Welcome to the ESR Senior Patroller Section
The Senior Patroller Program is the next step beyond Basic Patroller. Achieving Senior Patroller status is the logical next step for those who want to achieve a higher level of patroller skills that will help make you a more confident and competent patroller on your hill.
To become a Senior Patroller, you must demonstrate advanced skills in skiing, toboggan handling, and emergency care. And you must broaden your skills by taking electives in areas such as avalanche awareness, mountain rescue, skiing enhancement, toboggan enhancement or becoming an instructor.
Becoming a Senior Patroller encompasses three categories:
Senior Emergency Management (formerly called Senior OEC)
- Focus on advanced scene management
- Tested at Senior Emergency Management (SEM) testing offered several times each winter and spring
Senior Skiing and Toboggan Handling
- Demonstrate advanced toboggan handling and skiing abilities
- Tested at Senior Ski & Toboggan Clinics at several resorts each season
Complete three electives to increase knowledge in various areas such as:
- Avalanche awareness
- Mountain rescue
- Skiing enhancement
- Toboggan enhancement
- Become an instructor
A Planning Strategy
Completing the Senior Patroller requirements takes a significant commitment of time and work. Most Senior patrollers recommend a two-year time frame:
Year 1:
- Refer to the Ski Patroller Manual (order from NSP) for a list of electives that meet Senior requirements. Finish off two of them. ID and AVI 1 are good candidates.
- Complete a Senior Ski & Toboggan Clinic
- Volunteer to act as a patient for SEM training during the year and at the SEM tests
Year 2:
- Complete the 3rd elective
- Participate in the SEM training and sign up for the SEM tests. Another suggestion is to sign up for two tests. It’s a challenging learning experience and you’ll be glad you’ve got a second opportunity to take the SEM again (if needed) in the same season
ESR AND MLR Training and Clinics
For the 2011/2012 season, here is a list of the planned Senior clinics/testing in the Eastern Sierra and Mother Lode Regions
SEM Clinics/Exams:
Feb 25 @ Royal Gorge
March 18 @ Northstar
March 24 @ Bear Valley
Ski & Toboggan Clinics:
Feb 11-12 @ Dodge Ridge
March 14-16 at @ Squaw Valley (also Ski Enhancment & Toboggan
Enhancement Seminars)
April 7-8 @ Sugar Bowl
Instructor Development
Nov 11 @ China Peak
or contact Bill Person (bill@billperson.org)
AVI 1
See MLR, ESR & FWD web sites
MTR 1
See MLR, ESR & FWD web sites
Toboggan Enhancement Seminar
Jan 7 @ Soda Springs
Ski Enhancement Seminar
Feb 22 @ Donner Ski Ranch
Go to: http://farwest.org, www.easternsierraregion.org and
www.motherloderegion.org for more calendar information
OK, So How Do I Become a Senior Patroller?
- Review the Senior Preparation Checklist Senior_Prep_Checklist
- Order The Ski Patroller Manual from NSP
- Get approval from your Patrol Director to participate in the Senior Program Senior_Candidate_Application
- Get OEC skills and practice Senior scenarios signed off SR_OEC_Skill_Checklist
- Track and get sign-offs for electives, SEM and Senior Ski and Toboggan Senior_Core_and_Electives_Activity_Report
- Some excellent tips on preparing for the SEM Tips_on_Taking_the_Senior_Emergency_Mgt
Why Become a Senior Patroller
("why should I do this"? "what's in it for me"?):
In addition to becoming a more confident and competent patroller, your patrol benefits as well. As a Senior, you’re part of the leadership in the patrol and help to build a solid base for the future.
For information about the Senior Patroller program contact Squaw Valley NSP
Senior Program Coordinator Dave Pinsky at davepskier@gmail.com