Join the Snow Creek Ski Patrol: Make a Difference on the Slopes
Are you ready to be part of something bigger than yourself? The Snow Creek Ski Patrol (SCSP) is more than a team— we are a group of friends with volunteers and employees who share a passion for helping others, ensuring safety, and enjoying the camaraderie that comes with serving the community.
As a member of the National Ski Patrol System, the Snow Creek Ski Patrol is built on the dedication of volunteers. Together, we create a safer and more enjoyable experience for every skier and snowboarder who visits Snow Creek. Volunteering here is not just about giving back—it’s about forging lifelong friendships, learning valuable skills, and becoming part of a close-knit team of like-minded individuals.
Volunteering with SCSP means becoming a vital part of the Snow Creek community. You’ll:
We welcome new candidates year-round! Fill out the form below to express your interest, and we’ll guide you through the process of joining the Snow Creek Ski Patrol family.
Training Overview
Becoming a patroller starts with the National Ski Patrol’s flagship Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) certification course, required for all members. The training emphasizes teamwork, problem-solving, and hands-on experience, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual support.
Many patrollers say the camaraderie they develop during training is one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience.
Licensed EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, nurses, and doctors can often use their credentials to streamline the OEC certification process through the National Ski Patrol’s challenge procedures. Snow Creek only offers the opportunity to challenge the OEC certification when there is sufficient demand. Typically about a dozen people. It is not offered every year.
Whether you are attending the complete Outdoor Emergency Care course, or challenging the exam, every patroller is required to obtain the Outdoor Emergency Care certification regardless of additional licenses or certifications currently held.
At Snow Creek, it is also expected that individuals who challenge the certification exam attend resort-specific training, which includes topics such as resort operations and equipment-specific training, and to provide the patrol an opportunity to get to know you and for you to get to know the patrol. Expect a handful of weekends and evenings during your journey to become a patroller if you are exercising your option to challenge the exam for certification to help you prepare for patrolling at Snow Creek.
At Snow Creek, we believe that volunteering is about more than just showing up. It’s about contributing your time and energy to something meaningful while building friendships that last a lifetime. Whether it’s sharing laughs during training or working together to provide emergency care, the relationships formed on this team are second to none.
While the Snow Creek Ski Patrol is a volunteer organization, volunteers often have opportunities to transition into paid positions as a Vail Resorts employee. Please note:
If you’re ready to join a team that makes a real difference, we’re excited to meet you! Complete the form below to express your interest and start your journey as a Snow Creek Ski Patrol volunteer.
Together, we’ll ensure safety, build friendships, and create unforgettable memories—one slope at a time.
NOTE: Completing and submitting this form is for informational purposes only. Submission of this form does not constitute an offer of employment, membership, or volunteerism with the Snow Creek Ski Patrol (SCSP) or Vail Resorts. The Snow Creek Ski Patrol reserves the right to accept or deny any candidate at its sole discretion, regardless of qualifications, including candidates who hold Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) certification.
Membership in the Snow Creek Ski Patrol is not a guarantee of employment with Vail Resorts. Employment opportunities with Vail Resorts are managed independently and are subject to separate application and hiring processes. Acceptance into the Snow Creek Ski Patrol does not imply or assure paid employment with Vail Resorts. Similarly, being a paid employee of Vail Resorts does not guarantee membership in the Snow Creek Ski Patrol.
Volunteer Patrollers: Expected to commit to at least 10-15 days per ski season, which should equal about 80 hours.
Historically this has been about 20 shifts of 4-5 hours each.
Employee Patrollers:
Typically this is a Minimum of 100 hours per season.
Fewer than 100 hours may not comply with policies for Vail Resorts Benefits and Central Division National Ski Patrol policies.
Absolutely! Employees receive an Epic Employee pass while Volunteers receive the Epic Midwest Volunteer Pass and can ski at Snow Creek anytime.
Patrollers do not ski in uniform unless scheduled for a shift.
YES!
In addition to Epic Passes, each patroller receives a variety of benefits from the National Ski Patrol and Vail Resorts. These include Pro-Deals on equipment, Discounts of Vail Resorts products & services, and other promotions from time to time.
An EPIC Pass is available for patrollers and candidates who apply prior to September 1st.
OEC Fall Refresher is held on the third Saturday of October and is required for all patrollers each year. This is a time when we meet as a patrol at Snow Creek, and we review our medical skills in preparation for the upcoming season.
An additional weekend is designated for Chair Lift evacuation training.
