HISTORY
The Canadian Ski Patrol System is a non profit corporation comprising highly-trained volunteer and professional members. The System is national in scope, and was formed to promote safe skiing and to provide assistance to injured skiers. The CSPS provides, without charge, a uniformly highly-skilled and responsible service to the skiing public. The members are a dedicated group of people who want to enjoy the winter months while ensuring that the public also enjoy their recreational time at an alpine or nordic facility.
1940 |
Dr. Douglas Firth is asked by the Canadian Amateur Ski Association (CASA) to organize and train a first aid rescue group to patrol the ski hills. Toronto and Montreal form the nucleus of the Canadian Ski Patrol System. |
1961 |
CSPS is accredited as a registered charity. |
1965 |
Paid staff are hired for National Office in Ottawa. |
1967 |
His Excellency, the late Right Honourable George P. Vanier, DSO, MC, CD, Governor General of Canada, becomes the first Patron of the CSPS. Every Governor General since that time has served as Patron of the CSPS. |
1999 |
The decline in the number of skier visits at areas begins to affect the Canadian Ski Patrol System. As a result, our numbers have declined from the highs experienced in the early 90's of 6,300 to a level of 5,800. |
2009 |
Today, our numbers are slightly lower but qualified patrollers continue to assist the general public by encouraging safety and providing first aid services. Through the years, the CSPS has improved its minimum standards as reflected in written exams, practical problems, ski and toboggan handling standards. |
ORGANIZATION
The national system is made up of Divisions, Zones and Patrols. Ontario Division is made up of Zones within the province of Ontario and, by association with other Divisions across Canada, forms the National Association with headquarters in Ottawa. Algonquin Zone is made up of Patrols throughout Northeastern Ontario.
Every spring, a National Annual Conference (NAC) is held alternating between various locations in eastern and western Canada. Any patroller may attend NAC which offers business meetings, educational sessions and social events over a three day period. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet patrollers from across the country. The exchange of ideas from ways to improve management of accident sites to tips on innovative ways to raise funds is a highlight.
Another feature of NAC is the national first aid competition with the top divisional teams competing among each other for the honour of being rated as the best ski patrol first aid team in the country.