The Canadian Ski Patrol is a national organization is composed of more than 5,000 volunteers from coast to coast, in Canada, in 59 zones and nine divisions. The Yukon Ski Patrol is part of that non-profit organization providing a variety of services (not just ski patrol) year-round.

What does a ski patroller do?

The Yukon Ski Patrol is a dynamic, fun team that has a lot of involvement in the community and events … so let’s take a look at what the seasons entail:

Winter

At Mount Sima, the most well-known activities of the ski patrol is to provide first aid and patrol. Whether you are a downhill skier, a snowboarder or a telemarker, you can help, including anyone who wants to be based at the chalet, to provide support. Mount Sima, with its incredibly impressive freestyle parks, does tend to “invite” multiple injuries that keep first aiders busy. The perks of being a patroller include first and last runs down the mountain, a season ski pass, ski and snowboard lessons, ongoing training and education plus gaining new skills.

Mount McIntyre is also a popular spot for ski patrol. Whether you cross-country ski, fat bike or just base yourself at the main chalet, you can provide first aid. Here you can learn skills such as snow-machine handling in attending first aid calls.

Throughout the winter, there are other events that ski patrollers attend, such as the Canada Cup at Mount Sima, fat bike racing at Mount McIntyre, and much more. What better way to pass the deep, dark days of winter than by having some fun and seeing some incredible sunrises and sunsets in the process.

Summer

Yes, ski patrol isn’t just about skiing or about winter in the Yukon. Yukon Ski Patrol members are advanced-care providers who deliver first aid at a number of events and festivals throughout the Yukon. Some of these events are the Klondike Road Relay, the 24 Hours of Light Mountain Bike Race, the Atlin Arts & Music Festival, and many more. The Yukon Ski Patrol also provides mountain bike patrol support at Mount Sima, throughout the summer sessions. However, mountain biking is not necessary, because the base hut can be manned in both summer and winter. While this is more useful in winter when it’s busy with injuries, having someone at the base year round allows even older, or less sports-inclined, individuals to still come help. But what a great way to attend an event, with a free pass, and meet new people.

How to become a ski patroller

Training is provided yearly, in the fall, so even those who want to provide first aid in the summer need to attend this fall training, which is recognized by the Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health & Safety Board as Advanced First Aid.

The first course offers 60 hours of online, in-class training in first aid and CPR. By the end of the course, you will be able to assess and treat a variety of injuries, provide airway management and deliver oxygen and other skills in a team environment.

For those keen on providing winter first aid, the on-snow training includes training in rescue techniques, ski and snowboard assessment and toboggan handling.

Training is held over three weekends—October 13–14, 20–21 and 27–28. For more information or to register, visit www.yukonskipatrol.ca or facebook.com/yukonskipatrol.


Yukon Ski Patrol training takes place over three weekends:

Oct. 13/14

Oct. 20/21

Oct. 27/28


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