Programs
The Southern California Region of National Ski Patrol offers several programs that support, educate, and enhance the patrol experience.
Alumni
An Alumni Member is a special registration category for people who, for various reasons, decide to no longer provide emergency care or rescue services, but wish to continue their relationship with the National Ski Patrol.
Avalanche
NSP has been providing avalanche education to ski patrollers and other search and rescue personnel since 1957, making it the oldest and most experienced avalanche education association for rescue professionals in the U.S. NSP offers avalanche education for general recreationists as well.
Certified
The Certified Program enables patrollers to build upon experiences gained while patrolling and through other NSP programs. This program requires independent training and advance research in order complete the modules and receive certification.
Instructor Development
The National Ski Patrol Instructor Development Program is available to patrollers who want to become an instructor in any of the five NSP educational disciplines: Avalanche, Mountain Travel and Rescue, Outdoor Emergency Care, Outdoor Emergency Transportation, Instructor Development.
Mountain Travel and Rescue
NSP's Mountain Travel and Rescue Program offers a sequence of courses that prepare ski patrollers and others to manage group safety and to participate in search-and-rescue operations in the mountains, including backcountry and off-piste settings.
Nordic Back Country
The Nordic Back Country program has been an integral part of the National Ski Patrol. Over the years, the program has provided services to backcountry enthusiasts by interfacing with the National Forest Service, different park agencies, and local search and rescue groups. We also provided venue coverage at Alpine and Nordic resorts.
Outdoor Emergency Care
Outdoor Emergency Care® is the NSP’s award-winning training program for patrollers and others in the recreation community who deal with emergency situations. OEC is considered the standard of training for emergency care in the outdoor environment.
Wellness
The Wellness Fundamentals is designed by patrollers for patrollers and assists in regaining well-being after traumatic events, maintaining optimal health, and achieving a balanced life. A patroller's health and well-being are crucial in making clear-headed choices on and off the hill. Unfortunately, over time, patrollers are exposed to unforeseen events that may impact their health and decision-making.
Search and Rescue
We have the country's first ski patrol dedicated to search and rescue. Our team, made up of National Ski Patrollers in the Far West Division, reports to the State of California's Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA).
Senior
The Senior Program is designed for NSP members who aspire to the upper levels of skiing/snowboarding and Outdoor Emergency Care proficiency. It provides a forum in which patrollers can enhance personal skiing/snowboarding and toboggan-handling proficiency, improve their ability to manage OEC scenarios, and expand their patrolling knowledge and skills.
Outdoor Emergency Transport
Unique to the National Ski Patrol, the Transportation Program offers guidelines for area management to set the standard of training for its patrollers who operate toboggans. From training of basic candidates to honing the skills of Transportation instructors, this program ensures training opportunities for members of the NSP.
Safety
Safety does not happen by accident. Our NSP mission is to make winter guests aware of how to stay safe while enjoying the sport. These tips can help prevent accidents on the hill.
Acknowledgements:
Cover photo by Jeremy Kahn, Mt Baldy Ski patrol
Website design: Scott Goodman, So Cal Region IT, Far West Division Marketing & Recruitment, San Bernardino Mountain Patrol