The Calgary Zone’s Nordic group has been active since the early 1980s.  Currently, we patrol in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in Kananaskis Country as volunteers under the oversight of the Alberta Parks Conservation Officers on duty in the park.    

We are always looking for people with a strong desire to help others, improve their on-snow abilities, and make outside recreation safer for everyone. Joining the Canadian Ski Patrol is a year-long process.  We are now recruiting for the 2024-2025 season.

How Do I Join the Nordic Patrol for the 2024-2025 Season?

To join the Canadian Ski Patrol, you must:

  • be 18 years of age or older
  • attend and pass the Advanced First Aid course that runs from September to December 2024
  • provide a clear vulnerable sector police information check

The following information is for joining our volunteer Nordic ski patrol. All dates are subject to change. Contact us to add your name to our candidates list and to be kept up to date on schedule changes.

To join our Nordic patrol:

Step 1: Attend Information Night by Zoom on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 7:00 pm or our Open House on February 15, 2024 at 7:00 pm at the Scandinavian Centre (739 20 Ave NW, Calgary). Information Night and our Open House are not required but are highly recommended so that you can make an informed decision to join the patrol and know what the commitment entails.  You only need to attend one event as the content will be repeated at both events.  Email joincalgary@skipatrol.ca to add your name to our candidate list and receive invitations to these events.

Step 2: Participate in Experience Nordic Patrol Day (MANDATORY) on March 10, 2024 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. This is your opportunity to meet and ski with current patrollers at Pocaterra in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park to see firsthand what is involved in being a Nordic ski patroller. There is no formal sign up for the Experience Nordic Patrol Day. Meet at the Pocaterra Hut in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. Bring your ski equipment and your lunch. Our Nordic Patrol Leader will provide information at the hut, and then you’ll head out on the trails. You should be an intermediate to advanced XC skier and able to ski with a 15-20 lb pack. If you are interested in joining the Nordic ski patrol, your skiing ability will be evaluated on this day.

Step 3: Enroll in the New Patroller Course. Registration opens on August 23, 2024. The registration fee is $400.

Step 4: Complete the New Patroller Course from mid-September to December, including:

  • Advanced First Aid (in Calgary)
  • On-Snow Training (meet the Conservation Officers, complete paperwork required to volunteer in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, and receive your patrol jacket, pack, and other equipment)

Step 5: Obtain your Aeronautical Restricted Operators RIC21 radio license certification. This is arranged by the Nordic patrol at no cost to the patroller.

New Patroller Course

The Canadian Ski Patrol’s New Patroller Course is an 80+ hour advanced first aid course that gives new patrollers the knowledge and hands-on skills to help people on and off the ski terrain. The course is mostly in-person with an additional online component. The registration fee is $400.

Due to our national insurance and liability coverage, ALL new recruits to the Calgary Zone must take the New Patroller Course regardless of any previous medical training. Attending this course is mandatory and non-negotiable.  The course starts in mid-September and runs through the end of November.  The course is in Calgary and is held two nights per week from about 6:30-9:30 pm. There are also two full weekend days in the course – one for CPR/AED training and one for field skills. Our new Nordic and alpine patrollers take the course together.

Cost and Benefits

The total cost is $400.

How do you benefit? You will:

  • obtain accredited advanced first aid skills that can be listed on your CV
  • enjoy lots of skiing
  • be able to access our pro deals and discounts (available online after completing and passing the New Patroller Course)
  • qualify for perks or discounts (e.g., a parking pass and a pass to the Canmore Nordic Centre)
  • qualify for the Canadian Ski Patrol’s awards program
  • qualify to provide first aid services at year-round events supported by the Canadian Ski Patrol
  • learn transferable skills such as critical thinking, risk management, and creative problem-solving
  • gain teamwork experience and have the opportunity to pursue leadership and management roles
  • stay in touch with nature while getting exceptional exercise
  • receive invitations to fun social events
  • feel satisfied about doing good in your community
  • make new friends, ones that can last a lifetime

Members of the Canadian Ski Patrol are volunteers; they do not get paid.

Skiing Ability

We expect you to be able to cross-country ski while carrying a 15 – 20 lb pack. Your skills, endurance, and enjoyment of the sport will increase as the season progresses. With over 60 km of trails in the park, you can typically choose the terrain and trails you patrol during the day.

The Canadian Ski Patrol requests a formal ski test every three years. We will advise you on expected skiing ability in advance of the ski test. You are not required to complete an alpine ski evaluation or take toboggan training if you are a Nordic-only patroller.

Time Commitment

After you complete the New Patroller Course, you are required to do three patrol days with a seasoned patroller before you are allowed to patrol on your own. These count toward your commitment days. All Nordic patrollers are asked to commit to patrolling at least 2 weekend days a month during the season and you are welcome to do more, including weekdays and holidays. In addition, all patrollers are asked to complete two shifts at The Calgary New & Used Ski Sale in October.

Every fall you are required to requalify for first aid certification, which involves approximately 16 hours of time.

Equipment

You need your own ski clothing and equipment. The Canadian Ski Patrol will supply, on loan, a patrol jacket and backpack for first aid supplies. You will be given your own basic first aid kit when you complete the New Patroller Course in November.