New Member Info
Interested in joining Flathead Nordic Backcountry Patrol?
Do you have a desire to fine tune your backcountry skills, meet people with similar interests, educate the public about backcountry safety, perform an important public service, and embark on impromptu backcountry tours (a.k.a. rescues) at a moment's notice?
We'd love to have you. Here is a rundown of the basic info you need to know.
Meetings
To get stared, we suggest you attend one of our monthly meetings.
FNBP conducts regular business meetings the first Monday of each month from October through April. Anyone interested in joining or just learning more about FNBP is welcome to attend the monthly meetings. See the FNBP calendar for meeting location and times.
Becoming a Member
To become a member of FNBP, you need to show up to meetings and pay your dues--at which point you would be considered a "candidate" and can participate in any FNBP training and educational opportunity. To become a "patroler" with all the privileges and responsibilities afforded to patrolers, you must meet a few basic educational/skill requirements. We ask that all candidates who wish to remain in patrol, make an effort to meet these requirements. These opportunities are free of charge for dues-paying members of patrol.
Basic Requirements
All candidates must complete and pass:
- Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) -- FNBP holds OEC classes every two years. This is an 80-hour class, usually held over a 6-week period. We will hold an OEC class this Spring.
- Professional Rescuer CPR
- NSP Level I Avalanche ("Avy I")
- NSP Level I Mountain Travel and Rescue ("MTR I")
- Candidate Training by FNBP
- Members are also encouraged to complete and pass the Level II Avy and MTR courses.
Don't have these certifications? No problem. The benefit to joining patrol is that we provide the training. Training for the various courses are typically provided to candidates on a regular basis. You just need to have the motivation to learn and expand your backcountry skills.
Skills
Members are experienced in a wide variety of backcountry specialties: avalanche rescue and education, mountain travel and education, outdoor emergency care and transport.
You don't need to be an expert skier, however it helps if you are physically fit and able to navigate variable terrain on skis as most of our rescues occur in uncontrolled terrain, often in the dark. Snowboarders are welcome, but you should be able to travel efficiently---a split board is highly recommended.
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.
Dues
Dues are $98 per year and include membership to National Ski Patrol and high-quality training in a variety of backcountry survival and rescue skills.
The Nitty Gritty
To join Flathead Nordic Backcountry Patrol, we need the following information:
- Full name
- Mailing address
* Email address - Gender
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number
- Home and work phone numbers
* A signed statement that you want to join FNBP as a Nordic, Volunteer member. - Dues are $108 per year, these funds go to the National Ski Patrol. FNBP does not charge dues of its own.
That is enough for us to enroll you as a "Candidate." After you have passed OEC, pro-CPR and FNBP candidate training, you will be listed as a "Patroller." Other courses, along with refreshers, are required during the first two calendar years of membership. You must meet any other requirements set by the National Ski Patrol.
For More Information
Contact nordic-communications@flatheadnordic.org