Join Us
2010-11
Dear Fellow Skier or Boarder:
I would like to thank you for expressing an interest in becoming a Patrol Candidate.
The Greek Peak Patrol is one of the top Patrols in the Eastern Division dating back to 1959 when it was established here at Greek Peak. Prior to that the Patrol worked at a nearby area called Snow Crest.
If you are selected for our Patrol Candidate program the following expectations will need to be met and maintained at all times:
1. Pay annual dues to NSP of $85.00 (subject to change).
2. Successfully complete our Outdoor Emergency Care program (OEC) which consists of approximately 120 hours of classroom time followed by a written exam. Required materials and fees:
An OEC book: $49.50
OEC workbook: $30.50
Patroller’s Manual: (available online) fee not set for printed copy
OEC Registration Fee: $30.00
Total:
$110.00 (subject to change)
The OEC program is held at the Greek Peak Patrol Building one night (3 hours) a week, beginning in May (off July and August) and finishing in November prior to the start of the ski season. Another option for training is two nights (3 hrs) a week starting after Labor Day and finishing at Thanksgiving. This class is held in the Syracuse area. Additional schedule options for the OEC classroom training may be used to suit class size, instructor availability, etc.
3. Complete a Practical First Aid training program ending with an "on-hill" test in mid-February. The training will consist of a half-day on every weekend the area is open using patrol equipment.
4. Complete a ski and toboggan training program ending with a test in mid-February. Training for this will be held the first half of the day, learning trail lift opening and then training. Second half of the day will cover first aid training. The day will end back on skis learning trail sweeps and closing at 5:00pm.
5. You must attend every session and must be on time unless you have a valid excuse. We cover a lot of material, some repetitive, some not.
This is a very big commitment which we are asking you and your family to make; not only your time and your family’s time, but substantial monetary commitment as well. Your trainers will also be giving you their time commitment as well as their regular patrol duties for the season. Your trainers, as have hundreds of Greek Peak Patrollers before you, have been down this “candidate year road”. It is not easy, but at the end of the year, which surprisingly enough does pass quickly, you will be well trained and part of a group who come back year after year because it is a rewarding experience and not just a job.
6. You must attend an 8-hour OEC refresher course every year at Greek Peak (In the fall). After your candidate year, you may attend another area's refresher if our date is inconvenient for you.
7. You must have a valid CPR/AED card every year. We will provide the initial training session at Greek Peak in the fall. After your candidate year, your refresher training will be provided during our OEC refresher in the fall.
8. You must attend a 4-hour Hill Refresher at the Patrol Building in the fall. This will cover old and new materials and information, a talk from Greek Peak management, and a lift evacuation.
9. You will be required to purchase a First-Aid Pack at a cost of approximately $30.00. We will furnish your supplies for the pack at no cost to you.
10. Upon successful completion of all training, you will be required to purchase a Patrol Parka (basic shell - $140.00). You must also have BLACK ski pants. Vests ($40.00) and Liners ($60.00) are optional. You are also required to keep your uniform clean at all times. We expect you to stay well groomed and keep your equipment up to date. As a patroller you will also be eligible for "pro rates" on equipment (approximately 40% less than retail).
11. We encourage and expect people to attend workdays to maintain and clean the patrol building as well as on the hill. This is usually 2-3 extra days beyond your schedule.
12. We encourage and expect people to continue training to become seniors and instructors after their candidate year (CPR/AED, First-aid, and S&T instructors).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
1. Will I be able to ski at any area for free?
Most of the time NO, unless you are a full-time patroller, then you will most likely only get a discount on your ticket.
We are for the most part volunteers and not paid. You will be a volunteer.
You will be required to work approximately 24 scheduled 4-hour sessions per season. This will be divided between 70% nights and 30% days. This will include 2-3 patrol room duties on the weekends.
Your time with NSP and Greek Peak starts when you register as a candidate but at Greek Peak you will have to wait until there is a slot open for you before you start receiving ski privileges for you and your family. We are allowed 60 patrollers; as openings occur your name will be placed in a drawing with the other candidates; patrol positions will be filled randomly from this drawing. If you are selected for the patrol, your patrol time will count from your registration date. You will receive free ski privileges as soon as an opening occurs and your name is selected for the patrol. Your dependent family members will receive free ski privileges 3 years after your registration date, if you are selected to be on the patrol. Prior to 3 years, ski privileges are available to you at a discounted rate for dependent family members. Traditionally, our attrition rate is a few patrollers per year. Until you are a full member you will have use of the Patrol Building and a locker for yourself. Your family is also welcome at the Patrol Building and at all social functions. You will be a voting member on all Patrol issues. You are welcome to sign on as an extra patroller on non-duty days at anytime, the Pro or APL in charge must be asked first, but most often your help will be welcomed.
2. Will I be guaranteed of a spot on the Patrol?
Yes if you pass all the training and tests.
3. Does anyone fail?
Yes, occasionally, someone doesn't make it. Usually however, prior to testing people drop out for a variety of reasons. Your trainers will give you constant feedback and let you know if you need extra help. It's up to you to study and train hard.
As I mentioned before, it is a big commitment but the job of being a Ski Patroller is a big responsibility as ultimately you could be in the position to save someone's life. At times it is almost like a job, but by and large it's fun and an excellent way to give something worthwhile back to the sport of skiing.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
John Megivern
Patrol Leader
GREEK PEAK SKI PATROL
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