Once you have successfully passed both your written and practical exams, and there is snow, you will be invited to participate in an on-hill snow ability evaluation. This comprises of an evaluation of your ability in your preferred discipline.
We will test your skiing, snowboarding, or telemark capability so that we are confident that you will be able to fall line on any run, in any condition, on your rostered mountain.
In December (snow and on-hill evaluation dependant), we start our on-hill toboggan training. During this training, you will learn accident site management and how to transport an injured patient in a toboggan.
Dates for the on-hill training are not decided until mid to late November when we have a better idea of when the ski hills will open. Typically, this occurs on the first two weekends the mountain is open. You may be required to do training on another mountain depending on snow conditions and available instructors.
A mandatory weekend for all patrollers (new and returning), the orientation weekend is where you will learn the specific protocols that are followed and expected at your assigned mountain. Typically, the orientation happens before the hill opens and allows you to get to know both the pro-patrol and your fellow volunteer patrollers. Items we cover during the orientation include, but are not limited to:
- Chairlift evacuation
- Radio protocols
- First aid hut tour
- Avalanche + companion rescue scenarios
Attendance at all training is mandatory. Any missed training days, exams, or training will result in a fail. Please let your instructor know as soon as possible if you have previous engagements scheduled for one of the dates and we will work hard to accommodate your needs.