Tools for this page
Print

Ski Patrol

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Where to watch: truTV)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    High-intensity rescues in the high country.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 12 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Patrol members put their necks on the line to help the injured and keep others safe. Some bad attitudes/rule breaking on the slopes. One patroller admits he's ruining some kids' day when he insists they break down an illegal jump, but he notes that it's for the public safety; he's cool but firm, even when the kids are cursing him to his face.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Skiing and snowboarding accidents and avalanches can be scary and brutal, but there's no human-on-human violence. But people do get injured, resulting in some blood shown and other very painful-looking effects.

  • Sex:

    Mild, occasional flirting, one rescued young woman falls for the guy who rescued her.

  • Language:

    Audible language includes "damn," and there are lots of bleeps (generally in stressful situations like being in extreme pain or watching someone get caught in an avalanche) -- in at least a couple of cases, you can easily figure out the word that was censored.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some celebratory social drinking at the end of the day, including a drinking game in which a patroller who falls has to buy beer for his companions. A tray of shots -- one flaming -- is served to the crew.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Ski Patrol

Parents need to know that this reality show isn't for the squeamish. People get seriously injured, and while the images aren't overly bloody, viewers do see things like blood traced in the snow and misshapen ankles and wrists. In other segments, people describe very intense experiences like being caught in an avalanche. Attitudes on the slopes aren't always the best: Boyfriends ditch injured girlfriends, kids challenge the authority of a ski patroller (in one case, when the patroller points out that what they're doing could hurt others, the kid replies, "That's their problem"), and so on. But the show also makes the patrollers' good intentions and duty to others very clear.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how producers edit shows like this to make them seem more dramatic. Can you tell whether two adjoining sequences really occurred right in a row? How is it that camera crews were able to catch a single avalanche from three different angles? What else might be exaggerated for effect? Do you think there are really that many life-threatening injuries on the ski slopes in one day?
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Ski Patrol?

  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Age 9+
    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Advice for Parents

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Discussion pointers for parents of "twilighters."

  • Must See TV

    Age 7+
    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Zany adventures are low on depth but high on imagination.

  • Pick of the Week

    Bestselling Books

    Bestselling Books

    Popular new reads kids are buying today.

  • Download This

    Age 10+
    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.