Join - Cascade Mountain Ski Patrol

Are you interested in becoming a patroller?

There are several parts to becoming a patroller.

One part is completing an Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) Course. This course teaches you to assess an injury or illness and render emergent first aid until the person can get to advanced care. The Cascade Mountain Ski Patrol OEC course typically begins in April and ends in July each year. This course is usually held on Thursday nights on the east side of Madison. You will also need to complete a CPR course during this time. Attendance at each week's course is mandatory.

Another part of your training is called Patroller 101. This course usually takes place in November with a classroom session in which you learn about important aspects of Cascade Mountain and its Patrol, the history of NSP, as well as how to dress for the weather

Outdoor Emergency Transportation (OET) then continues as soon as we can be on the hill. At that time you work on ski or boarding proficiency and, depending on your ability level, may begin learning to run and handle toboggans for patient transport. The Cascade Mountain Ski Patrol OET course begins as soon as the hill opens, and continues through the first part of March. This course is usually held on Tuesday nights at the hill.

If you successfully complete your ski along in November/early December you will likely begin your training with OET, right away. If you successfully complete your ski along in February/March, you will begin your training with OEC in April.

Your first year is a big commitment, both financially and of your time. Ask any of our patrollers and they will tell you it is well worth it.

There are many great benefits to being a patroller, including meeting new people and making some great friendships, having a family activity to do during the winter months, and maybe most of all, helping people.

If you are interested in becoming a patroller, the first step is to download and fill out the application and submit it to the email address included on the application. We will then contact you and answer any other questions you might have.

Benefits to Patrolling