About the Ski Patrol About the Ski Patrol The Crater Lake Ski Patrol was created to support Crater Lake National Park Rangers during the winter months, to support skiers and visitors at the park for winter activities, and to be advocates for the enhancement, protection and education about our own Oregon gem: Crater Lake National Park. VIEW DETAILS Join the Ski Patrol Join the Ski Patrol If you are interested in skiing some of the best backcountry snow in all of Oregon, you’ll most likely find it at Crater Lake National Park. And if you want to ski it often, you may want to join us as a volunteer ski patrol member – here’s why ... VIEW DETAILS Information & Conditions Information & Conditions Be safe and be prepared traveling to and from Crater Lake National Park. Conditions at the Park and along the road change rapidly and often unpredictably. We want you to come visit all year around and have included links to weather and road conditions for your safety. Keep browsing and stay informed! VIEW DETAILS Winter Activities Winter Activities Winter in Crater Lake National Park is the ideal winter playground for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s quiet and begins with the first large snowfall in October or early November which continues into May or June. On a clear day with the blue sky reflecting from the pristine water in the caldera and contrasting with the whitest of snows, the scenery is the finest in the world. Driving may be limited, but you can still enjoy the park by skiing, snowshoeing, a guided snowshoe tour with a Ranger, and even snowmobiling. VIEW DETAILS

LOTS OF SNOW

Crater Lake National Park receives an average of 44 feet of snow annually and temperatures averaging about 18 degrees Fahrenheit during winter.

LONG WINTER

The park’s official winter lasts from November to April, although snow can stick around through June and sometimes into July.

FROZEN LAKE

It may have come close to a total freeze in 1985, however, the last time Crater Lake was completely frozen was in 1949.

OPEN YEAR-ROUND

Crater Lake is open year-round from the South Entrance where you can enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, and the sheer beauty of the lake in the pristine white snow.

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WHY WORK WITH US

TRAINING

Learn new techniques, gain new skills

SKI

Improve ski skills while serving a good cause

LEARN

Learn about snow science, safety gear, and more

EXPLORE

Become an expert on Crater Lake National Park

NETWORKING

Meet new friends who love the Park

5 Reasons To Join the Ski Patrol

  • Excellent backcountry rescue training
  • Patrol ungroomed backcountry trails—lots of skiing!
  • Learn about backcountry gear, snow science
  • Explore the 183,000 acre Crater Lake National Park
  • Meet folks with similar interests & skills