Western Region Education Program Descriptions

Senior Program

Description:: Central Division Senior Manual PDF format (currently under development); Chapter 18 in The Ski Patroller's Manual, 14th ed., NSPS, 1997; portions superseded by the new Central Division Senior Manual. (Click here to view an excerpt from Chapter 18.); The magnitude of the program (OEC, Ski & Toboggan, plus three separate electives) may seem too daunting to some patrollers. Most patrollers should look at the Senior Program as a multi-year challenge. There is no mandatory time constraint regarding when each core component must be completed. Once a candidate passes each component he or she need not take that component again. It is highly recommended that all core skill requirements be completed within three (3) years. Again this season, the registration fees for Senior Emergency Management (OEC) and Senior Ski & Toboggan have been waived in the Western Region.
Ski & Toboggan Pre-courses:: Simply put, pre-courses (also called clinics) are practice evaluation sessions for both candidates and evaluators. Candidates should observe and practice all areas of the Senior Ski & Toboggan evaluation and receive verbal and written feedback on their performance. Evaluators will demonstrate all maneuvers, provide verbal feedback to the candidates throughout the clinic, and complete scorecards for each candidate.
Bottom line: Candidates should leave the pre-course knowing if they would have passed the evaluation that day, and if not, exactly why not. Evaluators should leave the pre-course confident and familiar with the paperwork and procedures for the evaluation.
Emergency Management Pre-courses:: These pre-courses (also called clinics) are also practice evaluation sessions for both candidates and evaluators. Candidates are expected to demonstrate excellent OEC proficiency, leadership, teamwork, and scene management skills at a series of scenario-based testing stations, and will receive verbal and written feedback on their performance. Evaluators will provide verbal feedback on their performance to the candidates throughout the clinic, and complete scorecards for each candidate.

Bottom line: Candidates should leave the pre-course knowing if they would have passed the evaluation that day, and if not, exactly why not. Evaluators should leave the pre-course confident and familiar with the paperwork and procedures for the evaluation.
Evaluations:: The evaluations should closely resemble the pre-courses, minus instruction. If your performance on a particular maneuver is in doubt, you may be asked to repeat the maneuver. Also, many variables will enter the equation on evaluation day: snow conditions, weather, amount of rest the night before, etc. Do your best to arrive well rested and prepared; the evaluators will do their best to compensate for the other variables. In short, prepare for items you can control...and don't sweat the rest.

Ready to find out what's involved? Click on "Okay, I'm interested. What are the steps?"

Please read this for important additional information.

Registration:

There is no registration fee for the 2008-2009 season Western Region Senior Program.

If you are signing up for the first time to enroll in the NSP Senior Program, complete the Senior Candidate Application (including your PR's approval).

For the component(s) which you plan to participate in this coming season (Sr. Emergency Mgt., Sr. Alpine Ski & Toboggan, Sr. Nordic, Sr. Auxiliary, or any of the electives), Sign up on-line (including PR's approval as required.)

Mail the completed Western Region Event Application (and Senior Candidate Application if you are also applying to enroll into the Senior Program) to the appropriate supervisor:

Emergency Management (OEC): Mail the completed application(s) to: Kathy Glynn

Alpine Ski/Toboggan: Mail the completed application(s) to: Mike Nies

Nordic: Mail the completed application(s) to: Peter Wollan

For current e-mail, telephone and mailing address information, please see the Western Region Roster.

Questions?

Questions on Senior Emergency Management (formerly Senior OEC), contact Kathy Glynn or Mary Pritchett.

Questions on Alpine Ski / Toboggan Senior, contact Mike Nies.

Questions on Nordic Senior, contact Peter Wollan.

For current e-mail, telephone and mailing address information, please see the Western Region Roster.

Refer to the NSP Policies and Procedures for the most current application and program requirements, etc. relating to the Senior Program. Click here to access the NSP Policies and Procedures via the NSP On-line Member Services. (After logging in, choose "My Bookshelf", and look in the "Reference & Resource Materials" section for the link to the NSP Policies and Procedures.)

Certified Program (Please read Chapter 12 in The Ski Patroller's Manual, 14th ed., NSPS, 1997, for the complete description of the Certified Program. See also the Rusty Parka News, Summer 2000-2001 issue, pp. 12-13, for an excellent promotion of the Certified Program.)

