About Us
Campgaw Ski Patrol is a member organization of The National Ski Patrol, serving winter recreation enthusiasts in Mahwah, NJ, for over 50 years. We are a non-profit association comprised of volunteers and paid patrollers who provide first response medical care and emergency downhill transportation for the skiing/snowboarding public at Campgaw Mountain. The National Ski Patrol represents over 600 patrols like ours, with over 35,000 members nationally.
We use the term “ski patrol” to designate our services, but our members consist of skiers and snowboarders. Not only are their equipment preferences different, but so are their backgrounds, representing many professions as well as retired folks on their “2nd career” as patrollers. They utilize their free time to be part of this team and follow a passion to help others who enjoy the same winter sports they do.
Our Alpine Patrollers are the most visible members of our team and are easily identified by the public as they are active on the mountain wearing their red jackets with the notable white cross. They perform many safety-oriented functions but are best known for responding to an injured guest that requires on-hill first aid and transportation off the mountain. This position requires strong skiing/riding skills in order to control our toboggans for the trip down to the patrol clinic.
We also have patrollers that provide medical services at the bottom of the mountain, both in the patrol clinic and across the base area for guests. This group of patrollers is busy all day with guests seeking aid that find the patrol clinic on their own. This position may not require any skiing/riding skills to participate, but certainly a lot of compassion.
In addition to the initial training in Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) and Outdoor Emergency Transportation (OET), our entire staff is required to attend a skills refresher each year, so extensive training takes place on and off the mountain to stay proficient. It takes a significant personal commitment to become part of this team. We love what we do and we respect those who do it with us. Our passion is the sport, our desire is the service.
Intrigued? Stop by the Patrol Room at the front of the base area at Campgaw Mountain to get more information. Our patrollers love to chat.
Mission Statement
National Ski Patrol
The National Ski Patrol System, Inc., is a non-profit, educational, safety, rescue, and first aid system for the skiing public chartered by the congress of the United States of America.
Charles Minot Dole originally organized the National Ski Patrol in 1938. The growth and development of the National Ski Patrol has coincided with the increase in popularity of the sport of skiing in the United States.The patrol has progressed to earn international recognition in the many winter sports activities in which it has become involved. Currently, it is the largest winter rescue organization in the world, and the only volunteer group in any country that has been selected to patrol the Olympic Winter Games. During WW2, Ski Patrollers provided the leadership to form the U.S. Army famed 10th Mountain Division. Currently, the National Ski Patrol serves skiers throughout the United States, and also Internationally.
Campgaw Mountain Ski Patrol
The Campgaw Ski Patrol was originally formed in 1968 at the Campgaw Mountain Reservation in Mahwah, NJ, about a dozen miles northwest of New York City. The original patrol consisted of recruits from various backgrounds. All went through the complete NSP training program to become registered alpine patrollers. As the area has grown and increased the number of customers served, the patrol has expanded to its current level of approximately 50 members.
Observe The Code
Skiing and snowboarding can be enjoyed in many ways. At Campgaw you may see people using alpine skis, snowboards, telemark skis, and other specialized equipment, such as that used by the disabled. Campgaw Mountain also has a tubing park where non-skiing snow enthusiasts can ride the mountain. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others. Be aware that there are elements of risk that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce, and share with other skiers, riders and tubers the responsibility for a great experience.
Join Us
Ski Patrol is a very challenging and rewarding opportunity. If you love the outdoors, love helping people, and have adequate skiing or riding ability, we welcome you to join a great group of people!
There are two distinct positions within the Campgaw Ski Patrol:
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Alpine Patroller (on-hill) – functions on the hill in all aspects of Patrol duties.
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Basic Patroller – provides emergency care inside the Patrol clinic, or, as ski skills dictate, aid guests on-hill without transporting in a toboggan.
Also, the Young Adult Patroller (YAP) is a volunteer educational program that provides a structure and atmosphere for young adults, ages 15 through 17. Young adult patrollers must meet the same patroller training and responsibilities as any other member of the patrol with the same skill set.
Some of the attributes we are seeking and will be assessing throughout your training include:
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Minimum age is 18 years old (15yo for YAP).
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Willingness to learn & positive attitude.
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Desire TO HAVE FUN! Yes, fun is an important part of what we do.
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Commitment to and enthusiasm for Ski Patrol programs.
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Continued interest (we want you to be part of the program over the long haul).
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Ability to work as part of a team, as well as leadership skills.
