Becoming a Mountain Host.
The Mountain Host program at Wilmot Mountain is designed as a pathway to Alpine Patrolling at Wilmot. The program (2-year maximum) is intended to create a training environment where participants receive training, interact with current patrollers, and learn about patrolling at Wilmot. Wilmot Mountain does not offer permanent Mountain Host status at this time.
Mountain Hosts are part of the National Ski Patrol organization and are affiliated with the Wilmot Mountain Ski Patrol. As members of NSP, Mountain Hosts receive an array of NSP member benefits, including access to education and training programs and discounts on gear from many NSP sponsors.
At Wilmot Mountain, Mountain Hosts assist Patrollers when needed and help set the tone for delivering an exceptional guest experience. Mountain Hosts must possess or develop the same skills required of a good patroller including:
- Strong skiing/boarding skills,
- Great communication skills,
- An understanding of slope safety,
- A desire to help deliver an exceptional guest experience.
Requirements:
Candidates must be at least 16 years of age by the start of start of the candidate season (typically October 1st).
Prior to their first year Mountain Host candidates must complete the following program elements by December 1st to actively participate in the program:
- Outdoor First Care (OFC) course: A First Aid course that provides basic, introductory first aid. The course begins with an on line program and quiz, followed by a ‘hands-on’, one day class taught by one of our Wilmot Patrol instructors. Students must complete the on line portion prior to the scheduled class. The one day class includes several practice hands-on training scenarios followed by a written and practical test.
- CPR/AED course: A minimum basic level course must be completed prior to participation in the Outdoor First Care course as described above. Examples: the American Heart Association (AHA) Heartsaver/AED course; the American Red Cross CPR/AED lay person course.
Season 1: During the first candidate season, Mountain Host program requirements include the following (estimated program cost $200-$250):
- Hill Training: one night a week on (typically Tuesday) December through the end of the season (usually early March). Additional evenings may be scheduled due to inclement weather or insufficient snow.
- Duty Shift: 1 shift /week. You will be assigned a duty shift during your first season as a Mountain Host. All attempts will be made to accommodate your schedule however you will be encouraged to “host” on a Saturday or Sunday shift to gain maximum exposure to patrolling.
Season 2: Mountain Host candidates who successfully complete hill training in their first year must complete the following additional course work to become an Alpine Patroller (estimated program cost $100-$150):
- Outdoor Emergency Care: The OEC course is designed for first responders. Students complete on-line chapter reading and quizzes -on pace with class syllabus – and attend class one evening per week (typically Tuesday) for approximately 12 weeks. The class is taught by our Wilmot Patrol instructors and starts in the spring of your candidate year.
- Healthcare Provider CPR Course
Beyond Season 2: For more information about ongoing requirements for WMSP patrollers please visit the Annual Requirements page.
Recruiting for the 2024/2025 season is in process and will close on February 23, 2024 prior to tryouts which are scheduled to be held on February 24, 2024, from 1:00-4:00 (registration at 12:30).
Potential candidates who submit an application after February 24, 2024 will be contacted in January, 2025 for possible mid-season onboarding and inclusion in the 2025/2026 Mountain Host program.
On-Hill Tryout FAQs
1) Is this the only date you will have the try outs/interviews this year for the 2024/2025 season?
ANSWER: YES. This event requires coordination from multiple sources and this is the only date we can accommodate.
2) Will I be given a lift ticket to participate?
ANSWER: YES, you will receive a Wilmot pass for that day. If you would like to come out a few hours before registration begins, you must first contact
the Wilmot Recruiting Adviser.
3) Do I need my own equipment?
ANSWER: YES. We do not provide rentals. If all steps completed, you will need your own equipment for training/patrolling purposes moving forward.
4). If I ski and snowboard, which one should I choose?
ANSWER: The equipment you plan to use as a Mountain Host/Patroller.
Please contact the Wilmot Recruiting Adviser (wsp.recruiting@wilmotskipatrol.org) if you additional questions