Flathead Nordic Ski Patrol

The Flathead Nordic Ski Patrol (FNSP) is a non-profit group of volunteer men and women trained and prepared to respond to any type of winter back-country emergency. The Patrol's area of responsibility is primarily Flathead County, although the patrol will respond anywhere in NW Montana, or if circumstances indicate, we will respond anywhere our services may be helpful.

FNSP operates under the authority of the Flathead County Sheriff, maintains national certification through the National Ski Patrol, and acts as an integral part of the Montana Search and Rescue community. Members are experienced in a wide variety of back-country specialties: avalanche rescue and education, mountain travel and education, outdoor emergency care and transport.

Patrol Board

Advisors

FNSP Calendar

New Patroller Information

About

Flathead Nordic originated in 1975 as the Essex Nordic Patrol serving to patrol the trails of Izaak Walton Inn.
In 1981 we renamed ourselves to better reflect the growth and demand of our services. We played an instrumental role in creating both the Flathead County Avalanche Search Plan and the Northwest Montana Avalanche Information Center. We are one of five nordic patrols in the Northern Division of NSP.

The Patrol conducts regular business meetings the first Monday of each month from October through April. We participate in several public education presentations each season.

Training opportunities for candidates and Patrollers include: CPR, Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC), Mountain Travel and Rescue (MTR), Advanced MTR, Avalanche I, Avalanche II, candidate training, skiing skills, toboggan handling, Instructor programs, and senior training. All of these programs are available throughout the Northern Division.