Ski Patrol Training

Ski patrols are skilled safety professionals who work on the slopes. Many are part of ski resort staff, while others serve as trained volunteers. Their duties include guiding visitors, preventing accidents, promoting safety and comfort on the slopes, and providing first aid when needed.

You’ll fit right in if you’re a confident skier, enjoy helping others, and want to contribute to slope safety. To join, you must hold either FSAA’s On-Slope First Aid qualification, the Finnish Red Cross First Aid 2 (EA2) certificate, or equivalent first aid skills.

Before attending the in-person Ski Patrol 1 course, participants complete two online modules: the Tourism Safety Passport (Matkailualan turvallisuuspassi, Matupa) and the Occupational Safety Course for the Ski Industry. In addition, patrol trainees must review their home resort’s safety documentation, patrol guidelines, and first aid equipment beforehand.

Most ski patrol courses are conducted in Finnish, but some are also available in English.

Please note: Courses are conducted in Finnish unless otherwise stated.

Southern and Central Finland

Ski Patrol I, Riihivuori – December 13–14, 2025
Registration deadline: November 20, 2025

Ski Patrol I, Talma – January 31–February 1, 2026
Registration deadline: December 15, 2025

Ski Patrol II, Tahko – March 21–22, 2026
Registration deadline: March 1, 2026

Northern Finland

Ski Patrol I, Ounasvaara – January 29–30, 2026
Registration deadline: December 30, 2025

Ski Patrol II, Ounasvaara – February 5–6, 2026
Registration deadline: December 30, 2025

Occupational Safety Course, Ounasvaara – February 12–13, 2026
Registration deadline: December 30, 2025

Ski Patrol Summit

The Ski Patrol Summit 2026 (update and advanced training event) will be held at Koli Ski Resort, February 6–8, 2026.

On-Slope First Aid Training

FSAA’s On-Slope First Aid Course is designed specifically for ski resort personnel.
Participants must have completed a basic first aid or EA1 course beforehand. The course lasts eight hours.

The training covers typical slope incidents such as fractures and dislocations, as well as the recognition and treatment of hypothermia. Ski resorts regularly organize these courses for their staff.

Bike Patrol Training

You can find more information about Bike Patrol courses on the Bikeparkfinland.fi website.

Requirements for Ski Patrol Training

Ski patrol I

• A designated home resort agreed upon in advance (details below)
• Valid FSAA On-Slope First Aid, Finnish Red Cross EA2, or equivalent skills (approval must be confirmed in advance)
• Minimum age: 20 years
• Good skiing or snowboarding ability (skills test required during course)
• Sufficient health, fitness, and ability to work in demanding slope conditions

Ski patrol II

• Completion of Ski Patrol I
• At least 12 patrol duty days of ski patrol experience
• Recommendation from the home resort

To register, participants must already have a written agreement with their home resort (confirmed by the slope manager or ski patrol supervisor). Each ski patrol member is required to complete at least 10+2 patrol days per season, of which two may be training days.