The components of the Certified Program are:

Area Operations and Risk Management
Emergency Management (OEC)
Rope Rescue, Low-angle Rescue, and Chair-lift Evacuation Management
Skiing (fixed heel, free heel, snowboard - your choice)
Toboggan Handling (fixed heel, free heel, snowboard - your choice)
Avalanche Management

Current prerequisites / requirements are:

Submit completed application (Page 1 and Page 2) by Jan 1st
Application requires signatures and recommendations from two current Certified Patrollers
Applicant must be at least 18 years of age, and at the Senior level with at least five years experience in patrolling
Applicant must have current OEC certification
Applicant should be able to demonstrate superior skills and prior and continuing commitment to Patrolling through leadership accomplishments
Coursework in Certified Workbook completed
Accepted applicants must attend a skill clinic before being allowed to take the exam
Applicants have three seasons to complete program
Program fee $25 for the first year; $15 for years two and three

Steps to Follow:

Meet all prerequisites.
Obtain application and more information from any Certified Staff member.
Send in application and program fee prior to January 1.
Attend a 1 day Candidate Qualification Clinic to be considered for acceptance.
Get a copy of the Certified Manual from our National Office.
Prepare for the annual March evaluation!

Current Certified Patrollers must recertify toboggan and ski skills every three years. In addition, current staff are expected to participate in exams and clinics.

Registration:
Sign up on-line

Questions?
Contact Terry Spohn.
For current e-mail, telephone and mailing address information, please see the Western Region Roster.

Refer to the NSP Policies and Procedures for the most current application and program requirements, etc. relating to the Certified Program. Click here to access the NSP Policies and Procedures via the NSP On-line Member Services. (After logging in, choose "My Bookshelf", and look in the "Reference & Resource Materials" section for the link to the NSP Policies and Procedures.)
More information is available in the Central Division Certified Program Web Site.

Please read this for important additional information.

Instructor Development: Training Adult Learners
The National Ski Patrol Instructor Development Program is the path to become an Instructor in any of the five NSP education disciplines; Avalanche, Mountain Travel and Rescue, Outdoor Emergency Care, Outdoor Emergency Transportation, and of course, Instructor Development Course. It also serves as one elective in the Senior Program. (See: NSP Instructor Development)

The NSP Instructor Development program consists of two components: The Instructor Development Course itself, and the Instructor Mentoring Program.

The Instructor Development Course consists of an interactive classroom session of approximately 6-7 hours, and covers such topics as principles of teaching adults, learning styles, teaching methods, lesson planning, and evaluation techniques. There is a $10.00 fee to take the course and you must purchase the required NSP textbook, "Instructor Development, Training the Adult Learner", NSP catalog #502, $19.50 + shipping.

The Instructor Mentoring portion of the program focuses of the practical application (hands-on) of teaching and assessment skills for a specific discipline. Potential instructors are teamed with experienced instructors for individual training and guidance. The prerequisite is the Instructor Development Course and the time commitment varies. There are no additional fees and upon completion Instructor Certification is granted. (Refer to NSP Publication #502 "Instructor Development: Training the Adult Learner".)

This course is also offered via a CD format. Check with the Western Region Instructor Development Program Supervisor if you are interested in pursuing this option.) "Instructor Development CD", NSP catalog #535, $49.50 + shipping.

The following lighter description provided by Mark Monroe, former Western Region Instructor Development Supervisor.

This is an absolutely great course that fits everyday life as well as teaching at all levels of instruction in and out of the National Ski Patrol System. The class interfaces "How we learn and why we learn" from the stand point of adult learners. It will give you some important and serious guides to work with when you instruct other adults at work, at church, and even in those neighbor groups.

We have fun, share good and bad stories about classes we have been in, both in the Ski Patrol system and outside of the system. What traits to leave in the trash can and what ones to carry with us. Hopefully we will teach you how not to be that most hated instructor from the past.

Change the future, take part in a life enrichment course that will return an investment to you for some time to come.

The course must have at least five (5) participants to be held.

Registration:
Sign up on-line Contact the instructor to determine whether the NSPS Instructor Development: Training Adult Learners (#502 $19.50) manual will be provided to you, or if you are to obtain the manual ahead of time. If you buy the manual ahead of time and bring it with you to class, the course fee is only $10.00.

