The Junior Patrol is a highlight of the Mad River Mountain Ski Patrol. It is for the children or grandchildren of patrollers or mountain hosts, or sponsored by a patrol member. This program is limited to 20 jr patrollers per season.
It is a series of free classes for kids, ages 7 to 14, every Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to noon. It runs for 8 weeks in the winter, usually in January and February. Kids meet in the Aid Room, and get out to the Main Lift by 9 a.m., ready for ski or snowboard lessons provided by the patrol. Then at approximately 10:30, we begin a junior version of our OEC (Outdoor Emergency Care) class. Kids learn how to splint, bandage, recognize when someone needs medical assistance, and lots of other things.
Then the entire group eats together at approximately 11:30, and parents can come pick their kids up by noon. Many parents stay to eat with their children. Everyone must bring their own lunch. The kids are welcome to get hot chocolate in the Aid Room kitchen, especially on cold days. The OEC class and lunch both take place in the Staff Room, across the hall from the Aid Room.
Each child must have their own ski pass. Full patrol members may purchase a pass for their dependents at a deep discount. Candidates may also purchase these passes, after their first year of training is complete.
Our goal is to help the children improve their mountain riding skills, learn basic healthcare, and have FUN! Teens age 15 and up are encouraged to become Mountain Hosts or Patrollers.
To find out more or register, click here and fill out the form
Once registered, fill out the liability release form here
If you are volunteering to help with the program, click here