KAWARTHA ZONE

35+ YEARS PROVIDING SERVICES TO THE SNOW SLIDING INDUSTRY.

Canadian Ski Patrol History

In 1940, Dr. Douglas Firth, a young Toronto doctor and skier, was asked by the Canadian Ski Association to organize and train a first aid rescue group to patrol ski hills. The initial members of the Canadian Ski Patrol System (CSPS) came from the Toronto Ski Club, and they patrolled in and around the Toronto area. In the late 1940s, the CSPS spread to other regions in Ontario, Québec and the West Coast.

In 1961, the CSPS was accredited as a National Charity and became independent of the Canadian Ski Association. Membership had grown to 600 patrollers. By 1962, we were incorporated as a national nonprofit corporation and had raised our registration to approximately 1,000 members. In 1965, with over 1,500 members, it was time to open a small office and hire a secretary to handle the mounting requirements of communication.

In 1973, the CSPS Logo was changed to a yellow and gold cross on a blue stylized maple leaf. It became the official trademark, being registered by 1975. The Ski patrol members had increased to 5,200. During the 1970s Nordic patrolling became a recognized part of the system.

The early 1990s has seen the popularity of snowboarding become increasingly apparent. The CSPS has kept pace by setting Snowboard Standards thus certifying full members to the system.

Today the Canadian Ski Patrol System boasts members of over 5,000 members from all the provinces and territories across Canada, and new members constantly joining. We have been in operation for over 60 years and continue to be one of the largest volunteer ski and on-snow rescue services in the world.

Canadian Ski Patrol Mandate

The Canadian Ski Patrol System (CSPS) is a registered non-profit organization comprising highly-trained volunteer and professional members that provide safety and first aid services to the skiing public. The CSPS is national in scope and was formed to promote safe skiing and to provide assistance to injured skiers. The Ski Patrol's membership of more than 6,000 active patrollers provides a Canada-wide, highly-skilled and responsible service to the skiing industry.

The funds required each year for the training of patrollers and the operation of the system are obtained by soliciting assistance from the industry, governments, the public, ski areas, fund raising programs, and the membership fees itself.

Our National Mission Statement.

To promote safety and injury prevention in partnership with the ski/snow industry and to provide the highest possible standards of education, certification and delivery of first aid and rescue services.

Our Division Mission Statement.

We of the Canadian Ski Patrol System (CSPS), Ontario Division, are committed to support the system through leadership and training. We strive to create opportunities for members to develop their skills, and to promote their personal growth in an enjoyable and professional environment.