Welcome to the ESR Senior * Patroller Program

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.

The Senior Program consists of core and elective requirements that must be completed within three years 1/ of entering the Senior Program. 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 I, mountain rescue, skiing enhancement, toboggan enhancement or becoming an instructor.

Why Become a Senior * Patroller

• • • The Senior Program is a certification at NSP that enables a patroller to level up their training and leadership through core and elective requirements designed for alpine patrollers, Nordic patrollers, and other patrollers, with variations for each discipline.  

    • While first honing in on OEC skills, the Senior candidate patroller will dive into the development of high-level scene and care management by solidifying leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. 

    • 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.

Listing of Requirements for Senior Programs 2/:

• • • OEC-Module of Senior Program (OEC-MSP):

      • Focused on Leadership, Decision Making, and Problem Management.

      • The OEC-MSP final evaluation session is regionally sponsored (e.g., ESR) typically one time per season.  However, candidates may test at other near-by region, if allowed by that region.  ESR and Motherload Region usually works together for the senior final evaluation.  

Senior Alpine (ski/snowboard) Senior Patroller Candidates:

• • • OEC Module of the Senior Program

    • Alpine toboggan handling

    • Alpine skiing or snowboarding

    • Three electives from Senior elective list

    • A minimum of two electives must be from the NSP course offerings 

Nordic/Backcountry Senior Patroller Candidates:

• • • OEC Module of the Senior Program

    • Toboggan construction and handling

    • Nordic/Backcountry skiing and endurance

    • Mountain Travel and Rescue 2

    • Two additional electives from Senior elective list

    • A minimum of two electives must be from the NSP course offerings 

Senior Patroller Candidates:

• • • OEC Module of the Senior Program

    • Aid room management module

    • Four additional electives from Senior elective list

    • A minimum of two electives must be from the NSP course offerings 

Senior Bike Patroller Candidates:

• • • OEC Module of the Senior Program

    • Other aspects of this program is under development.

A Planning Strategy

• • • Completing the Senior * Patroller requirements takes a significant commitment of time and work.  For the most senior * patroller candidates,  a two year journey is recommended as follows, e.g., for alpine patrollers:

    • Year 1

      • Refer to the NSP Policy and Procedure Appendix G (see list below) for a list of electives that meet Senior requirements.

      • Complete basic OEC skills sign-off.

      • Practice senior level scenarios.

      • Complete a Senior Ski & Toboggan Clinic.

      • Volunteer to act as a patient for OEC-MSP training during the year and at the OEC-MSP final evaluation.

    • Year 2

      • Complete the 3rd elective.

      • Participate in the OEC-MSP training.

      • Notify ESR STC when ready to participate on the OEC-MSP final evaluation.

  • Go to: www.farwest.org, www.easternsierraregion.org and www.motherloderegion.org for more calendar information

  • Visit NSP Certification site for additional information and process.

Process and Documents

• • • Review the Senior Preparation Checklist.

    • Obtain The Ski Patroller Manual from NSP - Appendix G. (Click HERE)

    • Get approval from your Patrol Director to participate in the Senior Program. (Click HERE for application)

    • Submit application to ESR Sr. Program Advisor. (senior@esr-nsp.org)

    • Get OEC skills and practice Senior scenarios signed off. (Click HERE)

    • Track and get sign-offs for electives, SEM and Senior Ski and Toboggan. (Submit course completion certificate image to senior@esr-nsp.org)

    • OEC and Leadership/Decision Making/Problem Solving Mastery Guideline.  (Click HERE)

If you have a need for a Senior Ski & Toboggan Clinic or help in setting up a Senior Training Program for your patrol  Senior Program Trainer or contact ESR-STC.

For more information, contact:

Inho Myong - Sierra Ski Patrol
ESR Senior Advisor
senior@esr-nsp.org 

1/  When a candidate passes the OEC-MSP final evaluation, this need not repeated.  After the senior level toboggan completion, a candidate must complete the senior level skiing evaluation within two years, or after the senior level skiing completion, a candidate must complete the senior level toboggan evaluation within two years.

2/  Requirements listed here are highlights from NSP Policies and Procedures.  Refer to NSP Policies and Procedure for the latest and official list of requirements.

"*"  Alpine, Nordic/Backcountry, Senior Patroller, or Bike.