Central Division Library
Course Description and Guide for Introduction to Patrolling
- Program objective: This recommended introductory education course teaches the skiing/snowboarding and toboggan skills required to become an Alpine Patroller.
- Program structure – This program is open to all qualified patrollers.
- Venue – Typically takes place on the hillsides of local ski areas.
- Class size – Ideally, there should be approximately three or four members in a group of participants per toboggan and at least one instructor per group. The total length is limited to the equipment and instructors available, not to exceed the group sizes defined earlier, and consistent with the local area’s policy on class sizes.
- Instructor/student ratio—The most effective ratio is consistent with the group size and number of toboggans. The ideal ratio is 2:4 instructors to students for one toboggan.
- Course content – This program addresses the fundamental skills of properly utilizing alpine snow sports equipment. The course applies these skills to the proper, efficient, and safe handling of rescue toboggans. These basic skills include edging, rotation, pressure, and balance, providing the foundation for skiing and snowboarding. The proper application of these skills provides the on-the-hill patroller with the ability to handle the front and tail responsibilities of the rescue toboggan with strength and confidence. This course also covers Risk Management, Adapting to the Outdoor Environment, Scene Management/Incident Command System, Rope and Belay Skills, Area Management, and the Role of the Volunteer Patroller and Guest Services. During this course, Lift Operations and Evacuation procedures may also be discussed.
- Resources required – This program requires permission from the local area management regarding what is acceptable for runs and the utilization of the local area’s equipment. The local area patrol representative must be supportive and staffed that day to permit other on-the-hill patrollers to participate without compromising proper area coverage. One toboggan is needed for every three to four participants, and all participants must sign waivers to participate in the seminar.
- Instructors – This program requires a minimum of one instructor for every three to four participants.
- Helpers—The only helpers that may be necessary are those designated to provide uphill toboggan transport, mostly defined by the patrol representative or area management.
- Equipment – Toboggans, additional tail ropes, rope-a goat ropes, and bamboo poles.
- Educational materials – Introduction To Patrolling (downloaded PDF) (see OET Instructor Resources)
- Instructor credentials – Toboggan ITs and toboggan instructors with current instructor credentials.
- Course prerequisites – None.
- Evaluation format – Testing after training
- Grade scale/structure – Pass/fail.
- Reporting requirements—Course registration, with all participants completely registered. Within two weeks of the event’s completion, the IOR shall submit the completed course document to the NSP national office.
- Class registration—Any toboggan IT or toboggan instructor may register for the course online at nsp.org: “Member’s page,” “Education tools,” and “Register course.”
- Course completion report—The seminar provides a course registration form, which is also the completion form. After the course is completed, it needs to be completely filled in and sent to the national office. A copy of this course record needs to be kept for two to four years, depending on specific division policy.
- Course feedback form—At the completion of the course, the IOR distributes a course evaluation form. These forms are typically available through the division toboggan supervisor or the national office. They may need to be edited to satisfy each division’s specific needs.
- Risk management considerations – Conducting an Introduction to Patrolling course is always risky. All participants need to sign the division’s course participation waiver. These waivers need to be kept with the course completion records. All instructors must provide an environment that will permit anyone uncomfortable attempting any portion of the course to elect not to participate in any activity.
- Conflict resolution—The IOR is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations for any conflict. If a participant has an unresolved issue or complaint, it should be taken to the next-level administrator.