The drop dead date for one of these classes is 30 days prior to the class' start date. This means that the instructor must have your check and application 30 days prior to the class date.

Patrol Representatives: If you can guarantee that 5 to 12 of your patrollers will attend class at your area; we will make every effort to hold a class at your local area.

Refer to the NSP Policies and Procedures for the most current information relating to the Instructor Development and Mentoring Programs. Click here to access the NSP Policies and Procedures via the NSP On-line Member Services. (After logging in, choose "My Bookshelf", and look in the "Reference & Resource Materials" section for the link to the NSP Policies and Procedures.)

The Phase II OEC course was discontinued at the end of 2001. In its place the NSP has established a mentoring program for patrollers wishing to become NSP certified OEC instructors. The program is managed cooperatively by the appropriate Region Supervisors, Patrol Representatives, and designated mentors within each Patrol.

The NSP Instructor Mentoring Program focuses on the practical application of teaching and assessment skills for a specific discipline. Instructor candidates are teamed with experienced instructors for individual training and guidance. For more information, see NSP Mentoring Program.

The OEC Instructor Mentoring Program is designed to prepare instructor candidates to teach the Outdoor Emergency Care program by building upon the Instructor Development knowledge of teaching techniques and evaluation methods applicable to emergency care instruction. During the mentoring process, instructor candidates become familiar with all of the training materials and administrative procedures. Instructor candidates will learn how to write OEC lesson plans and present lessons, use the OEC Instructor Manual and lesson guides, and effectively administer the OEC courses.

Prerequisites:
All participants must complete the Instructor Development course (formerly "Phase I") prior to entering into a mentoring program. (Note: If you have ever completed the Instructor Development course, it counts. Also, if you are an instructor in another discipline, Alpine Toboggan, Avalanche, Mountain Travel and Rescue, etc., it satisfies the Instructor Deveolpment requirement.) Please contact Mark Monroe or your OEC Instructor of Record for additional details.

Questions?
Contact Kathy Glynn.
For current e-mail, telephone and mailing address information, please see the Western Region Roster.

The OEC Instructor recertification clinic provides an opportunity for instructors to share teaching ideas and receive the latest updates from the National and Division levels. The current refresher cycle is reviewed. A brief review of the OEC instructors manual is covered. We discuss planning and organizing an OEC class and ways to register a class. We stress the importance of accurate record keeping and prompt filing of course completion records with the National office. The six-pack format is reviewed. The importance of using the six-pack format when teaching OEC classes is reinforced. Instructors pair up and each pair gives a short (2-5 minute) teaching presentation using the six-pack format. The topic is of their choosing, and does not have to be an OEC topic. And we usually have a few laughs along the way.

Instructorship is valid for 3 years, and instructors will be notified when they are due to re-certify.

Registration:
Sign up on-line

Questions?
Contact Kathy Glynn.
For current e-mail, telephone and mailing address information, please see the Western Region Roster.

The Phase II Alpine Toboggan course was discontinued at the end of 2001. In its place the NSP has established a mentoring program for patrollers wishing to become NSP certified toboggan instructors. The program is managed cooperatively by the appropriate Region Supervisors, Patrol Representatives, and designated mentors within each Patrol.

The Toboggan Instructor Mentoring Program is designed to prepare instructor candidates to teach toboggan-handling techniques by building upon the Instructor Development knowledge of teaching techniques and evaluation methods applicable to toboggan-handling instruction. During the mentoring process, instructor candidates become familiar with all of the training materials and administrative procedures. Instructor candidates will learn how to write toboggan-handling lesson plans and present lessons, use the Toboggan Instructor Manual and lesson guides, and effectively administer toboggan-handling instruction.

From a risk management perspective, the importance of the mentoring program for toboggan instructors, culminating with NSP certification, cannot be overemphasized. Any patroller conducting toboggan training at your hill should be an NSP Certified Toboggan Instructor with current certification.

Prerequisites:
All participants must complete the Instructor Development course (formerly "Phase I") prior to entering into a mentoring program. (Note: If you have ever completed the Instructor Development course, it counts. Also, if you are an instructor in another discipline, OEC, Avalanche, Mountain Travel and Rescue, etc., it satisfies the Instructor Development requirement.) Please contact Mark Monroe for additional details.