Working outdoors
Camaraderie
Outdoor Education
Medical/Rescue Training
NSP Online Store (900 products at least 40% below retail)
NSP Pro Deals Page (55+ Brands at 25-50% below retail)
Ski Patrol Magazine
E-Newsletters that include the latest information on patrolling, NSP educational
programs and the best pro deals
Yes. All patrollers are required to obtain OEC Certification. Doctors and other individuals with approved credentials may have additional options to achieve the OEC certification in addition to taking the standard OEC Class. Hill Training and additional certifications are optional but highly encouraged. While there are exceptions, patrollers on paid status generally need to be credentialed and able to pull toboggans.
OEC Certification is mandatory.
The National Ski Patrol does have provisions to challenge the course and take a hybrid course. Let us know what licenses you have and we will work with you to determine eligibility.
No. Some of our best patrollers don’t ski at all; they provide first aid in the patrol room. Other patrollers will spend their first season in the toboggan training MTR course and ski toboggans down the hill for the remainder of the season before they join the OEC course the
following fall.
I am a primary patroller at another area. Can I patrol at Snow Creek also?
YES! We must have you on our roster by September 15th to receive an Epic Pass. If you have your own Epic Pass we must have you on our roster by December 1.
Only during scheduled patrol shifts at Snow Creek
The Vail Resorts Uniform Policy is to only wear Uniforms while you are clocked in and on shift. Uniforms are not to be worn any other time including transportation to and from the resort.
Vail Resorts prohibits wearing the uniform while consuming alcohol.
The National Ski Patrol has a similar policy.
You may wear any National Ski Patrol Logo item you are eligible to purchase off of Snow Creek Property.
While at Snow Creek Please follow the Vail Resorts Policies and wear the appropriate Uniform while on-duty.
As with membership in any organization there are nominal membership dues.
Payable to the National Ski Patrol. A Lifetime National Dues option may also be available.
Payable to the National Ski Patrol
Snow Creek Ski Patrol may charge local dues which can assist with training expenses and similar related costs. Historically this fee has been $40. It will be announced at the fall refresher if it is reinstituted.
The Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) program is one of the foundational programs for all patrollers. The overlying mission and purpose of the OEC program is to provide a standard of training to meet the medical and educational needs for the NSP patroller and other NSP affiliated outdoor recreational organizations. OEC teaches how to perform safe and effective patient care, stabilization, and extrication of injured persons in outdoor environments.
This is a one-time fee payable at NSP.org. If prices differ, prices listed at NSP.org previal
This fee applies to ALL pathways to achieve the certification which includes challenging the OEC course.
Printed textbooks will be distributed by the OEC Instructor the first day of class.
Snow Creek has a limited number of loaner books which may be available for the duration of the course.
After you have been in contact with the Instructor, these links can be used to join the Snow Creek Patrol. Please do not join/pay before contacting the Snow Creek Ski Patrol at info@snowcreekskipatrol.org
Join the National Ski Patrol, Pay non-local dues: https://nspserves.org/join/
Enroll in Outdoor Emergency Care: https://www.nsp.org/NSPMember/Course_Schedule/NSPMember/For_Members/Education
DISCLAIMER: All benefits, dates, FAQs, dues, and fees are posted for convenience and are subject to change without notice.
For current fee structure contact the Snow Creek Ski Patrol for local fees. For national fees visit. www.nsp.org
The following is a sample of the uniforms available from the National Ski Patrol. Additional styles may be available. Prices may vary and may
Designed and developed in close collaboration with dedicated ski patrol and mountain rescue teams, this hardshell jacket is tailored to the exact requirements of those who work in the mountain in the toughest conditions. Featuring a 3-layer GORE-TEX PRO fabric, it combines the highest possible standards in technical apparel for uncompromising durability and longevity.
Known for their unrivaled durability and performance, these high-quality pants fulfill all the requirements of our most technical Mountain Pro outfit. Made with a GORE-TEX PRO 3L most rugged 140D fabric, they combine the highest possible standards in technical apparel. With four harness-compatible pockets and other features specifically designed for mountain professionals, these pants are a staple during long shifts.
*This item may be substituted with any black pants
Upon successful completion of Outdoor Emergency Care, Ski Patrollers may wear the White Cross.
Individuals who have not completed Outdoor Emergency Care should wear a solid red without a cross.
Snow Creek Ski Patrol may also have a training vest which may be issued while participating in training activities. Any exceptions must be approved by the Patrol Director and Manager on Duty and conform with Vail Resorts and National Ski Patrol policies.
Additional optional accessories, such as aid packs, medical gear vets, etc. are available and necessary for the job. Due to the wide varity of styles and methodologies available we are not listing them here. Your OEC Instructor will go into more detail about halfway through the class. If you would like to see commonly selected options you may visit our Uniforms and Fees page. For a complete list visit the online catalog available at NSP.org.