Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION: How old do I have to be to patrol?
ANSWER: You must be eighteen (18) years of age as of December 1st, 2000 to become a certified patroller.
Note: Under special circumstances, recruits aged 16 and 17 may be eligible to become a certified patroller, however certain restrictions may apply. Please refer to current guidelines outlined in the Central Zone Policy and Procedures Manual for further information.

2. QUESTION: How much First Aid do I have to know?
ANSWER: None! We will teach you. The First Aid course starts in September and continues for 11 - 12 weeks, one evening per week, one weekend for CPR and one "Field" day, late in the course. We are one of the finest First Aid organizations in North America instructing in First Aid and C.P.R. that is practical for everyday situation and specializing in skiing incidents. The course is recognized and approved by the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board of Ontario.

3. QUESTION: Can I take the First Aid Course only?
ANSWER: Yes you can, however full membership fees apply.

4. QUESTION: Am I limited to skiing?
ANSWER: No, the Ski Patrol is certified to provide First Aid on skis, snowboard, mini skis and telemark skis.

5. QUESTION: How do I get my C.S.P.S. Jacket and is there a cost involved?
ANSWER: Patrollers can pick up their jackets at the Zone Office on Jacket Handout Days after successful completion of the First Aid Exams. Jackets are distributed on a lease arrangement. Prices will vary depending on amortized period of the lease. More details will be made available to you during the First Aid Course and or Registration Nights. Note: You must first successfully pass Central Zones ski ability requirements before wearing the official CSPS jacket in patrol activities.

6. QUESTION: What benefits will I derive from my membership fee?
ANSWER: You will become a member of a National organization. Some of the benefits you will receive as a national member will include. First Aid, Artificial Resuscitation (AR) and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training. The First Aid courses start in September and continue for 11 - 12 weeks, one evening per week, one weekend for CPR and one "Field" day, late in the course. First Aid kits and optional printed manuals are provided at an additional cost. A CD copy of the First Aid Manual is included in the cost.

7. QUESTION: What are the ski ability requirements?
ANSWER: The minimum requirement is an intermediate skiing ability. Your skiing level will improve dramatically just by the amount of time spent skiing with us. We will teach you how to handle a toboggan. (If you doubt your ability please talk to the Resort representative of your choice at registration night or the Patrol Leader of the Resort).

8. QUESTION: What happens after the snowriding season ends?
ANSWER: The CSPS provides First Aid services year round at spring/summer events such as "Heatwave" beach volleyball tournament in Toronto, Charity Walks/Runs, Folk Festivals, Regional Games in Ontario, Special Olympics and many other events notwithstanding any events organized by the resorts or patrol.

Divisions & Resorts in Southern Ontario Central Zone (South Central Ontario)

The Ski Patrol in Southern Ontario is covered by three Zones. This site is provided by Central Zone.

The resorts covered by Central Zone are:

If you wish to patrol at any of these resorts, please complete the Central Zone registration package.
If these are not the resorts you would like, then please check the list below and contact the attached numbers for registration and course information:

Kawartha Zone (South Eastern Ontario)
First Aid courses are held in Scarborough, Oshawa, Peterborough and Haliburton areas.
Please call Cindy Cameron at 905-263-4636 for more information.

The resorts covered by Kawartha Zone are:

Western Zone (South Western Central Ontario)
First Aid courses are held in Burlington, Kitchener and London areas.
Please call their zone office at 905-333-9181 for more information.

The resorts covered by Western Zone are:

Cedar Highlands Kitchener London Ski Club Loretto Chedoke Glen Eden London Ski Hi Hockley Valley