Safety on the Slopes: Ski Patrols
Every winter, ski patrols provide heroic assistance to skiers in emergency situations. The organization of ski patrols in the 20th century has benefitted all skiers by keeping skiing safe for everyone.
Early Safety Measures
Prior to the establishment of the National Ski Patrol, some ski areas had local groups of volunteers to manage emergency responses. These volunteers often had additional responsibilities, such as grooming trails and managing areas of avalanche risk.
A man uses a trail telephone, which one can use to call for help in an emergency.
National Ski Patrol
The National Ski Patrol was founded in 1938 by Charles Minot Dole. Inspired by his experience with accidents while skiing, especially the tragic death of ski racer Frank Edson in 1936, Dole and his colleagues established a creed of "Service and Safety" for the NSP. Today the organization boasts over 30,000 members and 650 ski patrols and offers professional education.
This pin displays the National Ski Patrol emblem.
More Info
Charles Minot Dole stands tall.
Charles Minot Dole
Charles Minot Dole, better known as "Minnie," was born on April 18, 1899, in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts, and died on March 14, 1976, in Greenwich, Connecticut. In addition to establishing the National Ski Patrol, he was instrumental in the formation of the 10th Mountain Division during World War II, a mountaineering unit that trained to ski and traverse Alpine terrain. He is remembered as a leader in skiing safety and education.
Director Edward F. Taylor
After Charles Dole retired in 1950, Edward F. Taylor became next director of the National Ski Patrol. Taylor authored the first National Ski Patrol manual and continued to serve as the manual’s editor for many years. His influence and dedication to the system made skiing much safer for all.
National Director Edward F. Taylor addresses ski patrollers in a memo from 1954.
Ski Patrol Uniforms
Ski patrols wear brightly colored uniforms to make themselves easily recognizable on the slopes.
The ski jacket, which belonged to Cal Chamberlain, features a ski patrol patch.
More Info
A brief biography of Cal Chamberlain
Cal Chamberlain, 1917–2005
Cal Chamberlain was appointed a National Ski Patrolman in January, 1954 and for the rest of his life proudly wore the number, NSP 1506. He served as a regional director of the Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island Region from 1968–1977. Regional Directors are an important part of the leadership structure of the National Ski Patrol. They supervise ski areas in different geographic regions.
What Does the Ski Patrol Do?
In addition to emergency rescues, ski patrols do many things to encourage safety and responsibility on the slopes. The National Ski Patrol has an organized structure with several functions beyond immediate first aid.
Today the organization is focused on providing training, education, and professional development opportunities for patrollers. According to the NSP website, they offer educational opportunities in three disciplines—Alpine, Bike, and Nordic/Backcountry—and cover a variety of program areas and interest groups.
An application for becoming a supporting member of the National Ski Patrol
Ski patrollers practice securing a patient in a toboggan for safe travel down the mountain.
More Info
A group of rescuers guide a patient on a toboggan to safety.
Rescue Drills
As part of their training, ski patrollers engage in drills to learn how to perform rescues.
A helicopter lifts a patient to safety.
Helicopter Rescue
In mountainous areas, ski patrol rescues often require the aid of helicopters.
Accident Reports
Although they have changed formats over the years, accident reports are an important implementation of the National Ski Patrol. Reports track injuries and incidents across areas, and the data can aid future risk management.
This report calls for the number of accidents per season, their type, and their cause.
Safety Demonstrations
As part of their educational mission, the National Ski Patrol holds presentations at major skiing events to both popularize ski patrols and demonstrate first aid procedures.
A group of men demonstrate carry a gurney and first aid at the National Championships in Yosemite in 1942.
A group of attendees at a Central New York Regional Skiing Safety and First Aid Conference
Local Ski Patrols
In addition to the National Ski Patrol, many areas employee local ski patrol groups. This provides quick access to aid when needed on the slopes.
The ski patrollers from Cranmore Mountain in 1969.
More Info
This document outlines the responsibility of ski patrollers at Mount Hood in Oregon.
Mount Hood Duty of Care
Local patrollers, trusted with the burden of caring for people in emergency situations, frequently create their own codes of ethics to reflect their purpose.
Cannon Mountain was the first ski mountain area to have their own professional ski patrol. This photograph shows a group of ski patrollers who served from 1938 to 1941.
The Charnita Ski Patrol is honored with a plaque for their work. Recognizing the dedication and sacrifice of ski patrols is important. On each mountain, ski patrols help everyone enjoy the sport safely.
Thank You, Ski Patrol
The development of the National Ski Patrol during the 20th century was a signficant milestone in the growing popularity of the sport of skiing. The vision of Charles Minot Dole for "Service and Saftey" has evolved into a comprehensive educational program to benefit all who enjoy skiing. The dedication and sacrifice of ski patrollers—from national to local and volunteer to professional—is greatly appreciated.
A skier submerged in powder on Cranmore mountain
