If you are looking to join the National Ski Patrol, here is my recommendation for the best way to do so (IMHO). While this process is not required, it provides an easy onboarding.
First, determine what resort/patrol you'd like to join. Each patrol has what we call a "Patrol Representative". This is the person/s that determine if new Candidates are going to be accepted for the following season and will likely be your primary contact through the hiring process. You will need to contact the patrol rep to find out if the are accepting applications. Assuming they are, it's best to get your "ski check" done in the season prior to when you want to start. Ask the patrol rep when you might be able to do that.
The ski check is a "ski along" with a patroller to make sure your skiing ability is at the level they require. Some folks have found because they waited until the current season to ski check and weren't accepted, it was too late to try and join a different patrol and had to wait another year. Ski checks are typically held when there is enough snow on advanced terrain.
Next step is to join the Outdoor Emergency Care class. The classes are held prior to the ski season so upon completion you're ready for your "candidate season".
While many patrollers own property near their respective patrol area, not everyone does. Be sure you select a place where you can find lodging, as the resorts do not provide it. Popular lodging alternatives are ski leases. You can check with real estate companies, Craigs List or Snow Pals.
First, determine what resort/patrol you'd like to join. Each patrol has what we call a "Patrol Representative". This is the person/s that determine if new Candidates are going to be accepted for the following season and will likely be your primary contact through the hiring process. You will need to contact the patrol rep to find out if the are accepting applications. Assuming they are, it's best to get your "ski check" done in the season prior to when you want to start. Ask the patrol rep when you might be able to do that.
The ski check is a "ski along" with a patroller to make sure your skiing ability is at the level they require. Some folks have found because they waited until the current season to ski check and weren't accepted, it was too late to try and join a different patrol and had to wait another year. Ski checks are typically held when there is enough snow on advanced terrain.
Next step is to join the Outdoor Emergency Care class. The classes are held prior to the ski season so upon completion you're ready for your "candidate season".
While many patrollers own property near their respective patrol area, not everyone does. Be sure you select a place where you can find lodging, as the resorts do not provide it. Popular lodging alternatives are ski leases. You can check with real estate companies, Craigs List or Snow Pals.