Canadian Ski Patrol

The Canadian Ski Patrol, since its beginnings in 1941, has had as its focus, the prevention of injuries, provision of first aid services in case of injury or illness, and the promotion of safe skiing and snowboarding.   In fact, the CSP Mission Statement is, “To promote safety and injury prevention and to provide the highest possible standards of education, certification and delivery in first aid and rescue services to the snow industry.”

Nationally, in excess of 4000 members are available at approximately 230 resorts to educate and assist the public to enjoy their time on the slopes and trails. Members are fully certified in first aid and on-snow techniques to provide on-scene stabilization of injuries and transportation off runs and trails to further medical care when necessary.

A huge component of daily endeavors is to educate the public about enjoying ski and snowboard resorts safely. Patrollers consider both safety awareness, and injury prevention as leadership opportunities, because of the high level of visibility and interactions on the slopes.  The Alpine and Nordic Responsibility Codes are available across the country to assist in this task.  Each point helps sliders to recognize safe behaviours on the slopes that will prevent accidents from occurring, and advises risky behaviours to avoid.  All skiers and snowboarders should obey the responsibility codes at all times.

 

All skiers and snowboarders should consider the following safety guidelines at all times:

  • Obey the responsibility codes as well as any terrain park codes
  • Be aware of area specific rules of conduct
  • Know how to properly use all lifts and take note of any warning signs
  • Protect yourself by wearing appropriate gear, including helmets
  • Take lessons to learn to ski and ride correctly
  • Know your limits, and ski and ride appropriately based on trail markings for level of difficulty
  • Ski and ride with someone else at all times
  • Avoid stopping on a trail, especially not in an area where you cannot be seen from above
  • Maintain a safe distance from others to avoid collisions.

Should you, or someone you are skiing or riding with become injured, send a responsible person to get help.  Do not move after a fall unless you are certain you are not injured.  A CSP member will be happy to assess you and tend to any injuries you may have – that is what they are trained to do, so do not hesitate to seek assistance.

Be Aware, Ski with Care, Wear a Helmet, and Know the Code.