Outdoor Emergency Transportation Program

Latest Updates 10.18.2025

View the Western Region OET Instructors Lookup document HERE

Watch some Skill Demonstration videos for Alpine/snowboard/telemarkon Toboggan Handling Skills(video link)

• Road Map HERE
• Becoming a NSP Instructor HERE

How to Become a Toboggan Instructor

Thank you for your interest in becoming an OET instructor. The path can be confusing, and to ensure we help you succeed, we have developed this packet. Please carefully read and complete the steps below.

1. Enroll in & Complete the Instructor Development Course if you have not taken it. When completed ...
2. Begin the Instructor Application Form for OET
   • Complete the Instructor Application through the Mentor Assigned Box. If you need to know your ID course number, it can be found on your NSP Profile Page. Log into NSP.org, click My Account, then select “Education/Roles" then "My Courses Completed.”
   • The Lead OET Instructor/IT at your area will assign a mentor. Write their name into the Mentor Assigned Box. They will help guide you through your journey.
   • An Instructor Trainer (IT) from your area or a nearby area will be assigned by the Lead Instructor or PD to assist you and ensure you are ready for your final check-off.
   • Keep the originals of the Application & Mentoring Forms until your journey isfinished.
3. Begin to complete the Mentoring Form, obtaining signatures on proper lines.
   • Download and Review the Mentoring form from the OET resource page HERE. Begin to observe experienced instructors & assist with OET sessions. Practice your Ski/Toboggan Maneuvers. Proper Demonstration is required for completion. When ready ...
   • Your Mentor will Observe & Evaluate you a minimum of 2 times, evaluating your teaching and demo skills and present you with comments & suggestions for improvement. Effective teaching takes practice. You should have taught frequently before your receive this signoff. When ready ...
   • Your Area IT or a nearby IT(unrelated to the candidate) will observe your teaching and demo skills and determine if you are ready for your final check-off. This can be done one-on-one atyour area or a TES. When successful, email the Region OET advisor,(nspwroet@gmail.com ) who will assist in registering to attend a Toboggan Trainer’s Workshop (TTW) for your final Check Off.
   • FINAL CHECK-OFF: A Non-Area IT will observe & evaluate your teaching and demo skillsat a TTW. Skills should be performed at or above the Basic Level.
4. When the Application & Mentoring Forms are complete and signed (after your final IT checkoff), please email the completed Formsto the Region OET Advisor. (nspwroet@gmail.com) Please keep a copy for your records.When complete ...
5. The Region OET Advisor will send paperwork to the Division Supervisor, who will then forward itto National for your appointment as an instructor.
   To remain an instructor in good standing, youmust complete a TTW (Toboggan Trainer Workshop) once every three years.

SKILLS REQUIRED TO BE SUCCESSFUL

1. Possess excellent communication skills
2. Planning and Teaching a Lesson Based on the Six Pack.
3. Basic Knowledge of Movement Analysis So you can diagnose & prescribe solutions for problems.
4. Knowledge of Terms and Techniques for snowsports and toboggan operations.
5. Demonstration Skills & Maneuvers for Toboggan Operation at or above the basic level, including:
   • Traverse - Side Slip - Falling Leaf - Hockey Stop
   • Uphill Techniques - Unloaded Toboggan - Loaded Lead -Loaded Tail
   • Pivot Slips: must be performed in the fall line while keeping ski/board-to-snow contact.

SUGGESTED REFERENCE MATERIAL

1. NSP Ski and Toboggan Training Manual (although old and somewhat outdated) Download from the Western region website.
2. PSIA Alpine Technical Manual / PSIA Telemark Technical Manual / Snowboard Technical Manual.
3. The PSIA/AASI Fundamentals of Snowsports.