The Eastern Division Young Adult Patroller Summit was held March 8-11, 2024, at Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont with 78 young adults attending from around the division. Young adults converged for three days of intense training and competition. Mother Nature provided a bit of everything; moments of sun, rain, snow, and plenty of wind. Her indecisiveness was nothing compared to the energy and stoke from attendees!
Young adults looking to learn new skills or improve existing skills joined the Enhancement Track. And join they did! In large numbers! A love for learning echoed throughout all aspects of the weekend. The James Slattery Patroller Enhancement Award was awarded to a young adult who displayed a strong desire to grow their skills, has the ability to provide support to peers and their journey of learning, and demonstrated the ability to receive and incorporate feedback all with a positive and encouraging attitude.
Those young adults looking to showcase their skills and see how they ranked against their peers chose the Competition Track. The competition was tight with snow and weather conditions constantly changing. The level of skill was high as they demonstrated patroller skills in Outdoor Emergency Care, Patient Assessment, Outdoor Emergency Transportation, and Ski/Ride Skills.
The weekend ended with a banquet full of awards, recognition of young adults accomplishments, a senior salute, and free swag!
Outdoor Emergency Care
1. Avery Laitala – Wachusett Mountain
2. Katherine Tedesco – Holimont Ski Area
3. Dillon Bhutani – Killington
Best Assessment
Avery Laitala – Wachusett Mountain
Outdoor Emergency Transportation
1. Cooper Biersbach – Holimont Ski Area
2. Hayden Larson – Wachusett Mountain
3. Gwenyth Gaiko – Killington
Ski/Ride Skills
1. Avery Laitala – Wachusett Mountain
2. Hayden Larson – Wachusett Mountain
3. Cooper Biersbach – Holimont Ski Area
Overall
1. Avery Laitala – Wachusett Mountain
2. Dillon Bhutani – Killington
3. Cooper Biersbach – Holimont Ski area
James Slattery Patroller Enhancement Award
Brayden Eckhart – Spring Mountain
Hans Hyson Award
Bram Shandler – Spring Mountain
Young adult must attend the division seminar but does not have to compete in any discipline. Young adult must possess an attitude that is in accordance with National Ski Patrol policies both on and off the hill. Young adult must be respectful of peers, other patrollers, as well as the public both on and off the hill. Young adult must be active at his/her home mountain, as well as involved with school and community functions. Award will be determined by Eastern Division Staff, along with the help of any individual deemed appropriate.
