Welcome to the Western Appalachian Region (WAR) website, a part of the Eastern Division of National Ski Patrol. WAR includes member patrols in Western Pennsylvania, Western Maryland, and Northeastern West Virginia. We welcome your e-mail comments and suggestions for growing this presentation and making it better serve the needs of WAR patrollers. We welcome contributions of content, especially pictures in any form (digital, hard copy, or video)!

Since 1938, the nonprofit National Ski Patrol has dedicated itself to – and has become the preeminent authority on – serving the public and outdoor recreation industry by providing education and credentialing to emergency care and safety services providers.

In March 1938, while officiating the National Downhill ski race at Mount Mansfield in Stowe, Vt., Roger F. Langley, then president of the National Ski Association, had an industry-changing idea. Langley was impressed by the “super patrol” for the race that Charles Minot “Minnie” Dole had created from members of the Mt. Mansfield, Pittsfield, and Burlington patrols. While watching the race at Shambles Corners on the Nosedive trail, Langley asked Dole if he would organize a national patrol like the one in use at the race. Not one to shy away from a challenge, and having lost a friend on the slopes two years earlier, “Minnie” accepted, and the National Ski Patrol was born.

Today, the nonprofit National Ski Patrol still adheres to the creed of “Service and Safety” established 75 years ago. As the industry has evolved, so too has the NSP. The emergence of new snow sports like snowboarding, tubing, and snow-skating has introduced new equipment and terrain, requiring new safety and rescue techniques and emergency care methods to be developed and taught. In addition, greater access to the backcountry has brought new training and regimens for NSP members.

As the leading authority of on-mountain safety, the NSP is dedicated to serving the public and outdoor recreation industry by providing education and accreditation to emergency care and safety service providers. The organization is made up of more than 28,000 members serving over 650 patrols, including alpine, Nordic, and auxiliary patrollers. Our members work on behalf of local ski and snowboard areas to improve the overall experience for outdoor recreationalists.

Joining the National Ski Patrol

We’re a different breed.

When it comes to being a ski patroller, there is no mold. There are however, some common traits that all patrollers share. National Ski Patrol members have a strong desire to help others, learn emergency care techniques, improve their skiing and snowboarding skills, and enhance the safety and enjoyment of snow sports for all. Sound like you? Read on to learn how you can join our elite team.

First on. Last off.

National Ski Patrol members support their area management in preparing the mountain in the morning, rescuing and caring for injured guests throughout the day and making sure everyone gets down safely when the mountain closes. Sure it’s a long, action-packed day, but there’s nothing more rewarding than putting in a hard day’s work while having a good time and making lifelong friends in the process. Besides, it sure beats sitting in an office cubicle all day!

Learn new skills and put them to the test.

National Ski Patrol education programs offer you the chance to obtain world-class training. Learn about emergency care practices, search and rescue techniques, avalanche control, mountaineering, toboggan handling and many other interesting and essential skills. The most rewarding part is taking what you learn and putting it to the test on the slopes.

Are you up to the challenge?

Take your passion for snow sports to the next level by attending an applicant-screening day where you are invited to work with your local patrol. This is your opportunity to learn more about how the patrol operates and what is expected of its members, as well as a chance for the patrol to evaluate your individual talents and abilities. Simply contact the patrol director at the ski resort of your choice to find out when they will be holding their applicant-screening day and get the complete details. Although the needs of each patrol vary, we can help put you in touch with the patrol directors in your area.

If you need more information about finding a patrol please click here to locate one in your area.

Applicants who “pass the test” are accepted as candidates and may be required to register and pay dues as candidates before participating in any on-the-hill training, depending on the area.