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The Cliff Rescue for Ski Patrol (CRSP) Certification is issued by Remote Rescue Training (RRT) and the University of Utah. Course curriculum, certification standards and a certification database will be maintained by RRT. Certification cards will be issued after the course and may be replaced for a $20 fee.

Certifications are issued to all participants who successfully complete the CRSP courseand demonstrate the ability to:

  • Operate safely in steep terrain.
  • Perform a scene size-up identifying hazards and formulating an appropriate plan.
  • Recognize the appropriate application for standard techniques.
  • Communicate and work with a team toward a common goal.
  • Implement all access and stabilization skills.
  • Select the appropriate rescue solution.
  • Implement all four rescue solutions.

To earn certification participants must also demonstrate competency and efficiency in the following minimum basic skills:

  • Creating anchors using trees, towers, rocks, and buried skis ("deadman" anchors).
  • Tying knots and hitches including bowlines, the figure 8 series, the overhand series, mule hitches, Prusiks and square knots.
  • Tying quick seat and chest harnesses.
  • Operating ATCs or other belay devices, Munter hitch belays, and Prusik loops.
  • Utilizing tethers to manage rescuer safety.
  • Implementation of R1 (assisted belay) and L1 (solo lower).

Certification Length

  • The Cliff Rescue for Ski Patrol (CRSP) is a two-year certification.
  • There is a one-year grace period after the certification expires.
  • A two-day Recertification Course is open to anyone who has a current certification or is in the one-year grace period. After the grace period the full four-day course must be taken to certify.
  • The recertification course is only open to people with a current certification or within the one-year grace period, regardless of skill or experience.