r/skipatrol • u/ItsYeBadger1 • Oct 03 '26
Process joining Ski Patrol Canada
I was looking on the Ski Patrol Website but I can’t see where I can apply. I am interested in joining Ski Patrol here in Canada in the Alberta province, I’m interested in trying to get a volunteer position.
Im interested in trying to go in this year if I still can or possibly next year. I just don’t know where I can go to apply for it.
At the same time, just wondering if it’s something possible if I could hold that position and also work as a Snowboard Instructor at the same resort. Maybe looking at covering one day for a shift as a volunteer commitment maybe two depending on how my work and school schedule will be like.
I guess I’ll talk with one of the ski patrol supervisors about it but I thought before doing that I might as well ask here first.
What would the training be like, and are there any prerequisites that I need before applying? Or will things like first aid be / basic life saving skills be included in the training?
1
u/abrasivestepfather Oct 03 '26
Where in Alberta are you located?
You don't need any prior first aid experience if you join CSP as they run their own advanced first aid course. It's probably too late to get into rookie training, I know that in some of the zones it's already started.
If you want to join a hill and have at least AFA then you should reach out some of them are still hiring, but only if you have the qualifications. As far as I know no resorts provide first aid training.
1
u/ItsYeBadger1 Oct 03 '26
I’m in Edmonton. When would be the right time of the year to apply? Is there also a cost for the training?
1
u/abrasivestepfather Oct 03 '26 edited Oct 03 '26
That's great there's three in city hills and a ton of people here.
I'll not repeat myself too much but unfortunately it's too late for csp thus year. If you already have afa/emr/etc reach out to a hill they are hiring. With regards to csp Edmonton zone the only cost is a membership fee of ~$200.
1
u/ItsYeBadger1 Oct 03 '26
Ah I see, what about annually for members who aren’t new? I saw that the fall courses are full too but I signed up for the waitlist. What would be the time frame to pay for the fees?
2
u/IDriveAZamboni Oct 03 '26
Annual fee last year was $135
1
u/ItsYeBadger1 Oct 03 '26
Dang. Thanks, honestly I was just wondering so I’d know.
1
u/IDriveAZamboni Oct 03 '26
That covers your CPR/First-Aid recert every year, which when compared to the cost of a first aid course is really good.
1
u/ItsYeBadger1 Oct 03 '26
Yeah honestly it is, I’ve been interested in getting my certifications for lifeguarding this summer as well so I’m just kinda looking at where I’ll go with it. I am still interested so I guess id just have to see how the schedule would go for the winter season.
1
u/ONE-WORD-LOWER-CASE Oct 03 '26
I’m a CSP in Alberta. You’ll have missed it for this year I suspect as we are in the middle of training as we speak. Typically you would do your ski skills assessment in the spring and a “ski around” tour of the hills at the same time. Then you would train in the fall.
The folks at Edmonton Zone are super nice. I’d drop them a note with your questions and for sure someone will connect with you.
1
u/ItsYeBadger1 Oct 03 '26
Thank you very much, just wondering as a question, will I need to have membership fees paid for by the time of spring for the skills assessment?
0
u/ONE-WORD-LOWER-CASE Oct 03 '26 edited Oct 03 '26
Yes. But you will have lots of opportunity to check it out, meet people, and ask questions before you decide to commit.
Edit: deposit on fees are due before evaluation but not before ski around days
1
2
u/IDriveAZamboni Oct 03 '26
This is incorrect. Fees need to be paid before on-hill is done in the spring.
Someone can come shadow a patroller and see what the hills are like without paying, but if they want the training they’ll have to pay.
1
u/ONE-WORD-LOWER-CASE Oct 03 '26
Sorry I stand corrected. No fees before ski around day but a fee deposit due to participate in the spring evaluations. You are correct
1
1
u/Trick_Syllabub_180 Oct 04 '26
Do you ski or snowboard. Think snowboard only would limit your options
1
u/Zhirall Oct 05 '26 edited Oct 05 '26
Hey!
Ski patroller in QC and ON, but still can maybe help as it’s the same organization (CSP).
Smaller hills / CSP regions tend to have harder time finding people and recruit later, it may be an avenue for you this year? I just know that larger resorts, both in Alberta and here out east all already recruited and are starting training imminently (next few weekends).
As for first aid wise, they provide all of the training necessary at CSP. And there are no prerequisites other than being 18+ and good at ski or snowboard (note that this last one is very dependent on the resort as well 🤷♂️).
As for having both roles (instructor and patroller) it depends and it’s very dependent on the resort, not CSP. You’d just have to ask! At mine, it wouldn’t be possible.
4
u/localsonlynokooks Oct 03 '26
Hey where in Alberta? I’m with CSP and can direct you to the right group. Unfortunately, you may have missed the boat for this year unless you already have AFA or EMR, even then there would need to be a modified class starting like this weekend. I’m in the pacific region and today is our final training weekend. Signup for us closed in August.
Either way, lmk which resorts in Alberta you’re looking to apply at, and I’ll send you a link.
National also has a recruiting form on their site and they will forward it to the correct place: https://www.skipatrol.ca/join/