A "patient" being taken down in a sled
Joining Heavenly as a National Ski Patroller involves:
- Passing a ski check at Heavenly.
- Completing an OEC course during the summer or Fall. OEC is the NSP course that teaches you the basic first responder skills required for ski patrol.
- Completing the candidate program at Heavenly. This program begins in December and runs through March, usually on every 2nd or 3rd weekend. You will be taught how to handle sleds, your first aid skills will be strengthen, you will learn the "hill protocols" and you will learn your way around the mountain.
- Fully equipped and uniformed as a candidate.
In addition, potential candidates are strongly recommended to attend Heavenly's OEC Refresher held in late fall. This Refresher satisfies the annual OEC requirements for recertification, in addition to rehearsing resort-specific skills such as chairlift evacuation, liability issues and incident command protocols.
We look for certain criteria in our candidate patrollers:
- At least a strong intermediate skiing ability.
- Willingness to learn.
- Positive attitude.
- Desire TO HAVE FUN! Yes, fun is an important part of what we do.
Next Steps
The most important step you can take right now is to contact us. Jeff Young is in charge of training and his information is found below. He will be able to answer your questions, send you more information and help you get involved.
As you move through the various stages of becoming a patroller you can depend on receiving support and encouragement from all Heavenly Area members.
Candidate Training Coordinator:
Jeff Young
P.O. Box 550890
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96155
510 913-7200
training@heavenlyareaskipatrol.org