We are a member of the National Ski Patrol which is a non-profit organization. We benefit from the NSP’s vast educational resources in safety and the outdoor environment. A few of the courses are Outdoor Emergency Care, Toboggan Handling, Avalanche, and Mountaineering.
We refer to our Ski Patrol as simply Bear Mountain Patrol, recognizing our unique mix of Patrollers – both skiers and snowboarders. The Patrol combines the resources of both a paid and volunteer staff, working alongside one another to insure safety on the mountain. The unique geography of Bear Mountain with its three peaks requires that our Patrol respond from “bump shacks” – Patrol stations – located on each of the three peaks. Extending our coverage in this way requires a larger patrol staff to service the needs of our guests.
The Patrol staff consists of three distinct groups, all supporting the Patrol in different capacities. The most visible to our guests is the Basic Patroller. They are capable of skiing or riding in any snow condition, anywhere on the mountain. They are trained to provide first aid to injured guests and transport them down the hill to the Patrol Room. Safety on the mountain is their primary responsibility. Next is the Auxiliary Patroller, usually only seen by those guests visiting the Patrol Room. They are responsible for providing support first aid to those brought off the mountain and guests that walk into the first aid room on their own accord. This is one position on our Patrol that doesn’t require you to ski or ride. We are also supported by our Mountain Security staff. This group skis and rides the mountain in a safety capacity and is usually first on scene to any injury or accident. They provide traffic control and scene safety to the Basic Patroller and injured guest while they work incidents on active trails. Collectively, we work hard to serve the skiing/riding public and keep the mountain safe for the enjoyment of all.
We are continually training and must recertify each year. The Patrol requires significant commitment from each member of the team. But we are all here through our passion to ski and ride, and participating in The Patrol has made each of us better skiers and snowboarders.
Intrigued? Stop into the Patrol Room in the base area or drop into one of our Bump Shacks on each peak and let’s connect.
Click here to read an inspiring article written by one of our very own.
