Canadian Ski Patrol - Patrouille canadienne de ski

The Canadian Ski Patrol (CSP), officially known as Patrouille canadienne de ski in French, is a volunteer-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to outdoor recreation safety across Canada. Established in 1941, the CSP provides ski patrol and first aid rescue services at ski resorts and other outdoor venues, playing a critical role in injury prevention and emergency response in winter sports.

History

The Canadian Ski Patrol was formed after Dr. Douglas Ernest Firth was asked by the Canadian Amateur Ski Association (CASA) in 1940 to organize and train a first aid rescue group to patrol ski hills, initially in the Toronto area. This initiative led to the creation of the Canadian Ski Patrol System (CSPS) as a standing committee of CASA, with independent patrols operating in different areas. Despite expansion limitations during the Second World War (1941–1948), the Toronto and Montreal patrols united to form the nucleus of a national organization. Subsequently, the system expanded into Ontario, Quebec, and the Vancouver area.

In the 1960s, as skiing surged in popularity as a family sport, demand for CSP services grew, with membership increasing to over 650 certified members across Quebec, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, and other regions. In 1961, the CSP became an accredited national charity, gaining independence from CASA. That same decade saw further expansion with the addition of divisions in Atlantic Canada and British Columbia, accompanied by the establishment of the Saskatchewan Division. By 1975, membership had grown to approximately 4,200 certified patrollers.

Governor General Georges Vanier became the first patron of the Canadian Ski Patrol in 1966, reflecting the organization’s national importance. By 2004, the CSP counted about 5,000 members countrywide.

Structure and Organization

The CSP is organized into nine geographic divisions, each subdivided into zones. The largest zone is the Central Zone within the Ontario Division, which had 575 patrollers as of 2017. The organization relies on volunteer certified patrollers trained in first aid, rescue techniques, and outdoor safety.

Uniform and Identification

The official Alpine uniform of the Canadian Ski Patrol is a red jacket featuring prominent white crosses: a large white cross on the back, white crosses on both upper arms, and an optional white cross on the breast. This standardized uniform replaced the previous yellow and blue design, which was retired in 2016 and fully phased out by 2020.

Mission and Activities

The Canadian Ski Patrol focuses on safety education, emergency care, and rescue operations on ski hills and other outdoor recreational areas. By providing professional first aid and rescue services, the CSP helps reduce the severity of injuries and supports safe participation in winter sports activities.

The Canadian Ski Patrol remains a vital national organization committed to serving outdoor enthusiasts through volunteerism, training, and public safety initiatives across Canada.

Registered Business Number: 118836162RR0001
Commonly referred Website: skipatrol.ca