HOW TO BECOME A PATROLLER

Becoming a Junior Ski Patroller is a rewarding and rigorous process that requires continuous dedication. However, the education, experience, and memories made are unlike anything else. Listed below are the steps necessary to becoming a Junior Patroller at Winter Park Resort.  If you have any questions about the information or process, please contact us by using the contact form. 

1. Practice Your Skiing

    In order to be a ski patroller, you must be able to move around the mountain in an efficient and safe manner. You don't have to be able to do backflips or jump off big cliffs to be a ski patroller. In order to prepare for step 2, the ski test, practice going down black diamond bump runs taking very few stops as well as carving sharp turns on blue groomers. Get really good at skiing Outhouse top to bottom (hint hint).

1.5. Shadow Shadow Shadow

While not required, shadow days are a spectacular way to show your interest in becoming a patroller. When shadowing a junior patroller, you will ski with them for the whole day, learning about the responsibilities and duties of a patroller. This step will show you what it is like being a patroller as well as help current junior patrollers get to know you better.  To shadow a junior patroller, all you have to do is come into the patrol building at the base of Winter Park BEFORE 7:35 A.M. and have your parent fill out a waiver. Make sure to bring regular shoes as you might be at the base for a little bit. This step is not essential to becoming a junior patroller but is highly recommended. There are no reservations. It is first come first serve. Shadowing is Currently Open on Saturdays and Sundays.

3. Take the Ski Test

  In order to take the ski test, you must be either 15 and older or turning 15 within the calendar year. For example, if you are 14, and you turn 15 by December 2025, you are eligible to take the ski test. On the day of the test, a parent must sign a release for you, and you are required to fill out an application of sorts. Ski tests are typically held on the first Saturday and second Sunday of March. The ski test consists of multiple runs on various types of terrains. You will be evaluated by current junior ski patrollers as well as adult patrollers on your skiing ability. If you do pass the ski test you will be given an interview with the judges. If you do not pass the ski test, there is no need to worry. Often times, it takes multiple attempts to pass the test.

4. Have an Interview

Upon successful completion of the ski test, you will have an interview with current junior patrollers as well as advisors. In the interviewing process, you will be asked questions meant to help the judges get to know you better. There is no need to be nervous about this. All the people interviewing you were once in your position, and are just looking to learn more about you.  One tip would be to try some practice interviews with your parents or friends so you feel more prepared.

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5. Get Selected as Candidate

  After the interviewing process, the judges will meet to discuss the possible candidates. Once they have made their decision, they will notify you of the next steps toward becoming a junior patroller. If you are selected to be a candidate, you will be given information on step 5. If you are not selected, try again next year and don't give up!

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6. Get Certified

  In order to be a Junior Ski Patroller at Winter Park Resort, you must be certified in Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC). If you are selected you will be asked to take this class taught by other WP patrollers. OEC is a certification in first aid and other pre-hospital care and treatment for injuries in non-urban environments. The OEC curriculum exceeds the requirements of Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), and is similar to a Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Level course. OEC primarily focuses on musculoskeletal injuries, splinting, bandaging, and environmental emergencies. OEC classes are held near Saint Anthony's Hospital in Lakewood, CO on Monday and Wednesday nights from August to December. After passing the written and practical tests, you will be an OEC technician. OEC will give you the skill set and knowledge to care for, transport, and treat patients on the ski slopes.  If you have any questions about the course, please reach out to the Heads of Candidate Training.

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7. Complete Logistics Training

Now that you are medically certified, it is time to learn how to be a patroller! Logistics training includes completing a workbook, familiarizing yourself with places and responsibilities, practicing on-hill first aid, and passing a test assessing your knowledge of the mountain.