Certification Testing Criteria
As professional patrollers we encounter hill safety concerns on a daily basis nearly everywhere we turn, no matter where we live and work. It is perhaps our most basic responsibility. In addition to the various safety issues we’ve dealt with for years, now we are seeing enhanced terrain features and the resulting rope lines, markers and signage, and the record-keeping required to protect our guests and the assets of our employers. This exam will test the patroller’s knowledge and experience of current industry standards regarding all areas of hill safety.
Be able to confidently discuss the following:
1. Basic Hill Safety concerns encountered during a day of patrolling. (What are your “patroller eyes” looking for?)
2. Operational features and required signage of aerial and surface lifts.
3. Safe operation programs for over-the-snow vehicles and equipment.
4. Criteria and methods for ski run or area closures.
5. Environmental factors affecting our guests and what we can do to help.
6. Industry standards and area policies and definitions for marking and signing of hazards, obstacles, and enhanced terrain features.
7. Lift evacuation plans and procedures.
8. Local (home area) Search and Rescue, Emergency Response, and Avalanche Rescue plans and procedures.
This is an on-hill exam that should be fun and give the testing patroller a chance to show off his or her professional expertise. It’s what we do every day! A final score of 85% or better is required for Certification while 70-85% is required for an Associate.
Resources:
ANSI B77.1
Lift Manufacturers operation manuals
Local Ski Area Protocol