The ski test will consist of two or more runs.  On the first one we go through the basics: Carved, short-medium-long radius turns, strong snowplowing, sideslips/falling leaf, herringbones, etc.  We will demonstrate each of these skills first so you know what we expect. For those interested in alpine patrol we will also ski moguls, then do some kick-turns to assess stability, and ski some off-piste terrain.  These evaluations will take place pretty much independent of mountain conditions.

Yes and no.  We offer a challenge class for those with other emergency care certifications, so they may not need to take the full OEC class.  However experience has taught us that these certifications may not fully prepare students for the types of first aid skills they are likely to need on the mountain.  Students with other certifications who have taken the OEC class have consistently commented that it was a good refresher and the hands-on aspect of the class was valuable.  Please discuss this option with us if you desire to challenge the OEC requirement.

We require CPR for Health Care Professionals certification for every discipline.  We teach CPR each year in Bend.  Additionally, there are certifications of CPR for Health Care Professionals through other organizations locally.  If you currently are certified through your workplace, a copy of your current card is required to document your status.  To meet NSP requirements, you must recertify your CPR on an annual basis.

Annual OEC-recertification, which covers approximately one third of the OEC curriculum, is required of our membership, either by attending Mt. Bachelor’s Fall Refresher, or refreshers offered by other NSP Patrols. This training refreshes many of the patroller’s skills such as OEC, chairlift evacuation, mountain medical protocols, and snowmobile protocols.  The OEC refresher occurs on Saturday, and the mountain operations refresher is on Sunday usually in early November.

This training follows the OEC classroom training and begins in November. You take your newly learned medical skills to Mt. Bachelor for outdoor training. This focuses on emergency medical scenarios in an outdoor environment.  Prior to the mountain opening the training is held on “flat land”.  Once the mountain is open the training is held on various ski runs.  With successful completion of this training all candidates must pass a “hands-on” evaluation, blending medical skills with transportation skills and in many cases radio and patient handoff skills.  Having passed this on-the-hill evaluation, Patroller Candidates advance to Probationary Status.

Prior to being voted on by the patrol to join our ranks all candidates must complete probationary patrolling.  Candidates will patrol with various patrollers, both NSP and Pro Patrol, throughout the day.  Candidates are required to “work” a given number of accidents and learn the mountain’s terrain, along with completing other probationary details.  This is where other patrol members get a chance to know you, observe your skills and dedication to the patrol.  Probation Status currently consists of a minimum of 8 working days.

You will be required to Patrol a minimum of 18 weekend days and attend a CPR and Fall Refresher each year as well as attending monthly patrol meetings.  You will signup for patrol days each trimester, or two month period beginning in November.  You are free to choose your weekends although specific choices are not initially guaranteed.  If a conflict occurs during the season, you are required/expected to swap days with other patrollers to assure the mountain has appropriate patrol coverage. You are also encouraged to participate in the patrol in other ways:  teaching classes, organizing training or fundraising activities etc.

As an Alpine or Nordic Patroller, you will receive a season ski pass at Mt. Bachelor.  If you are married, your spouse and children under the age of 18 who live with you will also receive ski passes.  Candidates ski free, during their training days. Many other resorts let patrollers ski free, or for a reduced fee. This varies by area. Patrollers are also eligible for pro deals on ski and other outdoor equipment.

We have a limited number of Aid Room Ski Patrol positions for those who have excellent OEC skills, but do not possess or choose  to use the ski skills required of the “on-the-hill” ski patrol.  The primary responsibility of Aid Room Ski Patrol is to staff Mt. Bachelor’s first aid rooms in four hour shifts, providing OEC.  Aid Room Patrollers receive a personal season ski pass at Mt. Bachelor.  If you are married, your spouse and children under the age of 18 may obtain a pass at 1/2 the lowest season price.

Costs include $80 for OEC, $93 for NSP dues, $115 for textbooks, $40 for other supplies and TBD for jacket/vest/pack.  These numbers are estimates and can vary.

The ski test is usually done in the spring. Click HERE to notify the patrol of your interest in participating in the evaluation.  The OEC class starts in the fall and continues a couple evenings a week through November (approximately 90 hours of classroom time).  Flat land and On the Hill training can last 6 to 8 weekends.  Afterwards, there are approximately 8 weekend days for the probationary period.  We try to have the new patrollers ready for a patrol vote in February.  The actual finish is greatly dependent on many factors:  Snow on the mountain, how quickly the candidate picks up the skills, how easy it is for the candidate to schedule training days for probation, as well as unplanned disruptions to the schedule. It is very important that candidates realize that training and qualification activities are a major time commitment.

The Candidate Training Director is your primary contact with the patrol. He/she will help guide you through the entire candidate process, notify you when training will be held, and answer all your questions. The CTD can be reached by emailing info@mtbachelornsp.org.

Skiing, snowboarding, and telemark are all options for patrol. We have skiers, snowboarders, and telemarkers currently on patrol!