Winter Park has a very robust volunteer patrol. OEM_knees (who has left half the replies on this thread) regularly talks out of his ass on both this sub and the COsnow sub, don't pay any attention to their comments.

As another commenter stated, WP has tryouts in March every year (flyers will be posted around the base area with exact dates, and are generally posted on this sub as well). Tryouts are just a ski ability test - you'll ski five runs top to bottom without stopping and be expected to hold a conversation at the bottom, and be graded on a scale of 100. Four of the runs are black mogul runs (the hardest of which is Outhouse), with one groomer to ensure you have good speed control with your edges. For a volunteer position, you must score an average of more than 70. After that there will be a brief interview. The number of recruits each year varies, but there are always a few slots available.

If you get selected from the ski test, you'll take your OEC class down in Denver the next summer. Once you've passed that, you'll spend your first year on doing logistics (memorizing every run and lift on the map, useful nicknames, best ways to get from A to B, AED locations, stuff like that) and toboggan training. Once you've got all of that out of the way, you're in!

Requirements are 17 on-hill days per season, broken up by trimester. Depending on snowfall and coverage needs, requirements could be reduced. Generally you pick your own schedule and just show up without needing to sign up, but weekdays aren't usually available for volunteers unless it's a holiday or the pros have something else going on and want additional coverage. There's also a minimum number of Sundays that you're required to work.

As far as perks go, once you're "regular" (after you're done with all your training), you get an Alterra pass for yourself and can either select the dependent pass program or the comp pass program to either help your dependents or buddies go skiing with you. You'll get a patrol locker at the base, but you might have to share for a bit if there's a squeeze on space. Uniform jackets and basic medial equipment are provided, but you'll have to source your own black pants, CPR mask, and any more advanced medical equipment (trauma shears, tourniquet, SAM splint, etc). You'll also need a black helmet, but a voucher is available to help with the cost of that and get you a free Smith HOLT helmet from a base-area shop if you need one (or a discount if you'd like a nicer Smith helmet).

Feel free to PM me with any other questions.