Join Us

Join Us

SPART is built on skilled, committed volunteers. Our members are experienced backcountry skiers and ski patrollers who show up for winter missions, train together on weekends, and bring real expertise to search and rescue in King County. The work is demanding, meaningful, and done entirely in service to others. Our services are always free.

The King County Sheriff’s Office depends on KCSARA member units like SPART to put rescuers in the field. Without SPART, people lost or injured in the backcountry would have no one coming for them. That’s why we take membership seriously, and why we invest in the training and team culture that makes rescue work possible.

If you’re an experienced backcountry skier or ski patroller who wants to do more with your skills, we’d like to meet you.

Step 1: Meet the Candidate Requirements

Before applying, you’ll need the following:

  • ICS 100 and ICS 700 (free online courses)
  • CPR certification
  • First Aid certification — ski patrollers typically meet this as an OEC technician or EMT; others typically hold WFR or WFA. RN, MD, and other higher certifications also qualify.
  • Avalanche Recreational Level 1 from an A3-certified provider. Our NSP course covers this and includes self-paced online content, 2 weekday evening sessions, 1 weekend classroom day, and 3 weekend field days
  • Avalanche Rescue training — included in our NSP Level 1 course; also available separately from AIARE providers

All avalanche training providers should be certified by the American Avalanche Association (A3).

Not yet a ski patroller? That’s okay. Most SPART members come from volunteer ski patrols in the area. Getting to know one of these patrols is a great first step. Completing an NSP Mountain Travel and Rescue course at Snoqualmie Pass is a natural way to get to know SPART at the same time. Most patrols count NSP training as a duty day.

Volunteer ski patrols near Seattle:

Step 2: Understand the Commitment

SPART is a working rescue team, not a social club. Before you apply, take an honest look at your schedule and availability.

Most of our winter missions start in the afternoon or evening at Snoqualmie or Stevens Pass. Weekend training is a regular part of membership. To maintain Field Member status, you’ll need to deploy on at least 2 missions per year and complete annual recertification.

The time commitment is real. So is the reward.

Step 3: Apply

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis during ski season. To apply, complete this form. A background check through the King County Sheriff’s Office is required as part of the process.

Questions? Email president@kcspart.org.

Step 4: Ski Tour

Qualified applicants will be invited to join us for a backcountry ski tour at Snoqualmie Pass. This is a chance for us to get to know you in the field, and for you to get a real sense of who we are and how we operate. Come prepared to ski and to talk.

Step 5: Board Approval — Become a Novice

If the board selects you, you’ll be invited to complete two final steps:

  • Join NSP — if you’re not already an active or alumni NSP patroller, you can register as an Associate member at
    nsp.org
  • Apply for a King County emergency worker card through the Sheriff’s Office (requires a copy of your driver’s license for a background check)

Once KCSO approves your application and you receive your emergency worker card, you become a SPART Novice. As a Novice, you can deploy on search and rescue missions in the field under the supervision of a SPART Field Member.

Step 6: Advance to Field Member

Becoming a Field Member is your next major milestone. To earn Field status, complete the following:

Core training:

  • Online training modules
  • In-person classroom helicopter course
  • In-person classroom crime scene course

Mountain rescue:

Avalanche:

  • NSP Avalanche Organized Rescue Module or Professional Avalanche Search and Rescue (Pro AvSAR) course
  • Avalanche Recreational Level 2 — 3 online weekday evening sessions and 3 weekend field days
  • Avalanche search and rescue (AvSAR) field test: locate and unbury 2 buried transceivers in a 75m × 75m grid in under 10 minutes (annual recertification required)

Step 7: Complete Your Training

Within one year of becoming a Field Member, complete:

Annual Requirements

To maintain Field Member status each year:

  • Pass the AvSAR field test
  • Deploy on at least 2 missions

What You Get

Beyond the work itself, SPART members receive discounts from a variety of outdoor gear manufacturers, access to advanced training with KCSO, and opportunities to serve in a medical capacity at community events. SPART also provides members with some equipment and financial support for additional training.

But ask any of our members what they value most. It’s not the discounts.

Ready to take the next step?

Apply Now

Or contact us with questions.