

Whitetail offers one of two scheduling options:

• One weeknight every week, from 6:00PM until closing, or approximately 10:30/11:00PM (available your second or third season as a patroller).
• Every other weekend, Saturday and Sunday, rotating AM (7AM to 3PM) or PM (3PM to closing) shifts

7. REWARDS

Many! Aside from the camaraderie of other winter outdoor enthusiasts, it includes:

• An Epic season pass for you and your dependents.
• NSP equipment discounts (including Rossignol, Dynastar, Smith, Patagonia & Merrell, amongst others)
• Ongoing Education
• The right to wear the colors!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Drop us a line! Contact the Recruitment Coordinators at here or find any patroller on the hill for some additional info.