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The Edmonton Zone seeks new recruits throughout the year. We've prepared information for you to read on this website that we hope will lead you to a decision to join the ranks of the many thousands of volunteer ski patrollers across Canada.

Why Join?
Everyone has his or her reason for joining. It may be that you like to help people in need. It may be that you like to have a reason for being on the mountain. Maybe it's that you want to become a better skier. Maybe you're looking to meet new friends. Whatever your reason, we want it to be the right reason. Just don't do it for the free skiing.

We're here to help. If you have a question about patrolling in the Edmonton Zone, please don't hesitate to ask. You can e-mail us or call our hotline at (780) 429-CSPS.

Who are we looking for?
We are looking for alpine, snowboard, telemark and nordic enthusiasts from all walks of life who are interested in volunteering their time to help others. You need to be a "strong intermediate" skier or snowboarder at least 19 years of age.

If you are between 13 and 17, we also have a Junior Ski Patrol programme.

Is this a Paid position?
Sorry. We are looking for volunteers only.

While some of our members are also members of the paid staff at the mountains, we do not do any of the hiring for the mountains. If you are looking for a job as a paid ski patroller, you must contact the mountains on your own.

If you are looking for employment as a ski patroller, you must approach the mountains directly. Sorry, we cannot do that for you.

What are Some of the Other Benefits of patrolling?
For each shift you work you will receive 1 lift ticket for that area and 1 meal voucher. If you patrol at Strathcona Wilderness Centre they will even lend you for free ski boots, poles and skis.

Where do you want to patrol?
The Canadian Ski Patrol System (CSPS) services most mountains across Canada. The recruiting information presented here is specific to the Edmonton Zone which services:

Patrolling at Silver Summit and Marmot Basin:

To patrol up at Silver Summit and Marmot Basin you must complete their onhill course in addition to the local onhill course. Also, first year patrollers must hold a low country rostered position at either Rabbit Hill or Snow Valley. You may also hold a spare or rostered position at either Marmot Basin or Silver Summit if you complete their onhill course and maintain your low country rostered position.

How often do I have to patrol?
As a member of the Edmonton Zone you commit to holding at least one rostered position at one of the ski areas in the zone and will work a minimum of 10 shifts throught the season, which typically runs from November to April (depending on the area).

When are the shifts?

Low Country (Rabbit Hill, Kinosoo Ridge & Snow Valley) typically are either weeknights or every other weekend (Saturday or Sunday). Each shift runs between 3 & 4.5 hours long, depending on the area and shift.

Mid Country (Silver Summit) are every other weekend (both Saturday and Sunday).

High Country (Marmot Basin) are every other weekend (both Saturday and Sunday).

Nordic Shifts (Strathcona Wilderness Centre) are every other weekend (Saturday or Sunday)

Do I need to know first aid before joining?
No. We teach the standardized First Aid course set by the Canadian Ski Patrol System based in Ottawa. This course is the same for all CSPS patrollers across Canada.

If you hold an Emergency Responder (EMR) diploma then you may challenge the first aid exam. You will still be required to complete the onhill portion of the course. Please note that CSPS first aid is a little different as it has been adapted to working in a ski area and therefore most people with an EMR still choose to take the CSPS first aid course.

When can I join?
We have two recruiting periods a year: our Spring "in-take" and our Fall "in-take".

Fall In-Take: You take your first aid course in September-November and then your on-hill (toboggan) course in November or December. If the weather cooperates, you'll be a fully qualified patroller by Christmas break.

Spring In-Take: You'll complete your on-hill training in March and your first Aid course in September-November. You'll be a fully qualified ski patroller when the ski areas open.