Questions?
Contact Ron Sluka.
For current e-mail, telephone and mailing address information, please see the Western Region Roster.

Please read this for important additional information.

The Toboggan Instructor recertification clinic provides an opportunity for instructors to share teaching ideas and receive the latest updates from the National and Division levels. The six-pack format is reviewed, and the importance of using the six-pack format when teaching toboggan-handling classes is reinforced. Instructors are expected to have prepared ahead of time a teaching presentation on some specific toboggan-handling topic of their choosing using the six-pack format.

Instructorship is valid for 3 years, and instructors will be notified when they are due to re-certify.

Registration:
Sign up on-line

Questions?
Contact Ron Sluka.
For current e-mail, telephone and mailing address information, please see the Western Region Roster.

Please read this for important additional information.

Ski Trainer's Workshop (Alpine) (Please read Chapter 10 in The Ski Patroller's Manual, 14th ed., NSPS, 1997, for the complete description of the Alpine Ski and Toboggan Program which includes the Ski Trainer's Workshop (Alpine).)

The risk management benefit of this course is tremendous. Any patroller conducting training or evaluation of skiing (or snowboarding) skills relating to toboggan-handling, training should complete the STW. This two-day, intensive seminar will help patrollers develop their demonstration and evaluation skills, while establishing their limitations as instructors. Naturally, all patrollers attending the STW should already possess a high level of skiing ability. Patrollers must register early for the STW; PSIA needs a long lead time to assign top-notch instructors.

Purpose:
This two-day workshop is for ski, snowboard, and toboggan trainers who want to improve their evaluation skills and to recognize their abilities and limitations as an NSP hill trainer. Anyone involved in hill training would benefit from this workshop with top PSIA instructors.

Prerequisites:
Participants must be PSIA Skill Level 7 skiers. (Translation: A parallel skier capable of skiing a wide variety of trails and conditions, including groomed "black diamond" terrain, short-radius parallel turns in the fall-line, and long-radius carved parallel turns across the fall-line.)

Registration:
Sign up on-line

Questions?
Contact Wes Van Nurden.
For current e-mail, telephone and mailing address information, please see the Western Region Roster.

Refer to the NSP Policies and Procedures for the most current information relating to the Ski Trainers Workshop. Click here to access the NSP Policies and Procedures via the NSP On-line Member Services. (After logging in, choose "My Bookshelf", and look in the "Reference & Resource Materials" section for the link to the NSP Policies and Procedures.)

Please read this for important additional information.

Basic Training and Evaluation Clinic (Alpine)

Who should attend:

Basic alpine trainers, evaluators, and toboggan instructors.

Purpose of the Clinic:

Review Basic training techniques
Review Risk Management
Create a base standard for training (each area has specific protocols)
Introduce new ideas and concepts for training
Practice Evaluation techniques and feedback
Share ideas for training and evaluation
Skill expectations for a basic patroller
Goal orientated approach
Fun and educational
This program may count as a toboggan instructor refresher IF all paperwork is complete AND the Clinicians are toboggan IT's (check with the program supervisor BEFORE the clinic.)

What this Clinic is NOT:

This clinic is NOT a forum for improving skiing/toboggan skills;
There are NSP toboggan or skiing enhancement seminars for that.
This clinic is NOT an evaluation of a local ski area patrol's training program by Region personnel.

General Itinerary----

Classroom:

Introduction and paper work 1/2 hr (sign-in forms, release form)
Training responsibilities 3/4 hr (risk management ..., standard training techniques)
Open Discussion on basic training 3/4 hr

Get booted up:
On hill (interest and as time permits -- 4 hrs average);

Stretching exercises reinforce risk management
Demonstrate and review ski proficiency skills (wedge, wedge turns, side slip,...)
Demonstrate and review skiing skills (short, medium, and long radius turns)
Demonstrate and review toboggan-handling skills (as applied to Basic patrollers)
Practice evaluation of basic patrol candidates (have fun with this one)

Wrap-up

Prerequisites:

Registration:
Sign up on-line

Questions?
Contact Wes Van Nurden.
For current e-mail, telephone and mailing address information, please see the Western Region Roster.

