Saddleback Ski Patrol

Dedicated to Keeping You Safe on the Mountain

To Contact Ski Patrol 207-864-5671 Ex. 214.

To Contact Bike Patrol 207-864-5671 Ex. 139.

News & Updates

Congratulations to the Saddleback Ski Patrol! In November 2022, our crew was awarded “Outstanding Small Patrol” by the Eastern Division of the National Ski Patrol. Patroller Michelle Cuva was awarded a purple merit star for her lifesaving efforts in the winter season of 2022. The rest of the Patrol team was awarded blue and yellow merit stars for their support. Thank you, Saddleback patrollers!

About Saddleback Ski Patrol

The Saddleback Ski Patrol is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization composed of 12 Professional and 40 volunteer patrollers, dedicated to the service and safety of all skiers and riders. Patrollers are on the mountain early each morning to check out trail conditions, hazards, and signage necessary to keep skiers and riders safe. Throughout the day, the patrol manages posts at various locations on the mountain, ready to respond quickly to any location of an accident, injury, or rescue. At the end of each day, Patrollers sweep to make sure there are no stragglers or injured skiers that need assistance down the mountain.

Saddleback has a state-of-the-art First Aid facility staffed by ski patrol during business hours. Saddleback Ski Patrol is committed to assessing your injuries and getting you the medical assistance, you need. All patrollers are certified in Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) and CPR which involves continuous training throughout the year. Annually a two-day course refresher course is held to review first aid skills and any new updates to the Outdoor Emergency Care system or National Ski Patrol protocols. This training includes chairlift evacuation.

The Outdoor Emergency Care course is a season-long class supplemented with a Ski & Toboggan course to ensure that all patrollers have the appropriate ski skills required to take a patient down the mountain in any conditions. Caring and efficient customer service is important, guests needing help with anything may stop and ask a patroller for assistance. A patroller will either help them with their need or direct them to the right person that can assist them.

If you are interested in taking the OEC course at Saddleback to become a ski patroller, please contact Michelle Cuva, Ski Patrol Director [michelle.cuva@saddlebackmaine.com].

Make A Donation

If you would like to make a donation in support of the Saddleback Ski Patrol, you can make a direct contribution by sending money through Venmo @Saddleback-skipatrol (see the QR code below), or you can mail a check to:

Saddleback Ski Patrol c/o Arctaris Saddleback 

PO BOX 10, Rangeley, ME 04970

Turn to our events page for fundraising events such as the Annual Ski Patrol Dinner & Auction!

The History of the National Ski Patrol

In March 1938, Roger F. Langley, then president of the National Ski Association, had an industry-changing vision. He was extremely impressed with the organization of the Mt. Mansfield Ski Patrol and asked its founder and leader, Charles Minot “Minnie” Dole, if he would organize a national patrol like the one at Mt. Mansfield. “Minnie” accepted, and the National Ski Patrol was born. Dole is famous for establishing the 10th Mountain Division of the US Army during World War II. Many of those who served were responsible for establishing ski areas in the U.S. and growing the sport of skiing in America.

Skiing and Snowboarding Safety Tips

• Get in shape. Don’t try to ski yourself into shape. You’ll enjoy skiing more if you’re physically fit.
• Obtain proper equipment. Be sure to have your ski or snowboard bindings adjusted correctly at a local ski shop. You can rent good ski or snowboarding equipment at resorts.
• Take a lesson. Like anything, you’ll improve the most when your receive some guidance. The best way to become a good skier or snowboarder is to take a lesson from a qualified instructor. Learn more about lesson offerings at the Roger Page Ski & Ride School.
• Drink plenty of water. Be careful not to become dehydrated.
• Curb alcohol consumption. Skiing and snowboarding do not mix well with alcohol or drugs.
• Dress in layers. Layering allows you to accommodate your body’s constantly changing temperature. For example, dress in polypropylene underware (top and bottoms) which feels good next to the skin, dries quickly, absorbs sweat and keeps you warm. Wear a turtleneck, sweater and jacket.
• Be prepared. Mother Nature has a mind of her own. Bring a headband or hat with you to the slopes, as 60 percent of heat loss is through the head. Wear gloves or mittens (mittens are usually better for those susceptible to cold hands).
• Wear sun protection. The sun reflects off the snow and is stronger than you think, even on cloudy days!
• Always wear eye protection. Have sunglasses and goggles with you. Skiing and snowboarding are a lot more fun when you can see.
• When buying skiwear, look for fabrics that are water and wind-resistant. Look for wind flaps to shield zippers, snug cuffs at wrists and ankles, collars that can be snuggled up to the chin, and drawstrings that can be adjusted for comfort and keep wind out. Be sure to buy quality clothing products.
• Know your limits. Learn to ski and snowboard smoothly and in control. Stop before you become fatigued and, most of all, have fun!

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