Fairbanks Ski Patrol

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Mt. Aurora Skiland ~ ~ Fairbanks, Alaska

The Farthest North Patrol

Recruiting

Are you interested in learning new skills, serving your community, and challenging yourself both intellectually and physically? There may be a spot for you on the Fairbanks Ski Patrol. The patrol holds new candidate tryouts several times a year.

Click Here to Contact the FSP Candidate Coordinator

Candidate Tryouts

When the Fairbanks Ski Patrol evaluates potential candidates, we attempt to look at the person as whole. Contrary to popular belief, we are not looking for the best skiers or riders on the mountain, skiing and riding skills are something we can help you learn during candidate training. We are also not looking for people with medical training, we can offer that to you.

What Are We Looking For?

Successful candidates have a willingness to learn new tasks and skills. They have maturity, and demonstrate the ability to deal with clients and management tactfully in sometimes stressful situations. They are self-starters and have the ability to work with minimal guidance or direction. They are also humble, capable of asking for help without suffering damage to their pride. They have the ability and willingness to portray or sport, patrol, and ski area in a positive light both on and off the slopes. Successful new candidates tend to maintain a positive outlook, work well in a team setting, and are someone that the patrol feels will make a worthwhile addition to the Fairbanks Ski Patrol Mt. Aurora Skiland team.

What to Expect if Accepted

If accepted as a candidate patroller, what can you expect? The answer to this question is a little different for everyone. One thing is for certain, you can expect to challenged both intellectually and physically during your candidacy.

During your Candidacy

You will be expected to sign-up for at least two patrol days a month. You do not have to buy a lift ticket on the days you sign up to patrol, but you will be required to show up on time, take part in any training events, and assist with final sweep at the end of the day. You will get some opportunities to free ski in order to familiarize yourself with the area and practice new skills on your own, but you will also be required to spend part of your day learning the job by shadowing a qualified patroller. All members of the Fairbanks Ski Patrol, including new candidates, are required to pay regional and national dues. Dues are $70.00 at this time.

Duration of Candidacy

There is no set duration of candidacy. This is performance oriented training. We need to make sure that you have mastered a number of important skills before you can advance to from candidate to basic patroller. Candidate training, generally takes 1-2 seasons to complete. It may take longer depending on your experience, motivation, the season length, and the availability of necessary classes.

Medical Requirements

All new candidates must pass the standards of NSP’s Outdoor Emergency Care course. For most new candidates this entails taking the next available OEC course offered by an Interior Region patrol. The OEC course can be taught in many different ways, but generally, it involves 80-130 hours of combined classroom and self-study.

Health Care Provider CPR

As part of your OEC course, you will be offered Health Care Provider CPR training. All patrollers must have a current Health Care Provider CPR certificate showing re-certification within the last calendar year.

Challenging the OEC Course

If you are a currently certified medical professional or emergency first responder, you have the option of challenging the OEC course. Ask your candidate coordinator about this option if you qualify and are interested.

Patroller 101

Patrolling requires more than just medical skills. All new candidates are enrolled in Patroller 101. Patroller 101 teaches you how to work as a patroller on the hill. Some of this education is specific to our area, other parts easily transfer to other ski areas.

Transportation Course

As part of your Patroller 101 course, you will learn to operate a loaded toboggan on any run at Mt. Aurora Skiland. Don’t worry, we will start you out with small loads on easy slopes, and only let you increase the challenge when we feel you are ready.

Ski Area Management

During Patroller 101 you will learn how management, the entity that gives us the authority to operate at Mt. Aurora Skiland, wants things done. From opening and closing procedures, to area policies, some management skills are required of all patrollers.

The Final Exam

This page lists some of the basics required to graduate from candidate to basic patroller status, this is in no way a complete list. Your training will be tailored to give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as a basic patroller in the Fairbanks Ski Patrol.

Once the patrol leadership and area management feels that you have successfully demonstrated the skills and knowledge necessary to be a patroller at Mt. Aurora Skiland, you must pass a final practical exam before you can advance to basic patroller. During your final exam you will be given a simulated rescue to manage. You will have the full support of the patrol, but will be expected to manage the situation in a reasonable manner within your protocols. The final exam tests all the skills you have learned in OEC, Patroller 101, and the Transportation course.

To Apply or Learn More

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a patroller on the Fairbanks Ski Patrol, please follow our contact link and let us know. You can also stop by the aid room anytime Mt. Aurora Skiland is open.