Please read this for important additional information.

Ski Enhancement Seminars (Alpine, Nordic) (Description provided by Ron Schlank, past Western Region Alpine Ski Proficiency Supervisor. Please read Chapter 10 in The Ski Patroller's Manual, 14th ed., NSPS, 1997, for the complete description of the Alpine Ski and Toboggan Program which includes the Ski Enhancement Seminar.)

Purpose:
This two-day seminar is for all NSP members who want to improve their skiing/snowboarding skills while working with top-level (PSIA Division clinic leaders and hand-picked Certified Level III) PSIA instructors. The instruction will help patrollers focus on techniques to ski more efficiently and identify their strengths and weaknesses. Additional seminar benefits include improving patroller image with ski industry and public by improved skiing/snowboarding ability and enhancing the NSP/PSIA relationship. Participants also will be given exercises to work on after the seminar to help improve their skiing. The philosophy of the seminar has been summarized as "No books, no refreshers, no parkas, no patrol belts, just the best ski lesson you will ever have!" This is a great opportunity for all patrollers.

The SES fee is established by the Division and PSIA. After you get over the initial sticker shock and look at what you get (two all-day lessons from the best PSIA instructors in the division and two all-day lift tickets) the SES seems a little more inviting. When you consider you will get back a better patroller and enhance your patrol's image through improved skiing, it might even seem like a bargain. Also, the SES is an excellent opportunity to polish skills for candidate or senior evaluations. Again, due to PSIA constraints, registrations are needed no later than November 1st.

Prerequisites:
NSP membership.

Registration:
Sign up on-line

Questions?
Contact Wes Van Nurden, Alpine Training Supervisor.
Contact Peter Wollan, Nordic Supervisor
For current e-mail, telephone and mailing address information, please see the Western Region Roster.

Refer to the NSP Policies and Procedures for the most current information relating to the Ski Enhancement Seminars. Click here to access the NSP Policies and Procedures via the NSP On-line Member Services. (After logging in, choose "My Bookshelf", and look in the "Reference & Resource Materials" section for the link to the NSP Policies and Procedures.)

Please read this for important additional information.

Toboggan Enhancement Seminar Please read Chapter 10 in The Ski Patroller's Manual, 14th ed., NSPS, 1997, for the complete description of the Alpine Ski and Toboggan Program which includes the Toboggan Enhancement Seminar.)

Purpose:

Have fun working and learning with toboggans!

"The best Toboggan lesson anyone could ask for."

No pressure, no exam, no failure—just success!
Improve the toboggan handling skills of all participants.
Each seminar will be tailored to the needs/wants of the participants.
Specific subject areas can be singled out for extra focus and attention.
Participants can work at their own pace with small groups.
Meet and work with patrollers from many ski areas.
All instructors are Toboggan Instructor-Trainers (IT's).
Ensure consistent, accurate information using NSP Ski & Toboggan Manual.

Prerequisites:
NSP membership.

Registration:
Sign up on-line

Questions?
Contact Ron Sluka, Toboggan Supervisor.
For current e-mail, telephone and mailing address information, please see the Western Region Roster.

Refer to the NSP Policies and Procedures for the most current information relating to the Skiing and Toboggan Enhancement Seminars. Click here to access the NSP Policies and Procedures via the NSP On-line Member Services. (After logging in, choose "My Bookshelf", and look in the "Reference & Resource Materials" section for the link to the NSP Policies and Procedures.)

Please read this for important additional information.

NSP Western Region
Nordic Workshop

This workshop will be user-driven based on Patroller requirements and availability of "coaches/evaluators" including the following:

Senior Level Recertification
Senior Wanta-Be's? - want to improve your skiing skills? Both skating and classical skill enhancements are offered.
Basic Nordic Qualification "evaluation"
Nordic Intro - current Alpine Patrollers interested in finding out what skiing skills are required to become a Nordic Patroller or wishing to enjoy a fun-filled day of "skinny skiing"; this is for you!

Current NSP registration is required. There is no pre-registration deadline for this seminar; just show up. However, a preliminary estimate of attendance will be most appreciated. Please contact Peter Wollan by e-mail (wollan@mayo.edu) so he can notify you of any last minute changes!

