Nordic Ski Patrol

The Highland Forest Nordic Ski Patrol is a member affiliate of the National Ski Patrol.  It is comprised of an all volunteer staff, responsible for providing emergency care and transportation service to skiers in distress, promote ski safety education, and act as a support service to the park staff and patrons in cases of injury, lost persons, and public relations. The patrol is active year round and also serves as a bike and safety patrol.

The patrol provides training in first aid and CPR, as well as outdoor skills such as navigation/orienteering/GPS use, winter survival skills, skiing skills, and search and rescue. 

Membership Requirements:

• A patroller must be 15 years of age on or before December 31.
  
• New patrol candidates are expected to attend courses to qualify as an Outdoor Emergency Care Technician (OEC).
• After the first year, the Candidate year, members are expected to maintain current CPR (professional rescuer BLS), maintain the OEC certification by participating in an annual refresher, and maintain their Nordic skills by participation at Highland Forest’s annual refresher. 

Membership Benefits: 

• Discounts on gear purchases.
• Educational opportunities in Advanced First Aid, Mountain Travel and Rescue, Avalanche Preparedness, Incident Command, and ski skills. 
• Park admission fees are waived.

For additional information on patrolling or to become a member, contact the Patrol Director, Doug Howe, at highlandforestnordicpd@gmail.com.

During your visit to Onondaga County Parks, you may be photographed, videotaped, or filmed by Onondaga County Parks or authorized parties. Your attendance/admission serves as permission for use of these images by Onondaga County Parks. Commercial photography or filming is prohibited without permission of Onondaga County Parks.