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At least a strong intermediate skiing ability for Alpine Patroller candidates
The initial step in joining the our patrol is to register and become a member of the National Ski Patrol at NSP.org You then enroll in an Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) course that typically runs immediately after the season ends. This course teaches you the emergency care skills, and you must pass a written test as well as a practical (hands-on) test to demonstrate your proficiency.
Outdoor Emergency Transportation (OET) candidate training takes place on the hill during the ski season, starting in December (weather permitting). You will strengthen your skiing skills, and will be trained to drive a toboggan, which you will use to transport injured guests. The final test to earn the white cross of the National Ski Patrol will require you to successfully assess an injured guest, provide the best care needed and transport to the patrol clinic.
Contact Us
If you are interested in joining us, feel free to speak with us in our patrol room in the Campgaw base lodge area, at the top of the mountain in our patrol building (you can’t miss it..its painted red!), or email us at campgawskipatrol@gmail.com to tell us about yourself and to set up an appointment to meet
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it cost?
The first year (Candidate year) is the most challenging in both time & financial commitment:
• National Ski Patrol annual dues.
• OEC course with books and materials
• CPR/AED training
• Black ski/riding pants and red Patrol jacket/vest upon completion (our uniform)
• First Aid belt with supplies
What is a ski patrol? What do ski patrollers do?
The Campgaw Ski Patrol is a diverse collection of volunteers who share a common love of the outdoors, snow sports, and helping others in need at Campgaw Mountain in Mahwah N.J. in close proximity to New York City. Our patrollers come from all walks of life – but we all have one thing in common: we are all brought together by a willingness to help the public spend time on the snow in a safe manner. Our patrollers work hard, play hard, and get the job done as a team.
Patroller responsibilities include preventing accidents by marking obstacles, safety education by enforcing the skier’s responsibility code and helping injured skiers with prompt transportation and skilled emergency care.
Members of the Campgaw Ski Patrol are responsible for opening the ski hill in the morning. This is a time to prepare toboggans for easy access, watch for hill hazards and notify management of any equipment issues that may have been found. During ski area operational hours, patrollers are expected to cover the slopes and watch for skiers/riders in need of assistance and provide emergency care when needed. At the end of the day, patrollers are responsible for closing the lifts, putting equipment away, and ‘sweeping ’the hill – being the last off the hill while checking for stranded skiers.
We are the first on and the last off!
What are the benefits?
Benefits include working with wonderful people who share your enthusiasm for outdoor sports. Season pass for you, free skiing/riding for your family, ongoing patrol skill improvement, social activities, and satisfaction in helping. There is also continuing education available in avalanche, mountain survival, advanced skiing/tobogganing and first aid, etc. We feel you get out of our Patrol what you put in. Many of the patrollers have 20+ years of seniority and they’re always willing to help.
What are the benefits of patrolling at Campgaw Mountain?
Patrolling at Campgaw has several benefits including skiing for the patroller, guest passes for family, discounts from a variety of outdoor product vendors, as well as the camaraderie and friendship of a great team of ski patrollers to ski and socialize with.
How good of a skier should I be to join the ski patrol?
We accept skiers and snowboarders that are at an advanced intermediate level and above. We have a team of instructors that will train the patrol specific skiing/riding/tobogganing skills. You do need to be certified as an Outdoor Emergency Care Technician, regardless of your medical training. Medical-only patrollers may not be required to be on-hill.
Do ski patrollers get to ski for free everywhere?
Every ski area has different policies. We ski free at our own area. Generally, other ski areas do not grant privileges to non-area patrollers unless they have made specific arrangements.
Do ski patrollers get paid?
Weekday Ski patrollers at Campgaw Mountain are paid. Weekend patrollers are volunteers and are not paid – however patrollers do ski for free, and get a variety of benefits including passes for family.
As a Campgaw patroller, can I patrol at other areas?
The Campgaw Ski Patrol trains to the standards of the National Ski Patrol. Each patrol has its own guest patroller policy. Some patrols encourage visiting patrollers, others are more restrictive. There are many patrols that will allow you to sign on, provided you have made arrangements in advance. You should contact the Patrol Representative of the patrol you are considering signing on with to find out their requirements.
I don't work in the healthcare field, can I still join the patrol?
Yes. There are many different professions represented on the patrol – and in fact, many of us do not come from a healthcare background. We require successful completion of the Outdoor Emergency Care course which provides you with the skills you will need to assist injured guests.