(Please read Chapter 16 in The Ski Patroller's Manual, 14th ed., NSPS, 1997, for the complete description of the Nordic Ski and Toboggan Program.)

Refer to the NSP Policies and Procedures for the most current information relating to the Nordic Program.
Click here to access the NSP Policies and Procedures via the NSP On-line Member Services. (After logging in, choose "My Bookshelf", and look in the "Reference & Resource Materials" section for the link to the NSP Policies and Procedures.)

Please read this for important additional information.

Avalanche Fundamentals and Rescue Course (formerly Basic Avalanche) (Description excerpted from The Ski Patroller's Manual, 14th ed., Ch. 11. Please read Chapter 11 in The Ski Patroller's Manual, 14th ed., NSPS, 1997, for the complete description of the Avalanche Courses.)

The purpose of the Avalanche Fundamentals and Rescue Course is to provide participants with a general knowledge of and skills for avalanche awareness. This course covers how to increase personal safety in avalanche terrain and how to be an effective member of an avalanche rescue team.

A written exam (usually issued at the outset of the classroom session) determines if the student has performed all the minimum reading requirements and has gained the necessary knowledge of all required subject material. Students are evaluated on their skills during their participation in the field exercises. Aside from preparatory homework to be completed before attending class, there are no prerequisites for this course and a participant need not be a member of the NSP. Completion of this course does count as a Senior elective.

Prerequisites:
None, aside from preparatory homework to be completed before attending class. Early registration is important, as books and pre-course homework are mailed to each student about 2 weeks ahead of time.

Time Commitment:

Six hours in the classroom

Four to six hours of field work

Total course time varies with class size and the amount of preparatory work required

The course must have at least six (6) participants to be held.

Registration:
Sign up on-line

Questions?
Contact Kristi Olson, Instructor of Record.
For current e-mail, telephone and mailing address information, please see the Western Region Roster.

Refer to the NSP Policies and Procedures for the most current information relating to the Avalanche Program. Click here to access the NSP Policies and Procedures via the NSP On-line Member Services. (After logging in, choose "My Bookshelf", and look in the "Reference & Resource Materials" section for the link to the NSP Policies and Procedures.)

Please read this for important additional information.

Level II (Advanced) Avalanche Course (description excerpted from The Ski Patroller's Manual, 14th ed., Ch. 11. Please read Chapter 11 in The Ski Patroller's Manual, 14th ed., NSPS, 1997, for the complete description of the Advanced Avalanche Course.)

The purpose of the Level II Avalanche Course is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to assume leadership roles in avalanche rescue, the ability to support avalanche rescue operations, and the competence to make ancillary rescue decisions. Participants must pass a written examination and prepare a comprehensive report that discusses rescue activities. In addition, experience and recurrent training will be necessary to hone the knowledge and skills learned into true avalanche rescue expertise.

Course Risks:
The Level II Avalanche Course involves extensive field work in alpine winter conditions. Students will encounter risks and dangers inherent to skiing, as well as the additional risks of skiing and working both alone and with a group on steep and difficult slopes. Because the course may be held in part on or near active avalanche paths, it involves the risk of being caught in avalanches. Field studies may be conducted beyond ski area closure boundaries and may involve locations from which the evacuation of injured participants would be long and difficult. The student must accept the risks associated with the field study of avalanches.

Prerequisites:

Level I Avalanche Course (course knowledge must be current, i.e., taken within the last three years or refreshed before the Level II Avalanche Course starting date). Non-NSP avalanche training that equals or exceeds the course content for the NSP Level II Avalanche Course may be substituted upon approval by the Division Avalanche Supervisor.

Two years active patrol duty experience, not including the candidate year, before the starting date of the Level II Avalanche Course (unless waived by the Division Avalanche Supervisor.)

Excellent physical condition, ability to endure strenuous physical exertion, and upper-intermediate to advanced skiing skills.

Registration: Please watch this space for 2008 registration information.

The course fee does include lodging, local transportation, lift tickets, and administrative expenses. The course fee does not include personal meals, transportation costs to or from Utah, required course textbooks, or expenses relating to other personal activities. This course is likely to fill early -- apply today!

