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Mount Bachelor National Ski Patrol
Who We Are
A Typical Day for a Patroller
Become a Patroller
Support Us
Events
Donate
Mount Bachelor National Ski Patrol
Who We Are
A Typical Day for a Patroller
Become a Patroller
Support Us
Events
Donate
Who We Are
A Typical Day for a Patroller
Become a Patroller
Support Us
Events
Donate

Who We Are

The Mt. Bachelor National Ski Patrol is a volunteer non-profit organization whose members have been serving the skiing and outdoor recreation public at Mt. Bachelor for nearly 70 years, beginning in 1958. We provide both emergency care and rescue services for snow sports participants and outdoor safety awareness for other community organizations, as well as providing comprehensive first aid and rescue support at all aid stations for the Annual MBSEF Pole, Pedal, Paddle Race. Each member must have, at a minimum, an Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) certification and professional level CPR/AED certification, and maintain these certifications through annual refreshers. Patrollers must also learn, and maintain their knowledge of, other patrol protocols and procedures.

Our Mission

The Mount Bachelor National Ski Patrol is a non-profit, volunteer organization that promotes the awareness of safe practices, and engages in skilled rescue in a challenging alpine environment to which its members are enthusiastically connected. 

A Typical Day for a Patroller

Alpine Patroller Typical day

7:15-7:30 am: Arrive at Mt Bachelor. Boot up, get dressed for the lift and grab your gear (most folks pack a sack lunch). Then head to the Ski Patrol Office, grab a radio, sign in and stand by for the morning patrol brief.

7:45 am: Receive the morning patrol brief: Weather, snow conditions, grooming issues, openings and closures, lift status, special operations and activities, scheduled training, safety and medical concerns. Receive opening set-up and patrol assignments.

8:00 am: Turn on your radio and ride up Pine Marten Lift. Link up with the Pro Patrol and others working your set-up and divide up duties. Begin opening set-up assignments using the "fix as you go" from top to bottom approach. Duties include: Putting out slow signs and traffic fences, inspecting first aid and patrol related rescue gear, adjusting tower and sign pole padding, cleaning ice from signs, bamboo and rope, resetting bamboo poles and rope lines, marking and roping off hazards and skiing runs in your assigned area. Always check with the Pros and Dispatch for new duty assignments.

9:00 am - 3:00 pm: Be prepared to serve as the first medical responder for guest in need of assistance. Complete training if scheduled. Report to patrol bump staging areas, if assigned. Otherwise, rotate in and out of Summit Top or Pine Martin Lift. Ski runs and fix issues as you find them. Stage at high traffic areas, top of terrain parks, or beginner ski zones. Be seen and set the example. Be customer friendly and helpful. Know your position at all times. Listen to the radio and anticipate where you should be to best support the patrol mission. Reply to requests from Dispatch, "Attention Patrollers," if you are in a position to provide a rapid response. Check in at Dispatch to see if they have any work that needs to be done. Eat lunch at Summit Top or Dispatch but be ready to respond if needed.

3:00 pm - 4:45 pm: Closing Sweeps. Starting at Summit Top, then Northwest, Outback and lastly the front side. Ski assigned sweeps and ensure all guests make it off the mountain safely. Sign out when complete, turn off your radio and put it back in the charger. Then go back to the locker room to stow your gear. And if you are so motivated, link up in the parking lot for some after work socializing.

Nordic Patroller Typical Day

8-8:20 AM: Arrive at Mt Bachelor, grab radio, prepare personal gear and clothing, assist in general lodge entrance and deck snow removal, and snowmobile and toboggan prep.

8:30 AM:  Be ready to patrol. Attend Patrol meeting led by Nordic Pro Patroller. Meet your team of 3-7 patrollers. Receive morning briefing for weather, grooming, events, safety and medical concerns, continuing education modules, and assignments. Call in to dispatch.

