Greater Vancouver seeks new recruits throughout the year. We've prepared
information for you to read on this website that we hope will lead you to a
decision to join the ranks of the many thousands of volunteer ski patrollers
across Canada.
Why Join?
Everyone has his or her reason for joining. It may be that you like to help
people in need. It may be that you like to have a reason for being on the
mountain. Maybe it's that you want to become a better skier. Maybe you're
looking to meet new friends. Whatever your reason, we want it to be the right
reason. Just don't do it for the free skiing.
We're here to help. If you have a question about patrolling in Greater
Vancouver Zone, please don't hesitate to ask. You can e-mail the
GVZ VP Communications
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for alpine, snowboard, telemark and nordic enthusiasts from
all walks of life who are interested in volunteering their time to help
others. You need to be a "strong intermediate" skier or snowboarder
at least 19 years of age.
If you are between 16 and 18, we also have a Junior Ski Patrol programme.
Is this a Paid position?
Sorry. We are looking for volunteers only.
While some of our members are also members of the paid staff at the mountains,
we do not do any of the hiring for the mountains. If you are looking for a job
as a paid ski patroller, you must contact the mountains on your own. You
should also be aware that most positions require that the patroller hold a
valid Occupational First Aid ticket issued by the British Columbia
Workers' Compensation Board. (No affiliation with the Canadian Ski Patrol
System.)
If you are looking for employment as a ski patroller, you must
approach the mountains directly. Sorry, we cannot do that for you.
Where do you want to patrol?
The Canadian Ski Patrol System (CSPS) services most mountains across Canada.
The
recruiting information presented here is specific to Greater Vancouver Zone
which services Mount Seymour, Hemlock Valley, and Manning Park.
The Canadian Ski Patrol System does not service Grouse, Cypress, nor
Whistler/Blackcomb. If you wish to patrol at those mountains, you will need to
contact those patrols directly.
Do I need to know first aid before joining?
No. We teach the standardized First Aid course set by the Canadian Ski
Patrol System based in Ottawa. This course is the same for all CSPS patrollers across
Canada.
If you have current First Aid qualifications, please contact the
GVZ VP Education
for further information.
When can I join?
We have two recruiting periods a year: our Spring "in-take" and our
Fall "in-take".
Fall In-Take: You take your first aid course in September/October
and then your on-hill (toboggan) course in December. If the weather
cooperates, you'll be a fully qualified patroller by Christmas break.
Spring In-Take: You'll complete your on-hill training in March and
your first Aid course in September/October. You'll be a fully qualified ski
patroller when the mountain opens.
2007 Fall In-Take Schedule
Registration dead-line
2007 Sep
First Aid Course (4 weekends)
Sep 2007
On-Hill Orientation Weekend
Mid to late November
Hemlock TBA
Manning TBA
Seymour TBA
'A'/'B' Weekend Schedule
'A' - TBA
New Patroller Ski/Board/Tele Evaluation
First Open Weekend*
New Patroller On-Hill Training
Dec 2007*
* Weather permitting
You will be a fully qualified patroller after December Training is complete.
2008 Spring In-Take Schedule
Registration dead-line
Feb 2008
New Patroller Ski/Board/Tele Evaluation
Mar 2008
New Patroller On-Hill Training
Mar 2008
First Aid Course
Starts Sep 2008
On-Hill Orientation Weekend
Mid to late November 2008
You will be a fully qualified patroller as soon as the mountains open.
For those who did not complete their On-Hill Training in the Spring, you will
do so with the Fall In-Take New Patrollers (see above).
Tell me more!
We've designed this website to try to answer most of your questions. Please
read on.
E-Mail:
GVZ VP Communications