How Do I Join the Bear Mtn Volunteer Ski Patrol?

Call us!  The Bear Mountain Volunteer Ski Patrol is an all volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the snow sports enthusiasts of Bear Mountain.

There are 2 types of patrollers:

Basic Patroller-This patroller generally works the mountain.  A Basic Patroller is certified in Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) and OET (Outdoor Emergency Transport).   The OEC certification is the First aid component and the OET certifies him to transport a person via toboggan.   A Basic Patroller at Bear mountain can be a skier or snowboarder.

Auxiliary Patrol-these are patrollers who are trained in first aid, but are not certified to run a toboggan and meet their duty obligation by serving primarily in the first aid room. Auxiliary may also perform any patrol duty on the hill that a hill patroller does, except transport toboggans. This is an option for those whose skiing ability or physical condition may prevent them from training to pull toboggans, or whose interest is primarily in providing first aid care rather than skiing and running toboggans.

What are we looking for?

The Bear Mountain Ski Patrol is looking for individuals with a strong desire to help others.   A Basic Patroller will demonstrate an ability to ski all Bear Mountain terrain under all conditions. This will be determined primarily through the ski test try out in the spring (except for auxiliary). In addition, all candidates must demonstrate outstanding first aid and toboggan handling skills; these will be determined through the training process. Some of the attributes we are seeking and will be assessing during candidate training include:

    * An attitude of caring and concern for others    

    * Commitment to and enthusiasm for Ski Patrol programs

    * Skills necessary to be an effective patroller (first aid, toboggan handling, etc.)

    * Willingness to be instructed and trained as a patroller

    * Desire to contribute to the Patrol and ski area

    * Continued interest (we want you to be part of the program over the long haul)

    * Cooperation/compatibility with the skiing public, area personnel and other patrollers

    * Ability to work as part of a team, as well as leadership skills

  Your skills are important, but your attitude and other intangibles are even more important when you are considered for a permanent position as a patroller.

 What is the Process to Join the Bear Mountain Volunteer Ski Patrol?

The process to become a candidate first includes an information session and ski test to see if your skiing or snowboarding ability is strong and confidant enough to be able to learn to transport injured persons down the mountain in the toboggans (ski test for hill candidates only). During the test, we will run you through drills of certain maneuvers on all types of terrain -- sideslip, falling leaf, traverse/kick turns, long- med- short-radius turns, "crud" skiing, bumps, etc. You do not have to be a fast or "pretty skier", but safe and confidant.

Prior to the season beginning, several courses are required: Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC), AED (auto. external defibrillator), and CPR for the Professional Rescuer. Together, these take about 90-120 hours. Courses are held throughout greater Southern CA. OEC is the National Ski Patrol (NSP) course, but a certified MD, EMT, Nurse, or other health professionals can challenge the OEC course. 

Candidates for Basic Patroller will need to pass a ski test.  A ski test for Auxilliary Patrollers is not required.   The better part of your candidate season will be in toboggan training (except auxiliary), and mountain procedures.   Then there is a brief mentoring program for both hill and auxiliary candidates to familiarize you with the area and patrol procedures. If you complete and pass all that, you will "earn your bones", proudly wearing the white cross, and performing the duties of a Bear Mountain Patroller.

What is expected of me as a member of the Bear Mountain Volunteer Ski Patrol?

Patrollers generally are required to work about 14 days per season, depending on the length of the season (generally late Nov to early Apr) and the number of patrollers on the team. Shifts for volunteers are Saturdays and Sundays.   You can also work certain holidays (Presidents Day, Christmas week, Easter, etc). You are allowed to trade duty days so there is flexibility in your schedule.

In order to remain certified, all patrollers must complete refresher courses in CPR, AED, first aid (OEC), and on-the-hill procedures each year. The CPR/AED, OEC, and on-the-hill refresher takes place over 1 weekend usually late in October, before the season starts. 

What does it cost?

The first year (Candidate year) is the most challenging financially and time-wise.

    * The OEC course with books and materials costs ~$50-100

    * CPR/AED course is ~$30

    * You need a pocket CPR mask (cost is ~$15)

    * When you advance from Candidate to "Rookie", you'll need to buy a red jacket for your uniform and your own fanny pack or patrol vest.

    * NSP/patrol membership dues are  ~$60 annually

    * CPR/AED refresher certification costs $10 annually

Optional supplies you may want to buy, but are not required to, are: a VHF radio/harness, ropes, sam splint, other medical supplies, etc. 

What are the benefits?

Benefits include: Working with some of the greatest individuals, who share your enthusiasm for outdoor sports.  Pro Deals (~40-50% off gear), ski passes , lots of good skiing, social activities, and satisfaction in helping.  There is also continuing education available in avalanche, mountain survival, senior level skiing/tobogganing and first aid, etc. 

You also have the opportunity to become a patrol instructor (first aid, CPR, toboggan, avalanche, etc.) or get involved in other ways with the running of the patrol (board member, patrol director, officer, event planner, etc.). We feel you get out of it what you put in.   Many of the patrollers have 20+ years of seniority and they're always willing to help.

Bear Mountain Candidate Advisor