Thank you for your interest in joining the Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol in Bend, Oregon. Being a patroller or a Mountain Safety Associate is a very rewarding experience. For those of us who patrol it is a combination of love for the outdoors, skiing, helping others and long lasting friendships. Read on to learn more about the different patrol disciplines, the steps to joining our patrol, and the training we offer.  Keep in mind with all disciplines we’re here to provide a positive and safe experience to the guests that visit Mt. Bachelor.

PATROL DISCIPLINES

At Mt. Bachelor we have three types of volunteer ski patrollers: Alpine, Auxiliary, and Nordic.  Starting in the 2009/2010 season we have added Mountain Safety Associate to our ranks.  Patrollers provide emergency medical care in addition to their other duties when volunteering at Mt. Bachelor.   Mountain Safety Associates do not provide emergency medical care.  Their focus is providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all guests.  The following gives an idea on the different level of training and responsibilities for each discipline.

Alpine Patroller

Alpine patrollers start their day when the lifts first start turning. After the morning meeting we ride to the top and begin the daily setup. Once the mountain is open we provide emergency medical assistance to any guest in need. We also provide patient transport via toboggan. Our day ends after the mountain is closed when we finish sweeping each run.

All alpine patrollers are certified Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) technicians or have an equivalent or higher medical certification. Alpine patrollers are also trained to run toboggans to and from accidents, and are certified Outdoor Emergency Transportation (OET) technicians. Familiarity with Mt. Bachelor and strong skiing skills are necessary to be a patroller. Alpine patrollers must successfully complete the applicable modules in the M1 training program and all OEC components.

Nordic Patroller

Nordic patrollers operate on the other side of the parking lot. They provide coverage for all Nordic trails within the Mt. Bachelor operating area. Their day begins with setup of the Nordic area. This may involve marking hazards, shoveling out signs and entrance ways buried by a recent storm. Throughout the day they provide emergency medical coverage in the Nordic area. Once the Nordic center is closed they sweep their trails.

All Nordic patrollers are certified Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) technicians or have an equivalent or higher medical certification. Nordic patrollers must be competent Nordic skiers and willing to drive a snowmobile. Like alpine patrollers, Nordic patrollers must successfully complete the applicable training modules in the M1 training program and all OEC components.

Auxiliary Patroller

Auxiliary patrollers provide emergency medical services in the two aid rooms at Mt. Bachelor. Many of our guests who need assistance walk or ski to the aid rooms. In addition to handling their own patients they often assist other patrollers arriving at the aid room with an injured guest.

All auxiliary patrollers are certified Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) technicians or have an equivalent or higher medical certification. Auxiliary candidates must successfully complete all OEC components.

Patroller Candidate

Patroller Candidates begin their day when the mountain opens. Their focus throughout the day is to provide a safe and family friendly environment. Their day ends when the mountain closes. Patroller Candidates do not provide any medical service. This position is limited to a 2 season duration, at which point the Patroller Candidate and candidate training team will explore membership options.

Mountain Safety Associates should possess a reasonable skiing ability. All Associates must be CPR certified and successfully complete the necessary M1 training modules. As with all disciplines strong interpersonal skills and a desire to help are necessary.

HOW TO JOIN

Sign up & Ski Evaluation

Contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to learn when the next ski evaluation and training program will be held. Be sure to include your name, contact info, and your desired discipline (Alpine, Nordic, Auxiliary or Mountain Safety.) Auxiliary patrol candidates are not required to take a ski evaluation. Nordic patrol candidates will complete their ski evaluation at the Nordic area. Alpine patrol candidates, Nordic patrol candidates, and Mountain Safety Associate candidates must demonstrate a skiing ability at a level required for the given discipline. Alpine skiers, snow boarders, and tele skiers are encouraged to tryout for the Mountain Safety Program and begin their career with the National Ski Patrol in our membership.

We charge a nominal participation fee ($5-$10) for the ski evaluation, and you will be given feedback on your ski evaluation the same day.  Following the feedback session, individuals wishing to join NSP for further instruction must first register as NSP members by paying the standard membership fee of $81.  National Policy 7.4.4(B) requires that Patrol applicants pay the member registration fee and become properly registered prior to any on-the-hill instruction.  Members receive the quarterly Ski Patrol Magazine and may shop online at the NSP.org storefront and are eligible for substantial discounts on clothing (Patagonia, etc.) and gear.

Membership affords the individual access to the NSP Website, Instructional Materials, Certified Training Programs (Avalanche, Mountain Travel, etc.), Online Catalog-where substantial product discounts can be realized, and individuals receive the Ski Patrol Magazine.  Membership also affords the individual substantial discounts from NSP Sponsors, such as Patagonia, SUBARU, and Nordica, as examples.  Membership is mandated prior to instruction, according to NSP Policy and Procedures, as a qualification for liability coverage to our local Patrol.

M1 Training Begins

Successful candidates will be immediately enrolled in the M1 training program. The first modules taught will focus on the training required to be a Mountain Safety Associate. Once these modules are successfully completed you will be certified as a Mountain Safety Associate.  Progressive training will be offered to build candidate skill-sets in a safe and controlled volunteer career development process.

Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) Instruction Begins

Candidates have the option, and are encouraged to begin the Outdoor Emergency Care course the following summer. This course is taught in Bend beginning in July or August. It is approximately 90 hours total, and is normally scheduled for two evenings a week with some occasional additional classes on Saturdays. This course covers the basics of trauma management iin an outdoor environment, with special emphasis on orthopedic and cold-related injuries (frostbite, hypothermia). OEC is comparable in scope to an EMT-B certification, but with more emphasis on trauma management and less on medical emergencies. You can obtain additional information about OEC courses at www.nsp.org.

FAQ

Describe the Ski Evaluation? (Alpine & Mountain Safety).

For Alpine patrol we are looking for skiers, snowboarders or tele-skiers that are stable and confident anywhere on our mountain. This assures us that a candidate has the requisite ski skills necessary to ski any type of terrain found in the Mt. Bachelor ski area. We have a wide variety of terrain, and our conditions change dramatically throughout the year. We don't expect pretty, but we do expect competent. For Mountain Safety Associates we look for a skier who is comfortable skiing groomed runs accessed from the Pine Martin, Skyliner, and Sunrise Chairs.

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 leave, herringbones, etc. We will demonstrate each of these skills for you so you know what we are expecting to see. For those interested in alpine patrol we will also ski moguls, then do some kick-turns to assess stability and some skiing in off-piste terrain.

Candidate and guest safety is critically important to our Patrol and instructors.  M1 training allows the benefit of progressive instruction with the goal of developing skills and confidence to allow a candidate to access any part of our mountain.  Candidates will carry a Patrol tracking sheet for skill set sign-offs and will have extensive debriefing at the end of each training day, where you may critique our program instruction and we will help develop your career within the Patrol.

Do I need OEC if I'm already an EMT-B or higher?

Yes and no. We offer a challenge class for EMTs, so they won't need to take the full OEC class. But experience has taught us that an EMT-B certification may not fully prepare students for the types of first aid skills they are likely to need on the mountain. The EMTs who have taken the OEC class have consistently commented that it was a good refresher and the hands-on aspect of the class was excellent. Please discuss this option with us if you desire to challenge the OEC requirement.

Do I need Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification?

We require CPR for Emergency Care Professionals certification for every discipline. We teach CPR at numerous times and dates in Bend. 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.

What is the Fall Refresher?

Annual OEC-recertification is required of our membership, either by attending Mt. Bachelor's Fall Refresher held in October, or refreshers offered by other NSP Patrols. This training refreshesthe  patroller's skills such as OEC, chairlift evacuation and hill protocols. The OEC refresher occurring on Saturday, and the mountain operations follows on Sunday.  Mountain Safety Associates are also required to assist with this training, although their membership does not include exercising OEC medical skills.

What and When is the On-The-Hill OEC Training - Patrol Candidates Only?

This training follows the OEC training and begins in November. You take your newly learned medical skills to Mt. Bachelor for training. This training 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.  Having passed this on-the-hill evaluation, Patroller Candidates advance to Probationary Status.

What is 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 throughout the day. Candidates are required to “work” a given number of accidents 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 consists of a minimum of 8 working days.

What is my commitment to the volunteer patrol?

The National Ski Patrol is a volunteer organization. As such, you will not be paid for your time. However, all your expenses associated with Ski Patrol (OEC textbook, CPR certification, clothing, equipment, meals and lodging) are tax deductible because the NSP is classified as a non-profit organization (consult your tax professional).

You will be required to Patrol a minimum of 18 weekend days (holidays and Christmas week also count) and attend a CPR and Fall Refresher each year. You will signup for patrol days each trimester, or two month period beginning in November. You are free to choose your weekends. If a conflict occurs during the season, you may swap days with other patrollers to assure the mountain has appropriate patrol coverage.

The best benefit of the Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol is the friendships and camaraderie you will develop as you patrol with the many exceptional people at Mt. Bachelor.

Alpine & Nordic Ski Patrol

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 will also receive ski passes. Candidates ski free, as long as they are in training or shadowing a patroller.

Auxiliary Ski Patrol

We have a limited number of Auxiliary Ski Patrol positions for those who have excellent OEC skills, but do not posses or choose to use the ski skills required of the "on-the-hill" ski patrol. The primary responsibility of Auxiliary Ski Patrol is to staff one of Mt. Bachelor's two first aid rooms in four hour shifts, providing OEC. Auxiliary Ski Patrol receives a 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.

Patroller Candidate

The Patroller Candidate position is for those who have competent ski skills, but do not yet have the OEC medical skills.  This would typically be the first year candidate, prior to offering of OEC training in August.  This position is limited to two seasons. The primary responsibility of the Patroller Candidate is to provide extensive assistance to ski area guests and promote slope safety. There are basic skiing proficiency requirements for Patroller Candidates to  receive a day ticket at Mt. Bachelor for use during the day that they are working. There are no family pass benefits for the Patroller Candidate.

Who do I talk to if I have a question?

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 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .