The Canadian Ski Patrol trains volunteer patrollers. Its Advanced First Aid (AFA) course is also open to people who want paid ski-area patrol jobs.
| Detail | Source | |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | New members must be 18 by December 1 of the current year (some resorts allow 16 with restrictions); strong intermediate skier/rider; no first aid needed to start | source |
| Issuing body · Url | Official page | source |
| Credential | CSP Advanced First Aid (AFA) required even with other first aid; AFA must be requalified annually; medical professionals take AFA-Modified | source |
| Jobs requiring it | Volunteer patrollers; CSP says AFA is also open to people seeking paid ski-area patrol jobs (Mountain Division QMP) | source |
| Course length | National AFA: minimum 60 hours (20 x 3-hour sessions), per a 2018 Mountain Division plan | source |
| Dues | Ogopogo Zone dues 2026/27: $350 new recruits, $325 returning | source |
| Step 1 | Apply to a zone; new members must be 18 by December 1 (some resorts 16) | source |
| Step 2 | CSP Advanced First Aid (AFA) required even with other first aid; AFA must be requalified annually; medical professionals take AFA-Modified | source |
| Step 3 | Ogopogo: online course + 10 weeks of twice-weekly practicals, lift evacuation at Big White, written/practical exams | source |
| Step 4 | Full certification at Big White needs at least 22 shifts (usually into 3rd season) | source |
| Current recruit dates | 2026/27 current recruits only (not an intake): On Snow intro weekends Dec 5/6 and Dec 12/13 2026 (Ogopogo Zone) | source |
| School and city | Program and approval | Length | Intakes | Cost | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian Ski Patrol - Ogopogo Zone Kelowna / Big White | Advanced First Aid + patrol season CSP zone source | Online course + 10 weeks of twice-weekly practicals; 22 shifts for full certification | 2026/27 recruiting closed; 2027/28: 'We will begin accepting applications for 2027/28 shortly' (no dates) | $350 zone dues (new recruits, 2026/27) Annual dues, not a course fee; returning patrollers $325 | Program page |
| Canadian Ski Patrol - Intermountain Zone Kamloops | Advanced First Aid Course CSP zone source | not published Not stated | First class Sep 21, 2026 (St. John Ambulance, Kamloops) | not published No fee on calendar page | Program page |
No. You take CSP Advanced First Aid even if you hold other first aid, and requalify every year.
A 2018 Mountain Division plan set a 60-hour minimum (20 three-hour sessions). It may have changed; ask the patrol.
Ask the patrol.
This page relies on the official pages below. Rules, fees and processes change, so check the authority before you apply or spend money.
Links checked November 1, 2026. Found an error or a broken link? Report it.