9:00 AM - 3:30 AM: Serve as first medical responder and provide snowmobile transportation for guests in need of assistance. Ski Nordic trails and snowshoe the snowshoe trails, provide information and education to guests, reset bamboo, brush snow off signs, mark hazards, check with Pro and Bump for new assignments, rotate through high use trails and around lodge to be seen and set example. Eat lunch at Nordic Center and be ready to respond without delay. Practice continuing education modules with other patrollers.

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Perform last ski rotation around lodge, put away snowmobile, assist employees with ski racks, tables, banners, check for missing quests and rental returns at 4:00 PM, store your gear, add final info to daily log book, verbally check in with Nordic Trail Captain and Nordic Pro Patroller before turning off radio and being released for day. Option to commute home or socialize with Alpine and Aid Room patrollers in parking lot at 4:45 PM.

Aid Room Patroller Typical Day

Morning shift at Sunrise Lodge:

8:15am:  Pick up a radio in the West Village patrol office and sign-in for your shift before heading to Sunrise.

8:30am:  Arrive at Sunrise Lodge geared up and ready to assist guest or employee injuries both inside and outside.  Open Sunrise aid room, check supplies, and confirm their presence with Dispatch via radio.  Follow protocol for restocking deficiencies.

8:45-9:15am:  Complete a “public relations” (PR) walk around the area to publicize your presence to staff and guests alike.  Greet and meet staff to build relationship.  Inspect the grounds for any safety issues and address as necessary.  Note the conditions and decide how far into the ski area you could respond in those particular conditions as to be prepared for radio calls throughout the area, including parking lots, instructional areas, and on-loading platforms for lifts.

9:15am – 12:30pm:  Staff the aid room, responding both to radio calls for guests in need of assistance and the many walk-ins with injuries and general questions.  Continue periodic PR walks around the area, interacting with guests, staff, instructors, students, and mountain hosts.  Complete continuing education modules with other patrollers during slower moments.  Stay in tune to the radio for updates on mountain operations.

12:00pm: When the second patroller arrives, give report on any important events or info for the day.

12:30pm: Return the radio, and go ski/ride the mountain!

Afternoon shift at West Village:

9:00am: Catch first chair to ski/ride the mountain!

12:30pm: Arrive at the clinic, dry and ready to respond to guests in all conditions, inside and outside.  Sign the sign-in sheet.  Get an update from off-going patroller and take their radio before they leave or pick-up one in the office upstairs, wearing it on your body ready to respond.  Look for any patrollers and/or guests to assist.  Survey the clinic for any supplies to restock.  Inspect safety conditions outside the clinic and address appropriately.  Check sled pack supply and restock as needed.

12:30 – 4:30pm: Prioritize responding to walk-in guest injuries and radio calls in the West Village base area, allowing alpine patrollers to remain high and respond on the mountain.  As a second priority, assist alpine and Nordic patrollers with the guests they bring to the clinic.  Assist in clearing toboggans and repacking with a sled pack.  Complete PR walkabouts throughout the base area when the aid room is slower, always carrying a radio and mentally preparing how to respond to various locations.  Complete continuing education modules with other patrollers during slower moments.  Stay in tune to the radio for updates on mountain operations.

4:30pm: Close aid room when Dispatch confirms completion of mountain sweep and there are no more guests to attend to.  Be sure closets and cabinets are locked.  Return radios.

4:45pm: Join Alpine and Nordic patrollers in the parking lot for socializing, patrol stories, and sometimes a warm fire.

How to Become a Mount Bachelor NSP Patroller

All members of the Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol serve on a volunteer basis and volunteer on weekends only. We have/need patrollers who are expert in Alpine skiing/boarding, nordic classic and skate, as well as providing care in a clinic format. Each year, the patrol adds new members interested in becoming part of a rewarding experience based on love of the outdoors, winter sports, service to others, and lasting friendships.

Please see our Frequently Asked Questions area below for further information. To sign up, click the “Become A Patroller” button and enter your information. A member of the ski patrol will follow up and advise you of the selection process, the training program and answer any additional questions.

All members of Mt. Bachelor National Ski Patrol must be or become certified Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) technicians and keep their credentials current through the patrol’s required training activities.

We will begin recruitment for the 2027/28 season in November 2026.

Local news organization, Central Oregon Daily, takes a look at the Mount Bachelor NSP Training Program.

Become a Patroller

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • For alpine skiers and boarders, 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.

    For Nordic skiers, the ski test will consist of skating or classic skiing at the Nordic Center during the assessment. You will bring your own equipment for either technique. The tester will do a brief equipment check. 

    The Ski  Assessment averages between 1.5-2 hrs with additional time spent introducing potential candidate to other Nordic patrollers, answering questions, and determining if potential candidate will work well with the other Nordic Patrollers. 

    • Ski Blue Jay's Loop and Easy Back Loop in any order: 

    • One loop to be skated and the other loop classic skied.  

    • Reasonable time limits based on conditions.  

    • Recommend time for Easy Back Loop is <50-60 minutes.  

    • Stopping is permissible.  

    • Blue Jay's is example of a black diamond trail with hill climbing.  

    • Easy Back is example of a blue diamond trail.  

    • OK to take a break, eat snack, hangout between loops.  

    • NSP is looking for confident skiers who demonstrate effective technique. 

    • Demonstrate ability to skate ski, double pole, V1, V2, V2Alt, and free skate. OR 

    • Demonstrate ability to classic ski, double pole, and kick double pole. 

    • Demonstrate ability to stop abruptly on Screamer or other steep hill to avoid dangers, collisions, or help guest in need of assistance. 

    • Discuss trail etiquette, right of way, and other trail safety strategies. 

    • Demonstrate strength required to drag, reposition, and hook up toboggan to snowmobile.  

    • Detach toboggan from snowmobile (assumes it is set up for day). 

    • Drag toboggan over to storage box and put it away. 

    • Pull toboggan out of storage box and reattach to snowmobile.

  • Yes. As a Mt. Bachelor NSP patroller, you operate on Mt. Bachelor under the OEC standard of training. Mt. Bachelor NSP provides OEC training.

  • 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 designated parts OEC curriculum, is required of our membership annually, either by attending Mt. Bachelor’s Fall Refresher, or refreshers offered by other NSP Patrols. in addition to this OEC refresher, a mountain operations and CPR refresher is held, usually on the same weekend, covering many of the patroller’s other skills such as mountain medical protocols, electronic medical records, and snowmobile protocols.  The mountain operations refresher occurs on Saturday, and the OEC refresher is on Sunday usually the 1st weekend in November and must be completed at Mt. Bachelor.

    In December or January, Alpine patrollers are required to refresh their toboggan hauling skills with an instructor.,

  • 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 ground”.  This training will include blending medical skills with some transportation skills and radio and patient handoff skills.  After the successful conclusion of this on-the-hill evaluation, Patroller Candidates advance to Probationary Status.

  • Prior to being approved by the training committee to join our ranks all candidates must complete probationary patrolling.  Candidates will patrol under the mentorship of various patrollers, throughout the day.  Candidates are required to “work” a given number of accidents and learn the mountain’s terrain, equipment and operations, 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.

  • During the training year, Alpine and Nordic candidates will receive a full season ski pass at Mt. Bachelor.  In addition, at the completion of training, Alpine and Nordic patrollers become eligible to provide season passes for their spouse and children under the age of 18.  Patrollers are also eligible for major discounts on ski and outdoor equipment with major brands through the National Ski Patrol commonly referred to as “pro deals”. This “pro deal” benefit is also extended to the candidate during the training year.

  • During the training year, Aid Room Candidates will receive a full season ski pass at Mt. Bachelor.  In addition, at the completion of training, Aid Room Patrollers will become eligible to provide season passes for their spouse and children under the age of 18 at a 50% discount from published pricing.  Patrollers are also eligible for major discounts on ski and outdoor equipment with major brands through the National Ski Patrol commonly referred to as “pro deals”.  This “pro deal” benefit is also extended to the candidate during the training year.

