Becoming a Mountain Host.
The Mountain Host program at Wilmot Mountain is designed as a pathway to Alpine Patrolling at Wilmot. The program is intended to create a training environment where participants receive training, interact with current patrollers, and learn about patrolling at Wilmot Mountain. Wilmot Mountain does not offer permanent Mountain Host status at this time.
Mountain Hosts are part of the National Ski Patrol organization and are affiliated with the Wilmot Mountain Ski Patrol. As members of NSP, Mountain Hosts receive an array of NSP member benefits, including access to education and training programs and discounts on gear from many NSP sponsors.
At Wilmot Mountain, Mountain Hosts assist Patrollers when needed and help set the tone for delivering an exceptional guest experience. Mountain Hosts must possess or develop the same skills required of a good patroller including:
- Strong skiing/boarding skills,
- Great communication skills,
- An understanding of slope safety,
- A desire to help deliver an exceptional guest experience.
Requirements:
Candidates must be at least 16 years of age by the start of start of the candidate season (typically October 1st).
Prior to their first year Mountain Host candidates must complete the following program elements:
- CPR / AED (Professional Rescuer) course: The CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers (CPRO) program trains professional-level rescuers to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies in adults, children and infants until more advanced medical personnel take over.
- Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC): The OEC course is designed for first responders. Candidates complete an on-line chapter, reading and quizzes, on pace with class syllabus and attend class one evening per week (typically Tuesday) for approximately 12 weeks. The class is taught by our Wilmot Patrol instructors and starts in the spring of your candidate year. (estimated program cost is $200 – $250)
OR
- Outdoor First Care (OFC): A First Aid course that provides basic, introductory first aid. The course begins with an online program and quiz, followed by a ‘hands-on’, one day class taught by one of our Wilmot Patrol instructors. Students must complete the online portion prior to the scheduled class. The one-day class includes several hands-on training scenarios followed by a written and practical test. (estimated program cost is $60)
During the season, Mountain Host candidates must complete the following elements:
- Patroller 101/ Outdoor Emergency Transportation (OET) / Hill Training: one night a week on (typically Tuesday) December through the end of the season (usually early March). Additional evenings may be scheduled due to inclement weather or insufficient snow.
- Duty Shift: 1 shift /week. You will be assigned a duty shift during your first season as a Mountain Host. All attempts will be made to accommodate your schedule. You will be required to participate on at least one Saturday or Sunday shift to gain maximum exposure to patrolling.
Recruiting for the 2025/2026 season is in process and will close on January 4, 2026. Tryouts are scheduled to be held on January 4, 2026, from 1:00-4:00 (registration at 12:30).
Potential candidates who submit an application after January 4, 2026 will be contacted thereafter for possible mid-season onboarding and inclusion in the 2026/2027 Mountain Host program.
Questions? Please contact the Wilmot Recruiting Adviser ([email protected])