Thank you for your interest in the Ski Brule Ski Patrol! We actively welcome snowboarders and skiers. You don’t need a medical background or to be an expert skier. A willingness to apply yourself and enthusiasm for volunteering almost guarantees your success in joining the National Ski Patrol and the Ski Brule Ski Patrol.
2026–2027 Ski Patrol Training
- December 13, 2026 · Patroller 101 for all new Ski Brule patrollers and candidates
- January 10, 2027 · Introduction to Patrolling (ski and toboggan training) starts at Ski Brule
- Outdoor Emergency Care · reach out to us for upcoming class dates
What to expect
Patrolling requirements
Each patroller is required to patrol a minimum of 10 shifts at Ski Brule. A shift starts 30 minutes before the lifts open and ends after the hill is closed. We provide emergency care to the guests of our resort and support our guests with exceptional customer service at Ski Brule.
Pay & benefits
We are a volunteer patrol. Members in good standing receive a family season pass at Ski Brule. Other benefits may include free lodging (limitations apply), guest passes, equipment discounts, and various other discounts at the resort. Members also have the option to participate in advanced educational member-only clinics and events.
Management
Patrollers are under the supervision of the management team at Ski Brule. Ski Brule management has final authority over patrol membership at Ski Brule.
Cost
Class materials, NSP outerwear, and annual membership dues are personal expenses. Contact us if you’d like more information about current costs. Estimated costs are as follows (subject to change):
One-time expenses
| OEC Course | $150. Paid directly to NSP when you register for the class. 20% student discount available. |
| OEC Book | $94. Outdoor Emergency Care, 6th Edition. The online version doesn’t include all the study resources of the printed book, so we strongly encourage the printed version. It’s also a useful reference for the annual refreshers. |
| Red ski patrol jacket or vest | $100–$300. You may find a good used jacket online; new jackets typically run over $200. We’ll help you find one that meets your needs and budget. |
| Black ski/board pants | $0–$200. You may already have these. |
| Helmet | $0–$150. Patrollers are required to wear a helmet. |
| First aid backpack (“patrol pack”) | $74–$150. Buy one through NSP or another health care provider; a generic pack doesn’t have the durability or pockets you need. Not required if you carry your supplies in a patrol vest. |
| First aid supplies & equipment | About $40. The initial purchase is at the patroller’s expense; supplies used at Ski Brule can be restocked from the patrol supply cabinet. Your OEC class can buy in bulk to save money. |
Annual costs for all patrollers & candidates
| NSP National dues | $100. Pay via nsp.org before your OEC or S&T class starts, then yearly. NSP also offers a lifetime membership, roughly equal to 14 years of dues (as of 2025). |
| NSP Central Division dues | $10 |
| NSP North Central Region dues | $21 |
| Ski Brule Ski Patrol dues | $10. Paid annually before the season, due at the refresher. |
| BLS CPR course | Cost varies by provider, paid directly to them. Required every two years; in between, you demonstrate your skills to a CPR instructor. |
Insurance
No insurance is available.
Age requirement
Interested adults must be at least 16 years old by the completion of the class.
Legal
The Good Samaritan Law provides liability protection for volunteers when providing reasonable care as trained. NSP does not provide legal representation for any claims relating to care you provide. Because of the sensitivity of this issue, further questions should be directed to your personal attorney.
Training
First aid: Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC)
OEC is an intensive first-aid course where you learn life-saving skills.
- Duration: 12–15 weeks. Licensed health care professionals (EMT, RN, paramedic or physician) may be eligible for a shortened version.
- Location: varies with demand and instructor availability; classes have been held in Iron River, Rhinelander, Appleton and other communities.
- Continuing education: once OEC certified, skills are refreshed annually to NSP requirements.
Ski/snowboard & toboggan (S&T) training
You’ll learn the skills to safely transport an injured guest down the hill in a toboggan.
- Duration: eight weekends, January through early March.
- Location: Ski Brule.
- Continuing education: once S&T qualified, skills are refreshed annually to NSP requirements.
CPR
Each member must hold a valid CPR for Healthcare Providers card and refresh this skill annually. The course must be given by an approved organization, such as the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
Patroller 101
A one-day class at Ski Brule in early December to learn about the Ski Brule Ski Patrol and get familiar with the resort and our equipment. RSVP for Patroller 101.
Introduction to the Incident Command System
FEMA’s IS-0100 “Introduction to the Incident Command System” is a free online course completed on your own time. It takes about 2 hours.
Ready to start?
Your first year will be hard work, but also fun as you learn and practice your new skills alongside patrollers who are enthusiastic about having you join our ranks. Patrollers at Ski Brule are happy to answer any questions. Ask any of us how we can help with your NSP journey! For more about the National Ski Patrol, see nsp.org.