(Following compliments of Dave Schutz, NSP Eastern Snowboard Advisor, d-schutz@pipeline.com)

Yes; at some mountains. Both the National Ski Patrol (NSP) and the Canadian Ski Patrol System (CSPS) have approved the use of snowboards for all manner of patrol activities, most notably the operation of evacuation toboggans.

Basically each mountain decides to what extent snowboard patrollers will be used and the specific functions they will be allowed to perform. This form of "local ski area discretion" applies to all manner of patrol activities, not just snowboarding.

The overall objectives of both NSP and CSPS remain that; "A Patroller Be Able to Safely and Efficiently Complete Their Tasks" using either skis or a snowboard. Neither NSP nor CSPS see any need for the development of a special snowboard patrolling curriculum; "...as existing training and testing methods can easily be used for snowboarders." While this initially shocks most Alpine ski oriented patrol officials, extensive practical evaluation clearly shows that it is true.

There was no formal census among NSP's 27,000 patrollers regarding the number using snowboards last year(94/95), we suspect that there were several hundred who did so at least part-time. Now that formal recognition was granted in June(95) by both NSP and CSPS, the number is expected to rise significantly.

It is reasonable to expect that at least 75% of the ski areas will have some patrollers on snowboards this season. Some of these patrollers may NEVER have used Alpine skis!

There are many patrols who are anxious to attract snowboarders. People interested in Snowboard Patrolling should contact their local mountain's Patrol Director as soon as possible to determine whether they might be able to become a trainee (candidate). While the vast majority of patrollers are unpaid volunteers, there sometimes are a few paid positions available for newcomers, particularly at smaller mountains.

For additional information please feel free to contact me: