Who Can I Contact?

How do I get trained?

The first step is to attend and pass the Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) course held each year in Phoenix and the White Mountains (usually Pinetop).  All patrollers, regardless of their status, have to pass this class.  These classes, which are typically held 2 nights a week and some Saturdays, begin in September and run into November. After passing the test, you will pay dues to become a member of National Ski Patrol and Sunrise Patrol. 

After you pass this class and attend the fall refresher, you are an Auxiliary patroller and can work at Sunrise.  If you wish to become an on-hill patroller, your training will continue after the snow falls at Sunrise.

What is involved in becoming an “On the Hill” Patroller?

In early December, a ski instructor will evaluate your skiing or snowboarding ability before training begins. 
Successful candidates then begin a series of classes in which they:

• Learn to safely pull empty and loaded sleds on both groomed and ungroomed runs
• Practice OEC medical skills in mock scenarios on the hill with the sled
• Get instruction and practice skiing or boarding on the black diamond runs and pulling sleds down those runs
• Learn proper radio procedures at the scene of an accident
• Memorize the names, locations and characteristics of all the runs on all three mountains at Sunrise

Classes are on Saturdays and Sundays only and candidates must attend at least 12 class sessions.  Near the end of the season you will feel proficient at these skills and will be tested.  If you passing this physical test, you will be an “On the Hill” Patroller.

What Commitments are Required?

During the OEC classes, you need to attend as many classes as possible.  We understand that jobs and family commitments may force you to miss some classes, but the more you can attend, the easier the final test will be!  Both auxiliary and  hill patrollers must work 12 days in a season to keep their patrol status with Sunrise.  There are many hours of training and many people who are donating their time to do the training.  Our hope is that this experience will be a positive one for you and that you will stay with Sunrise Patrol past your year of training.

Approximate Up Front Costs: (some costs may be tax deductible)

• OEC training: tuition & books     $75
• Parka, crosses, NSP patches    $200   (hill patroller candidates usually wear ordinary ski gear and buy the red parka after they are qualified)
• Fanny Pack or vest    $90
• First Aid Supplies     $50

• NSP Dues    $75
• Transportation to and from the hill  (varies, depending on where the patroller lives)
• Meals and lodging (varies, depending on where the patroller lives)

What benefits do I get?

National Patrollers are volunteers.  They provide their own ski equipment, jackets, and medical pack and its contents.
Some Resort benefits become available after your training is completed, and the longer you stay on the patrol, the better the benefits become.
The National Ski Patrol is qualified as a 501.C3 organization and your expenses may be tax-deductible.  See your CPA or tax preparer for further information.

Our next scheduled training session for new candidates is tentatively scheduled for fall 2007. We will start accepting applications for new patrollers on September 1, 2007. Please read the Ski Patrol Candidate Information below and contact us if you have any questions, or stop in at the Ski Patrol (the building next to the ski rental shop, at the bottom of and talk to a patroller on duty.