Cascade Mountain Ski Patrol

The Cascade Mountain Ski Patrol is committed to serving Cascade Mountain management by providing first aid to any guests needing and requesting it, by promoting safety education to the public and employees, and by monitoring, marking and possibly closing potentially dangerous areas to the skiing public.

Cascade Mountain Ski Patrol is a group of volunteer members who serve Cascade Mountain Ski Area by providing education programs and emergency care to skiers and snowboarders.

Cascade Mountain Ski Patrol was founded in 1962 as a non profit organization  affiliated with the National Ski Patrol organization.  We currently have 150 members who dedicate their time, winter and summer, to patrol activities and training.  Our members include all levels of training, including candidates, auxiliary, patroller, senior, and certified.

Our Training

• Outdoor Emergency Care course (80-100 hours) Includes passing written and practical exam.
• Current CPR card for health care professionals (must be renewed yearly)
• Annual continuing education and refreshers in Outdoor Emergency Care
• Toboggan handling
• Annual refresher on lift evacuation
• Specific hill protocols

Skill Classifications

• Alpine (Ski/Snowboard)
• Nordic
• Auxiliary

Member Levels

• Candidate
• Patroller (Alpine, Nordic, Auxiliary)
• Senior  (Auxiliary, Alpine, or Nordic)
• Certified Alpine

Candidate

Is the entry level of membership.    Candidates must be 15 years of age on or before opening of the ski area.  Includes filling out an application form that is submitted to Cascade Mountain's patrol director.  Also offers and opportunity to learn what is expected of members and the time commitment that is involved.  Training then begins with the Outdoor Emergency Care class, which usually begins in July and ends in October with successful completion of a written and practical exam.  During this time you must also present a valid CPR for healthcare professionals card.  On the hill training begins as soon as the hill opens for the season and is one night a week of ski enhancement training and toboggan handling instruction.

Auxiliary

    May provide any services except transport of loaded toboggans.

Patroller

    Classification obtained after successfully completion of Outdoor Emergency Care and Toboggan Handling.

Senior

    Classification beyond the patroller status, which means they have completed additional training.

Certified

    The highest level of education possible.  Individual has demonstrated extensive knowledge of patrol and ski area operation.  They are also proficient at all skills and have shown exceptional leadership, instructional and communication skills.