  • Costs include:

    • $150 Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) course

    • $125 OEC Textbook

    • ~$175 for annual dues (Local, Regional, Division, and National)

    • $150 – $600 for Uniform (jacket/vest/pack/etc.).  These costs can vary based on personal preference.  MBNSP will reimburse patrollers $200 every 5 years to help offset the cost of uniforms.

    *  These costs are estimates and subject to change.

  • It is very important that candidates realize that training and qualification activities are a major time commitment.  The training process will span approximately 13-15 months depending on modality with differing segments at different times of year.  Training consists of:

    • Ski evaluations for Alpine and Nordic Candidates are performed during January.

    • Outdoor Emergency Transportation (OET) training for Alpine Candidates will begin in February and conclude in March.

    • Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) classes will begin with 3-4 classes in April.  Candidates will be expected to complete the OEC textbook reading during the summer months.  Classes will resume after Labor Day.  Fall classes will be two evenings each week along with 3-4 Saturday on-hill sessions. Classes will continue through end of October and conclude with standardized written and practical exams.

    • Flat ground training will commence at the conclusion of OEC training and take place over two Saturdays in early November.

    • Probationary Patrolling will follow Flat Ground training and commence at the beginning of the ski season.  During this time, candidates will be mentored by veteran patrollers within their modality during the ski season.  Mentoring will take place on Weekends and can vary in duration by modality.  The goal is to prepare the candidate to perform complete full patroller duties without assistance from the mentor.

    • Upon successful completion of training, the Candidate Training Director will recommend candidates to be approved for membership by a vote of the Training Committee.  Generally, the approval process will take place by the end of the ski season.

  • 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 candidate-training-director@mtbachelornsp.org.

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

  • We have Nordic patrollers who skate, those who classic ski and those who do both.

Supporting the Mount Bachelor NSP

Mt. Bachelor National Ski Patrol is 100% supported by our own fundraising efforts. Money we receive from donations is used for:

  • Training Equipment, including first aid supplies, backboards, oxygen tanks and regulators, airway adjuncts, blood pressure, pulse and oxygen monitors, anatomical models, splints, toboggans, and audio video equipment such as computers, projectors and appropriate software.

  • Materials & supplies for new patrollers.

  • Capital Expense Fund: training, meeting and storage facilities.

  • Recruiting new patrollers each year.

  • Recognition of outstanding service and dedication to safety.

  • Supplementing the purchase of on-mountain personnel equipment, including first aid packs, jackets, shovels, avalanche probes, or transceivers.

All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed for a 501c3 non-profit organization.

Business Supporters
Contact our Business Sponsorship Coordinator for information specific to your business.

Individual Supporters
If you would like to donate and support the Mission of the Mt. Bachelor National Ski Patrol, please use the button below for Credit Card, Paypal or Venmo, or if you prefer to mail a check, use the address provided:

Mt. Bachelor National Ski Patrol

P.O. Box 1693

Bend, OR 97709

Click Here to Donate

Thank You for Your Support!

Mount Bachelor NSP Thanks Its Outstanding Business Supporters

Mount Bachelor NSP Fundraising & Safety Events

Join us at our fundraising & safety events throughout the season to show your support for the Mount Bachelor National Ski Patrol.

November 29, 2026

9:30 am - 12:00pm

Bingo Fundraiser

Come join us for our Bingo Fundraising Event. You are guaranteed to have a blast.

Tables & seats are reservable through Eventbrite.

Date: November 29, 2026

Time: 9:30 am - 12:00 pm

Location: Silver Moon Brewing located at 24 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend, OR 97703

Coming Soon

Pint Night

Come join us for a pint. A portion of every pint purchased will be donated to the Mount Bachelor National Ski Patrol.

Date: To Be Determined

Time: To Be Determined

Location: To Be Determined

MTBACHELORNSP.ORG

INFO@MTBACHELORNSP.ORG