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For over 45 years, the DSV Ski Patrol has been an indispensable part of safety on German ski slopes. Working together for a safe skiing experience.

The DSV Ski Patrol has been active in German ski resorts since the 1977–78 winter season and has become an integral part of winter life. Its goal is to prevent accidents through preventive measures and, in close cooperation with ski resort operators, to ensure a responsible winter experience. What began as a pilot project has developed into a nationwide, professionally organized safety network.  Today, around 250 ski patrol members—both men and women—provide safety, education, and rapid assistance in approximately 60 ski resorts throughout Germany. The standards are high: Every ski patrol member receives comprehensive training, and active, volunteer membership in the Mountain Rescue Service is a prerequisite for employment. The women and men of the DSV Ski Patrol combine expertise with dedication, as well as technical skills with empathy.

Core Responsibilities of the DSV Ski Patrol

  • Inspection of slope markings, signage, and T-bar lift tracks
  • Actively intervening when skiers engage in risky behavior
  • Providing first aid and rescue in the event of accidents as volunteer mountain rescuers
  • Participation in avalanche commissions (following training with the Bavarian Avalanche Warning Service)
  • Providing advice on equipment issues
  • Daily final inspection of the slopes to check and secure them
  • Close collaboration with ski resort operators and advising them on all safety-related matters
  • Monitoring compliance with PGS criteria
  • Environmental education and protection of ecologically sensitive areas

"The foundation’s commitment ensures that experienced rescuers are on hand even on weekdays, when the availability of volunteers is limited. This availability is no coincidence—it reflects a deep understanding of
responsibility and the common good.
The Foundation for Safety in Skiing and the Bavarian Mountain Rescue Service are united in their commitment to a single goal: the safety of people participating in skiing. This work is carried out without any financial interest and is instead driven by idealism, professionalism, and a clear set of values."

Thomas Lobensteiner
(Former Chairman of the Bavarian Mountain Rescue Service)

Thanks to our excellent collaboration with the Mountain Rescue Service, our DSV ski patrol members are on duty in the following areas:

  • Allgäu (FĂĽssen; Immenstadt – Alpsee Bergwelt, Thalerhöhe ski lifts; Nesselwang; Oberjoch; Oberstaufen – Hochgratbahn; HĂĽndlebahn; Skiarena Steibis; Thalkirchdorf ski lifts; Oberstdorf—Fellhorn/Kanzelwand; Grasgehren; Nebelhorn; Söllereck; Pfronten; Sonthofen—Balderschwang; Bolsterlang; GrĂĽnten Lifts; Ofterschwang-Gunzesried; Unterjoch)
  • Bavarian Rhön (Arnsberg; Feuerberg; Kreuzberg)
  • Bavarian Forest (GeiĂźkopf; GroĂźer Arber; Mitterfirmiansreut; Neukirchen beim Hl. Blut; Riedlberg; Silberberg; St. Englmar)
  • Chiemgau (Berchtesgaden – Götschen; Jenner; Obersalzberg; RoĂźfeld; Bergen; Reit im Winkl; Ruhpolding)
  • Fichtelgebirge (Klausenlifte; Ochsenkopf)
  • Hesse (Wasserkuppe; Willingen)
  • Highlands (Bayrischzell – Sudelfeld; Wendelstein; Garmisch-Partenkirchen – Garmisch-Classic; Zugspitze; Lenggries; Mittenwald – Karwendelbahn (Dammkar); Kranzberg; Oberaudorf; Oberammergau; Sachrang; Schliersee; Rottach-Egern – Sonnenbichl; Spitzingsee; Wallberg)
  • Saxony/Ore Mountains (Altenberg; Oberwiesenthal Spa)
  • Sauerland (Winterberg)
  • Black Forest (Feldberg; Todtnauberg; Northern Black Forest)
  • Thuringia (Oberhof)