JOB OUTLOOK FOR SKI PATROL WORKERS

The NSP, with 27,000 members, is the largest winter rescue organization in the world. Its members help comprise the more than 700 ski patrols currently operating in the U.S. and Canada. A varied lot, patrollers may be experienced in either alpine or Nordic skiing. Some patrollers volunteer while others are paid. A ski area may opt to employ all paid patrollers, all volunteers, or a combination of both. It's typical that each resort decides which situation best suits its needs. As a group, ski patrollers are an eclectic mix of people from many different walks of life committed to promoting fun and safety on the slopes. They range in age from fifteen to ninety-two, though three-quarters of them are men.

One twenty-six-year veteran says he doesn't think he'll ever quit:

"I patrol six days a week and I can't think of anything better to do than ski six days a week."

One ski area manager says in tribute to his ski patrol:

"The biggest issue has always been, and still is today, that of providing help to the skiing public. The ski hill could not exist without you. You patrollers demonstrate true heroism in your courage and concern for the lives of skiers in trouble."

National Ski Patrol Industry Overview >>>