Questions?
Contact Dale Mihuta, Central Division Avalanche Supervisor.
For current e-mail, telephone and mailing address information, please see the Central Division Staff Roster.

Please read this for important additional information.

Level I (Basic) Mountain Travel and Rescue Course (description excerpted from The Ski Patroller's Manual, 14th ed., Ch. 15. Please read Chapter 15 in The Ski Patroller's Manual, 14th ed., NSPS, 1997, for the complete description of the Level I Mountain Travel and Rescue Course.)

The purpose of the Level I Mountain Travel and Rescue Course is to provide patrollers the knowledge and skills to travel in reasonable comfort and safety in the mountains (and the outdoor winter environment in general), and to assist in search and rescue. The course is taught primarily in a classroom environment with opportunities to demonstrate proficiency in an outdoor setting; including map and compass work, shelter building, search and rescue principles. There are no prerequisites for this course and a participant need not be a member of the NSP. Completion of this course does count as a Senior elective.

Prerequisites:
None.

The course must have at least six (6) participants to be held.

Registration:
Sign up on-line

Questions?
Contact Daryl Coons, Mountain Travel and Rescue Supervisor.
For current e-mail, telephone and mailing address information, please see the Western Region Roster.

Refer to the NSP Policies and Procedures for the most current information relating to the Mountain Travel and Rescue Program. Click here to access the NSP Policies and Procedures via the NSP On-line Member Services. (After logging in, choose "My Bookshelf", and look in the "Reference & Resource Materials" section for the link to the NSP Policies and Procedures.)

Please read this for important additional information.

Level II Mountain Travel and Rescue Course (formerly Advanced Mountaineering) Learn how to live comfortably in the outdoor environment, Search & Rescue skills, and related skills. Learn how to survive in extreme environments, the selection and use of equipment, and how to save those who get into trouble in the outdoors. Requires a minimum of six(6) students, purchase of the current NSP MTR Manual (NSP Publication #509), completion of the Level I MTR or MTR-Fundamentals course, and the completion of the Level I Avalanche or Avalanche Fundamentals and Rescue (formerly Basic Avalanche) course. This is an elective for Senior certification. A Certificate of Completion will be awarded.

Our Region organizes MTR-II as a three weekend course spread out over the season. The course begins with an intensive two-day classroom portion in October where participants are provided with essential information related to living in the outdoor environment. In January, we conduct a practice, one-night shakedown outing 2-3 weeks before the actual Level II two-night outing. By having participants camp out in a "protected" winter environment, where shelter is available if necessary, instructors can check out individual and group equipment, become acquainted with the needs of the participants, observe participants' abilities to travel over winter terrain, and coordinate any other logistical problems that become apparent.

(The following formal NSP description excerpted from The Ski Patroller's Manual, 14th ed., Ch. 15. Please read Chapter 15 in The Ski Patroller's Manual, 14th ed., NSPS, 1997, for the complete description of the Level II Mountain Travel and Rescue Course.)

The purpose of the Level II Mountain Travel and Rescue Course is to provide patrollers the knowledge and skills to plan and conduct a successful multi-day trip into a winter environment and to be effective leaders in search and rescue situations. This course offers hands-on experience in route finding, emergency bivouac, and problems that arise in search and rescue situations. Participation in a mock search and rescue exercise is required.

Prerequisites:
Level I Mountain travel and Rescue Course (formerly Basic Mountaineering)
Level I Avalanche Course

Time Commitment:

Recommended: three full days, two nights

Two full days and one overnight with adequate travel

2008-2009 Western Region Level II Mountain Travel and Rescue Course Schedule

(Please see the Western Region Calendar for scheduled times.)

The course must have at least six (6) participants to be held.

Registration:
Sign up on-line The registration deadline is two weeks before the start date of the course.

Questions?
Contact Daryl Coons, Mountain Travel and Rescue Supervisor.

For current e-mail, telephone and mailing address information, please see the Western Region Roster.

Please read this for important additional information.

Skier Education and Public Relations

The NSP Board of Directors recognizes the need for a united effort to increase risk awareness and mitigation among the skiing public and to use ski industry educational materials to help achieve this goal.

Promoting careful and responsible recreation is a major goal of ski area management and the National Ski Patrol.

Part of the National Ski Patrol's mission statement calls for its membership to participate in and support the ski and outdoor recreation community through exceptional education programs.

