About DPSP

About
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Mission

Who we are and what we do

Diamond Peaks Ski Patrol volunteers provide wintertime rescue services in the Cameron Pass area.
We teach avalanche, wilderness safety and first aid classes to the community.
Diamond Peaks Ski Patrol is a registered unit of the National Ski Patrol.
We are volunteers for the U.S. Forest Service. DPSP is a not- for-profit organization and is funded through donations.

The area served by Diamond Peaks Ski Patrol is unique compared with other ski ares:

There is no phone and marginal emergency radio communications

It is at least a one-hour drive to the nearest medical facility
There are several high-use areas with extreme avalanche danger
The popular use area is spread of several square miles

Although there are no lifts, the vertical elevation and terrain is comparable to many alpine ski areas. In addition, the public use numbers are comparable to a small alpine area.

To meet the demands of the area, patrollers are required to:

Carry packs with emergency equipment
Be able to fabricate an emergency toboggan
Have skills in avalanche rescue and wilderness search
Have training in long-term patient care in a cold environment

While many of us are accomplished skiers and snowboarders, our patrol is comprised of various types of snow enthusiasts who ski at a variety of ability levels.

How to Join

All National Ski Patrol patrollers must complete the Outdoor Emergency Care class. The OEC curriculum covers principles and skills similar to the Emergency Medical Technician program but is focused on the first aid care of injured or sick backcountry enthusiast in a cold environment.
Diamond Peaks Ski Patrol typically offers an OEC course each fall beginning in September and running for approximately 13 weeks. In addition all patrollers must be certified annually in CPR for the professional rescuer.

Because of our environment Diamond Peaks Ski Patrol also requires patrollers to complete Ski and Toboggan Training, Avalanche Level I and Mountain Travel Rescue I. DPSP offers these courses through the ski season.

Becoming a patroller costs approximately $300 for course fees, books, membership dues and a first aid kit. In addition each patroller is expected to own good quality snow travel equipment, sufficient outdoor gear to spend a night in mountain winter conditions and an avalanche transceiver. The benefits of patrolling with Diamond Peaks Ski Patrol include skiing with other enthusiastic but safety-conscious people in some of Colorado’s finest powder while performing an important public service.

For more information contact our Patrol Director: Shay Bright

How to Donate

Diamond Peaks Ski Patrol a not-for profit 501c3 organization as a registration unit of the National Ski Patrol. Our Patrol operates on funds provided by individual contributions, grants, course registration fees and dues. Your donation allows us to continue to provide quality education programs and rescue services. Typical expenses include:

Medical equipment and consumable supplies
Rescue cache equipment including toboggans, ropes, and other hardware
Communication equipment including radios and pagers
Volunteer continuing education

Please send your donation payable to:

DPSP
PO Box 904
LaPorte, CO 80535

Mission statement of the NSP and the DPSP

We are a member-driven association. Our members support and participate in the ski and outdoor recreation community by providing emergency care, rescue, and education services. Our association supports us by surpassing member expectations through:

An esprit de corps that inspires members to belong
Exceptional education programs
Dynamic communications
Outstanding membership support services
Energetic interagency relations
A strong financial position

The Diamond Peaks Ski Patrol (DPSP) is a volunteer organization, providing educational services about emergency medical care and mountain safety. Patrollers also provide emergency medical care and information on backcountry preparedness and snow conditions. Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, the DPSP patrols trails within the National Forest at Cameron Pass. We are an adaptable resource of valuable individuals dedicated to education and service in the skiing and outdoor recreation community. We are a member-driven association. Our members provide education, emergency care, and rescue services.