Joining
The CSPS Crowsnest Zone is managed and operated by The Fernie Volunteer Ski Patrol Society of Fernie BC, a non-profit Society registered in the Province of British Columbia.
Would you like to find out more about becoming a CSPS patroller? Below are our most frequently asked questions along with an example of a typical day patrolling. If you would like to read our 2006 policy you can access it here.(381kb)
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Do I need a Current First Aid Certificate?
- No, You don't need current first aid certification to join, in fact, even if you do carry a current first aid certificate you need to take our course to cover legalities.
- If you do hold a Current OFA-3 certificate the full course is not required and arrangements may be made to challenge the course accredidation. Contact Us for Information on this Situation
-
Do I need to be an Expert Skier? Can I snowboard?
- Fernie Alpine Resort is a challenging Mountain, because of this you do need to be able to ski all terrain, in control while fully equipped.
- Yes, we will take snowboarders, however they will need to meet the same requirements as skiers.
-
Is there a Minimum Age Requirement?
- For full membership you need to be at least 18 years of age.
-
How much does it cost to Join?
-
Currently it is $150 to join, this covers the first aid instruction, first aid manual, and covers the national fees that are needed to keep the organization running. The following fees may also apply:
- CPR Accreditation Only: $150
- Re-Test (Written or Practical):$85* One retest at instructors convenience.
- Early Withdrawal Before Oct. 30th:$50 Refund
- Withdrawal After Oct. 30th:No Refund
- You will be provided with a basic First Aid Kit, however patrollers are expected to cover the cost of replacing items they have lost due to negligence.
- The CSPS Jacket is the Mandatory Uniform, you can purchase your own or you may borrow one from the patrol.
- A back pack or CSPS accreditted vest is required for first aid and avalanche equipment. These must be of CSPS colours with proper cresting. A Pool of backpacks for day use is available including avalanche probes and shovels.
-
Currently it is $150 to join, this covers the first aid instruction, first aid manual, and covers the national fees that are needed to keep the organization running. The following fees may also apply:
-
What do I get for Joining?
- A First Aid course with CPR-C that is recognized throughout Canada and in an increasing number of other countries.
- You receive a voucher for another ski day for each of your working days. These vouchers can be kept for yourself or given to family and friends. Once your first year is completed, you will be eligible to receive a seasons pass instead of vouchers.
- Lunch is provided each day you patrol, You receive a meal voucher on the days that you are performing active duty.
- Membership into the CSPS. One of the nice things about being a nationwide organization is you are provided with many opportunities to ski at other resorts or to participate in nationwide events.
- Public recognition and appreciation. We wear the bright easily recognizable jackets for a reason, this recognition is well respected throughout the nation.
-
I'll be in Fernie for the Winter, But not until after the Training takes place, What do I do?
- One benefit of being a nationwide group is that we may accomodate your request to complete training elsewhere in the country with another Zone. Note that there are mandantory weekends in Fernie if you wish to be rostered here to patrol, these include Lift Evacuation Training and On-Hill ski/ride testing.
-
What arrangements are there for guest patrolling?
- We are happy to accept guest CSPS Patrollers from other Zones on a limited basis.
- All guest patrolling is done on weekend days, a pass and lunch voucher is provided for the day.
- Guests will shadow with a Zone member from the morning meeting to sweep.
- Contact the Zone President three weeks in advance for arrangements.
-
Can I contact somebody for more information?
- You can e-mail any question you have to csps@fernie.com or you can visit the national website.
A Day as a Patroller
7:30 - 8:00 Morning MeetingArrive at the Ski Hill, Get ready to head up the mountain. By 7:50 make sure that you are in the First Aid Room, fully dressed for the Morning Meeting.
Aprox. 8:15 - 9:00 Morning SweepHead up the mountain, and take a few runs, This serves a double purpose, To warm up as well as checking out all the runs. Each run is checked over for any hazardous conditions or anything that could be hazardous to the public. If necessary you may need to close down areas, or stand "guard" at some areas if there is still avalanche danger.
9:00 - 12:00 Patrolling
The hill is now open to the public, for the next few hours you get to ski the mountain. Have fun, Address any concerns that the public may have and help out anyone that needs it. Of course always keep an ear on the radio to find out if you are needed elsewhere, or if there are some jobs that need to be done around the hill. Also keep eyes peeled for anybody that may be hurt, as well as anything that may be able to hurt somebody.
12:00 - 13:00 LunchAround this time is when you get a break for lunch, feel free to take lunch with friends or family. But remember you are somebody that the general public hold in regard. It's always a good idea to sit down with a few strangers and ask them how their day is going and whether everything is satisfactory in their day so far. Lunch breaks will be staggered to allow continuous coverage of the mountain.
13:00 - 16:00 More PatrollingHead back out onto the hill and enjoy yourself this afternoon expect to be busier with duties than you were during the morning. More accidents happen in the afternoon and later on in the day. Everybody is getting tired and feeling worn out and more likely somebody will get hurt. Remember, you're wearing a jacket that represents a great organization as well as FAR, you are expected to know about the resort and be able to address any concerns that may arise as well as treating anybody that may become injured. It is your duty to find out general public opinion, help anybody that may get lost (little kids) as well as showing somebody how to get down if they get into an area that they may not feel completely comfortable in. In any case you are there to serve the public, and make sure that they have a good time during their stay.
16:00 - 17:00 Sweep
It's the end of the day, and everybody has left for home. Well...at least we assume that everybody has left for home. This is the point behind sweep. Sweep is the last time that you go down the mountain. You are the ones that close the lifts and "sweep" the mountain to make sure that nobody is left out on the mountain overnight or for any length of time. Now is the time that you should make any notes that should be addressed by the groomers before tomorrow morning, or any large hazards that need to be improved on. By rotating your choice of sweep, you can improve your knowledge of the Hill, and you may be assigned a certain sweep depending upon the day
17:00 - ?You're done with the hill for the day. Now you can head back home, or as often happens all patrollers may go out for refreshments or dinner. This is a good time to talk about the day, and also to raise any questions with other patrollers. The friendships that you will make are some of the greatest you will have, and is what makes the CSPS a great organization.