Refer to the NSP Policies and Procedures for the most current information relating to the Skier Education and Public Relations Programs. Click here to access the NSP Policies and Procedures via the NSP On-line Member Services. (After logging in, choose "My Bookshelf", and look in the "Reference & Resource Materials" section for the link to the NSP Policies and Procedures.)

Leadership Development Seminar (formerly Patroller Enrichment Seminar) (description excerpted from The Ski Patroller's Manual, 14th ed., Ch. 14. Please read Chapter 14 in The Ski Patroller's Manual, 14th ed., NSPS, 1997, for the complete description of the Leadership Development Program which includes the Patroller Enrichment Seminar.)

The Leadership Development Seminar (LDS) is a course on developing leadership ability and expanding the NSP's role at the participant's home area. The LDS, open to any NSP member, encourages patrollers to increase their knowledge of education and leadership opportunities within the patrolling environment and to provide more effective services for area management. This course provides practical information for any patroller who endeavors to attain a leadership role in the NSP, but it is also a core requirement for those seeking Senior Auxiliary status. The LDS consists of four modules: Patrol facilities management, Administrative policies management, Expanded patroller services to ski areas, and NSP education and leadership opportunities. Completion of this course does count as a Senior elective.

The course must have at least six (6) participants to be held.

Prerequisites:
NSP membership and some preparatory work of study activities.

Refer to the NSP Policies and Procedures for the most current information relating to the Leadership Development Program. Click here to access the NSP Policies and Procedures via the NSP On-line Member Services. (After logging in, choose "My Bookshelf", and look in the "Reference & Resource Materials" section for the link to the NSP Policies and Procedures.)

NSP-C/PSIA Alpine Ski School The goal of our ski school in the Western Region is to enable and assist as many patrollers as are interested, in obtaining their Level I and Level II PSIA Instructor credentials. You must achieve Level II to teach skiing at the level at which patrollers are expected to ski. This is a great way to upgrade your personal skiing as well as being available to assist your Patrol. This course will involve extensive work with the PSIA manuals, including the teaching model, ski performance, ski progressions, movement analysis and much more. Lead instructors will be Phil Montville, PSIA Level II and Central Division Clinic Leader for PSIA, and Jim Andrews, PSIA Level III and a Certified Patroller.

Participants should purchase two manuals ahead of time:

#590 PSIA Core Concepts Manual (for Snowsports Instructors) ($24.50), and

#591 PSIA Alpine Technical Manual-Skiing and Teaching Skills ($19.95).

Both manuals are available through the NSP on-line catalog.

Prerequisites:
NSP membership and some preparatory work of study activities.

Registration:
Sign up on-line

Questions?
Contact Dick Augustine.
For current e-mail, telephone and mailing address information, please see the Western Region Roster.

Refer to the NSP Policies and Procedures for the most current information relating to the NSP/PSIA Program. Click here to access the NSP Policies and Procedures via the NSP On-line Member Services. (After logging in, choose "My Bookshelf", and look in the "Reference & Resource Materials" section for the link to the NSP Policies and Procedures.)

Please read this for important additional information.

Before you sign up... Please read Chapter 6, Legal Issues and Risk Management, in The Ski Patroller's Manual, 14th ed., NSPS, 1997.

Like any active sport, skiing and snowboarding present risks of physical injury. Each NSP member should assess risk in his or her own situation, and be comfortable with risks assumed when participating in NSP programs. When participating in NSP training activities, NSP members are required to follow state laws (including any applicable portions of the state skier safety act), the policies of area management, the NSP program guidelines, and Your Responsibility Code, a behavior standard promulgated by NSAA (National Ski Areas Association) and endorsed by the NSP.

Certain NSP programs require participants to sign a Release of Liability statement. The NSP Central Division Release of Liability Form can be read and printed by following a link provided on the Risk Management Issues page of our Web site.

The course descriptions included in this web page are intended to provide you with brief yet informative descriptions of the programs. In order for you to make an informed decision to participate in an NSP education program, you should also read completely and carefully, the appropriate chapter in The Ski Patroller's Manual associated with the respective education program.

For additional information relating to patroller personal risk management, visit the Risk Management Issues page of our Web site.

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