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FAQ:
Who can
join the Patrol?
What does the training consist of?
How good a
skier/snowboarder do I have to be?
How
much time will it take?
How much
will it cost?
Where do I register?
What were some of the benefits provided to the
patrollers in 2002/2003?
Want to know what a Ski Patrol is really like?
Check out the information below or contact us at
csps@csps-saskatoon.ca.
Every fall, the Blackstrap (Alpine) and Nesbit
(Nordic) ski patrols start their recruitment programs and first aid training.
Here are the most frequently asked questions and their answers.
Who can
join the Patrol?
Any enthusiastic skier or snowboarder, age 18 or
over can apply to become a member of the Canadian Ski Patrol. Our membership
consists of both men and women from all age groups and occupations.
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What does the training consist of?
The training program of the Canadian Ski Patrol
System (CSPS) is among the highest standards for volunteers in Canada. Our own
volunteer training staff conducts CSPS training. These members have several
years of Patrol experience supplemented with specialized instruction at
provincially conducted workshops. CSPS first aid training meets the
requirements for a Class 'A' Certification in accordance with the Saskatchewan
Occupational Health and Safety Act. The first aid classes are scheduled to
start - time and place to be announced.
First Aid - To become a member of the
CSPS you will be required to complete our comprehensive first aid course. The
first aid training consists of approximately 40 hours of instruction and skills
practice; candidates must pass (75%) a nationally set of written and practical
exam.
CPR - All members of the CSPS receive
training in the skills of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) according to the
national standards set by the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation.
On Hill / On Trail - The Patrol training
includes instruction on toboggan handling techniques, accident scene management and
chair lift evacuation.
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How good a
skier/snowboarder do I have to be?
The skiing/snowboarding aspect of the ski
patrol, rather than the first aid training, is the concern of many people when
they think about becoming a patroller. Well, you don't need to be an expert.
What the CSPS is looking for is competent skiers/snowboarders of the
intermediate ability and someone who always skis/snowboard's in control. Your
skiing or snowboarding ability will naturally improve with the practice you
get while patrolling. There is the opportunity to improve your form by
participating in the Saskatchewan Division Annual Ski Improvement program at the Lake
Louise Ski area.
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How much
time will it take?
There is a time commitment to becoming a ski
patroller. The first aid training course takes about 40 hours to
complete. Each year, returning patrollers must attend a re-qualification course
and complete their national exams. All patrollers are expected to be active in
promoting the Patrol and safe skiing/snowboarding. As a member, you will be
asked to participate in the Ski Swap and Ski Show, our only fund raising event
(Early November). Patrollers will be asked to make a commitment to serve the
skiing public on a regular schedule at the ski areas, but there is flexibility in scheduling to accommodate a
personal timetable.
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How much will it cost?
During the 2004-2005 season, it cost $95 to join
the Saskatoon patrol. Out of the $95; $65 goes to National, $20 goes to Division
and $10 went to the Zone.
Ski patrol jackets generally cost a lot of money
so the Saskatoon Patrol has bought enough that you will have no problem
borrowing one while on duty.
The Saskatoon patrol also has several first aid
kits
that you can use while patrolling. If you prefer you may purchase a fully loaded
kit for $40.
If you have any other questions please feel free
to contact us.
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Where
do I register?
You can register by e-mailing us at
csps@csps-saskatoon.ca or calling us
at 251-0015. If you just have a few questions, give us a call. Come to the first
class, no obligation! Just come see what we are all about!!
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What were some of the benefits provided to the patrollers in 2004/2005
As active patrollers, Blackstrap
Winter Sports Park made each patroller a staff member. Staff members were
entitled to discounts on food, ski rentals and the opportunity to ski Sunshine
Village for free. As usual, patrollers skied for free at Blackstrap and they allowed patrollers the opportunity to bring
one friend or family member to ski for free during their duty day.
Other benefits include the
opportunity to ski other Saskatchewan Ski Resorts for free.
Appreciation nights and social events are held throughout the
year to thank the patrollers for all their hard work.
When you join the patrol you'll find that you are among other
people of exactly the same interests. That is, they enjoying skiing or
snowboarding and they also enjoy helping people in need.
Although not a free benefit (but always very affordable), every
year a Ski Improvement is held out at Lake Louise ad Panorama. There you will ski or
snowboard all day with an instructor while polishing your skiing or snowboarding
ability long before anyone in Saskatchewan ever does (this usually takes place
in early December at Lake Louise) or January at Panorama.
This is a list of just a few of the benefits. To find out more,
contact us.
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