The Ski Patrol Apprenticeship program, the first of its kind in Maine, was created by Black Mountain's head ski patroller John McElrath, and Mountain Valley High School principal Matt Gilbert, after they got talking at a ski swap in the fall of 2016.

John had been looking for a way for Black Mountain to build an even greater connection with the community. A great partnership was born. The course, with over 60 hours of learning time, takes place every Friday from 9:30-3:00pm at Black Mountain during the second trimester.

The class highlights the practical aspects of ski patrol. Students finish the class with enough introductory knowledge to allow them to continue onto the basic level Ski Patroller Certification course.The goal of the program is to prepare MVHS students to become certified in CPR, Lift Evacuation, On-Hill Orientation, Toboggan rescue, Snowmobile Support and First Aid/Aid Room in preparation to become certified by National Ski Patrol.

Students spend time both outdoors and indoors. Emergency care learning is evidence based for emergency scenarios occurring primarily outdoors.

This program is currently open to area high school students who are required to:
Be avid skiers or snowboarders
Be responsible & capable of working independently
Maintain academic eligibility standards within your school.
Be in good standing in the Black Mountain Community
Have a positive attitude & good people skills
Present one letter of recommendation written by a non family member
Have parental approval to participate in the course

If you are interested or have questions about the program please contact John

Created in 2016, Black Mountain’s Snowsports Apprenticeship Program is a 7 week volunteer program designed to introduce participants 12 years of age and over to the fun and challenging world of ski and snowboard instruction.

Learn from Black Mountain of Maine's own volunteer instructor, “Mr B” (Keith Bobrowiecki).

What you will need:
A fun loving personality & willingness to learn and teach. 
Intermediate or above skill level in snowboarding or skiing. We'll even help you improve your skiing & riding abilities (yup, free lessons) and will help you develop the skills required to become an excellent Snowsports instructor.
Willingness to commit to 7 weeks of orientation and training.
Your own ski or snowboard equipment
Be at least 12 years old.

What Black Mountain will provide:
Training to prepare you to become a Snowsports instructor, whether this will be your first job or a part time retirement activity. 
Inclusion into the BMOM family of fun-loving and adventurous people who will welcome you warmly.
Participants ski free on each Saturday they participate and earn a 2nd free day of skiing* for each class they participate in. *Non-transferable.
After the 3rd week of the program, participants who commit to completing the remaining 4 weeks of the program will receive a complimentary 2024-25 season pass to Black Mountain of Maine. 
Discounts for food, rentals & ski/snowboard tuning.
Preparation & structure to support you if you should choose to pursue PSIA certification. 

More Details:
Participants can opt out of the program at any time if they feel that teaching isn't the right fit for them. 

You likely won't remember the 1st driveway you shovel, lawn you mow, or burger you sell but you will forever remember the 1st time you taught someone to ski or ride!
Interested? Contact Mikey via email.