The Calgary Zone’s Nordic group has been active since the early 1980s.  Currently, we patrol in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in Kananaskis Country as volunteers under the oversight of Alberta Parks.    

We are always looking for people with a strong desire to help others, improve their on-snow abilities, and make outside recreation safer for everyone. We are currently recruiting for next season.

What Do Nordic Patrollers Do?

As a Nordic patroller, you’ll ski the tracks through Peter Lougheed Provincial Park and provide assistance to injured skiers. If there is an injured skier, you’ll use a radio to communicate a request for emergency services. You’ll provide first aid and stay with the patient until additional assistance arrives.

The distance you’ll ski is flexible, ranging from 10 to 30 km, depending on snow and weather conditions. New patrollers are encouraged to patrol in pairs. You can patrol with a friend or family member as long as the person accompanying you can ski back alone if you are called to an emergency.

You’ll also be qualified to provide first aid at the Nakiska Ski Resort’s Med Hut on weekends from 7:45 am to 4:30 pm. During the off-ski season, you can volunteer to provide first aid at our spring and summer events (e.g., road races and marathons).

On the ski trails, you’ll also be providing public relations, acting as an information guide, helping lost skiers, and locating missing skiers.

How Do I Join the Nordic Patrol for the 2025-2026 Season?

To join the Canadian Ski Patrol, you must:

  • be 18 years of age or older
  • attend and pass the Advanced First Aid course that runs from mid-September to mid-November 2024
  • provide a clear vulnerable sector police information check

The following information is for joining our volunteer Nordic ski patrol. Contact us to add your name to our candidates list and to be kept up to date on schedule changes.

To join our Nordic patrol:

Step 1: Attend Information Night (via Zoom) on January 30, 2025 at 7:00 pm or our Open House on February 26 at 7:00 pm at the Glendale Community Association (4500 25 Ave SW, Calgary). Information Night and our Open House are not required but are highly recommended so that you can make an informed decision to join the patrol and know what the commitment entails.  You only need to attend one event as the content will be repeated at both events.  Email joincalgary@skipatrol.ca to add your name to our candidate list and receive invitations to these events.

Step 2: We highly recommend that you meet and shadow one of our current patrollers for a day to see firsthand what is involved in being a Nordic ski patroller. Please contact Jan (our Nordic Patrol Leader) by email at wittstromskipatrol@gmail.com if you are interested in shadowing a patroller on Saturdays or Sundays from 10am to 4 pm.

Step 3: Enroll in the New Patroller Course. Registration opens in August. The registration fee is $400.

Step 4: Complete the New Patroller Course, including:

  • advanced first aid (in Calgary)
  • a mandatory meeting at Pocaterra Hut at the end of November or early December to complete the paperwork required to volunteer in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, obtain site information, and receive your patrol jacket, pack, and other equipment)

Step 5: Obtain a Certificate of Proficiency in Radio, ROC-A (Restricted Operator – Aeronautical) from Innovation Science & Economic Development Canada. 

New Patroller Course

The Canadian Ski Patrol’s New Patroller Course is an 80+ hour advanced first aid course that gives new patrollers the knowledge and hands-on skills to help people on and off the ski terrain. The course has an online component as well as in-person classes for hands-on practice. The registration fee is $400.

The New Patroller Course starts in mid-September and ends in mid-November.  The course is in Calgary and is held Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:30-9:30 pm. There are also two full weekend days in the course – one for CPR/AED training (8:00 am – 5:00 pm) and one for field skills (8:00 am – 5:00 pm). Our new Nordic and alpine patrollers take the course together.

Due to our national insurance and liability coverage, ALL new recruits to the Calgary Zone must take the New Patroller Course regardless of any previous medical training. Attending this course is mandatory and non-negotiable.

Radio Certification

Nordic patrollers communicate using two-way long-range radios because there is no cell service at Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. Radio certification is arranged by the Nordic patrol at no cost to you. You will receive a free online study guide in early November, and there is an exam in January (usually on a Saturday). There is no fee for the exam and the certification is valid for your lifetime.

Cost and Benefits

The total cost is $400 (non-refundable and includes the cost of the mandatory first aid course).

How do you benefit? You will:

  • obtain accredited advanced first aid skills that can be listed on your CV
  • enjoy lots of skiing
  • be able to access our pro deals and discounts (available online after completing and passing the New Patroller Course)
  • qualify for perks or discounts (e.g., a winter pass to the Canmore Nordic Centre)
  • qualify for the Canadian Ski Patrol’s awards program
  • qualify to provide first aid services at year-round events supported by the Canadian Ski Patrol
  • learn transferable skills such as critical thinking, risk management, and creative problem-solving
  • gain teamwork experience and have the opportunity to pursue leadership and management roles
  • stay in touch with nature while getting exceptional exercise
  • receive invitations to fun social events
  • feel satisfied about doing good in your community
  • make new friends, ones that can last a lifetime

Members of the Canadian Ski Patrol are volunteers; they do not get paid.

Skiing Ability

You should be an intermediate to advanced cross-country skier and able to ski in control while carrying a 15 – 25 lb pack. Your skills, endurance, and enjoyment of the sport will increase as the season progresses. With over 60 km of trails in the park, you can typically choose the terrain and trails you patrol during the day.

The Canadian Ski Patrol requests a formal ski test every three years. We will advise you on expected skiing ability in advance of the ski test. You are not required to complete an alpine ski evaluation or take toboggan training if you are a Nordic-only patroller.

Time Commitment

The New Patroller Course is on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30-9:30 pm from mid-September to mid-November. There are also two full weekend days in the course – one for CPR/AED training (8:00 am – 5:00 pm) and one for field skills (8:00 am – 5:00 pm).

Radio certification requires approximately three hours of study. There is a one-hour exam, which is offered in December (usually on Saturdays) at Kananaskis Emergency Services. Online practice exams are provided.

The Nordic patrol season runs from the beginning of December to mid-April, depending on snow conditions. Nordic patrollers must commit to volunteer at least two weekend days per month from 10:00-4:00 pm. After you complete the New Patroller Course, you are required to do three patrol days with a seasoned patroller (shadow patrol days) before you are allowed to patrol on your own. These count toward your commitment days.

In addition, all patrollers are asked to complete two shifts at The Calgary New & Used Ski Sale in October.

After your first year, you are required to requalify for first aid certification, which involves approximately 16 hours of time.

Equipment

You need your own ski clothing and equipment. The Canadian Ski Patrol will supply, on loan, a patrol jacket and backpack for first aid supplies. You will be given your own basic first aid kit when you complete the New Patroller Course in November.

Joining Process Summary

Overwhelmed by all the details? Here’s a flowchart that illustrates the joining process.