Ski patrol has got to be the toughest job one could have at a ski area. It requires physical stamina, long hours, and a lot of knowledge – all to keep us snow-sports enthusiasts safe on the hill.
As of January 2012, Julbo will be represented as a sponsor of the
National Ski Patrol, NSP, a nonprofit organization that has dedicated itself to serving the public and outdoor recreation industry by providing education and credentialing to emergency care and safety services providers.
David Frick of NSP shares more about the organization that has been supporting and educating patrollers since 1938.
What certifications does the NSP provide? David: Ski patrol training requires intensive study and hands-on training of outdoor emergency care scenarios to gain experience with injured patients and the equipment necessary to treat them. Certification is given upon successful completion of all Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) course objectives. Typically, about 80 to 100 hours are devoted to becoming OEC-certified. Alpine patrollers, snowboard patrollers, and Nordic patrollers also demonstrate skiing proficiency and the ability to transport injured guests via toboggans in various snow conditions and types of terrain.
What are the benefits of NSP membership?Members participate in annual continuing education to keep their skills sharp and can take advantage of many other programs to further their development, such as avalanche education [NSP is the oldest provider of avalanche education in the U.S.] and courses in backcountry search and rescue skills.
Members can shop the NSP Winter Catalog, packed with items related to patrolling and outdoor recreation that offer a substantial savings on retail pricing. They also have access to the NSP Pro Page, which lists a host of companies offering discounts on ALL their gear. Additionally, members receive Ski Patrol Magazine, packed with information of interest to patrollers.
What does the Julbo sponsorship entail?NSP and Julbo have entered an agreement that will start on Jan. 1, 2012 and last through 2014. Julbo will support NSP through a sponsorship fee and will be represented as a Sponsor of NSP. There will be various ways of promoting Julbo product to our members, as well as direct sales opportunities through the NSP Pro Page.
What else can you tell us about the NSP that snow-sports enthusiasts may not be aware of?Many people are unaware that such a large percentage of NSP members and Patrollers are completely volunteer. Also, many people don’t know that they can still be involved in NSP and provide aid to those who are injured, even if they have no skiing ability. Lastly, the National Ski Patrol received a federal charter from the U.S. Congress in 1980 to continue to promote safety and health in skiing and other outdoor recreational activities.
