Welcome to the Ohio Region web page for the Certified program!  I’m glad you’ve taken this step of learning more about the Certified Program of the National Ski Patrol.  After reading this page and the Certified handbook, I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have: dan@mossremodeling.com.

 Thanks!

Dan Moss, #669

Ohio Region Certified Advisor

“Certified is a national skills development and verification program that provides a readily identifiable resource of highly motivated, skilled, and knowledgeable patrollers to better serve NSP, ski area management and the outdoor recreation community.”

• NSP member status: Senior
• Minimum 21 years of age
• Registered NSP patroller minimum 5 years
• Current Outdoor Emergency Care Certification
• Positions of leadership in the NSP, advisory or officer capacity and participate in the training and testing of NSP members at the patrol, region or division level.
• Substantial contributions to the sport of skiing
• Attend Pre-Qualification Clinic and demonstrate the skiing and toboggan handling skills necessary to be accepted into the program.
• Application due to Program Supervisor prior to January 1.
• $25 year one, $15 year two and three.

•  All staff members are required to complete an evaluation of skiing and tobogganing skills at the Certified performance level on a certified-rated hill once every three years.
•  One re-certification per year is allowed with a one year grace period to allow a staff member to raise their skill back to a Certified level.
•  Recertification sessions are to be conducted by a minimum of three Certified Staff members.

There are 8 modules that the candidate is tested in.  Each candidate has three years to successfully demonstrate the knowledge, skill and performance that is required to attain the Certified level.

The modules: Skiing, Toboggan, Emergency Management Practical, Emergency Management Bystander, Area Operations, Avalanche Management, Chair Lift Evacuation and Rope Rescue, and Low Angle Rescue.

As a candidate you will be 100% responsible for your own training, development, and maturing as a patroller.  It’s up to you to seek out Certified staff, training events and programs that parallel your learning goals, to help guide you in your on-going development as a patroller as your journey toward Certified.

Your attitude is something that is critical to your success.  If you are able to embrace that it is a journey of learning and maturing of your skills, you will most likely be successful in your pursuit.  If it’s just part of a check-off of your time in the NSP, it will most likely be a journey you will not enjoy.  It’s a journey that many have made before you, and we invite you to look further into the program.

Contact your Ohio Region Advisor Dan Moss (dan@mossremodeling.com) or any other Certified Staff member to discuss your interests and qualifications. 

Once a year in early March, a 3 day Certified Test is held within the Division, at Certified approved testing location.  We invite you to attend prior to becoming a candidate, to participate as a ‘helper.’  This is a valuable chance to get a look inside of the program; what’s required, demo’s of the modules, the testing stress candidates endure, and the incredible camaraderie of the Certified members. 

Download this manual and read it!

The Certified Manual: http://www.nationalskipatrol.org/certified/

Ohio Region Certified Staff [C-denotes active candidate]

Day, Guy BMBW

French, Jonathan PNS

Gerdes, Ron PNS

Hammons, Sandi PNS-C

Hanley, Darcy PNS-C

King, Rick Washington State

Massayni, Eric BMBW

McGoff, John PNS

Mihuta, Dale PNS

Moss, Dan MRM

Rosselot, Bob PNS

Schoenman, Greg BMBW

Tavenner, Tom MRM

Worley, Tom PNS

Zedak, Jay BMBW

Last updated 10/27/2009 (MF)