Joining the Mt Hotham Volunteer Ski Patrol
The pathway into Patrol is through our induction program. We hold a ski/board test each August (one midweek and one weekend). The dates are set at the start of the season. In order to participate in the ski/board
If you are successful in the skills test on snowboard or skis you then shadow Patrollers for the next 3 days for you to have a look at the job and, in turn, for us to look at you. After that, there is an interview with the Patrol Director, Assistant Patrol Director and Volunteer Patrol Captain where you can ask any questions you may have about patrolling at Mt Hotham and we also assess if you would be a good fit for our team.
Assuming both parties want to continue, you then must register and pass the ASPA Advanced Emergency Medical Care course – regardless of any other medical qualifications you may have. Every Patroller must be ASPA certified and follow ASPA protocol when patrolling. The courses are run in Melbourne and Sydney in April/May each year.
In the following season, you then return to us to complete the training to become an independent Patroller. This consists of level 1 in your first season and then level 2, which usually takes 2 seasons to complete. Depending how many days a season you can commit to, you may progress through these levels faster.
It’s a long path and a lot of work but you gain a high level of skill and is a lot of fun working with a great team.
David Wilson
Captain
Mt Hotham Volunteer Ski Patrol
