It all began in 1968 when my dad, Paul Emerson, was approached by a ski patroller who said, “You look like you can ski. What do you think about joining the ski patrol?” That moment has led to a most wonderful, memory-making experience for our family that has spanned 57 years.
On February 1 of this year, Paul had the unique privilege of presenting a brand new patrol vest to his great-grandson, Wesley, who had just completed his OEC and OET training. That event marked four generations of ski patrollers in the Emerson family!
Saddleback Mountain in Rangeley, Maine, has almost everything a skier can wish for. The resort boasts 4,120′ peak elevation, a 2,000′ vertical drop, four quad chairlifts, one T-Bar, 68 trails, state-of-the-art snowmaking, grooming to die for, and a truly notable reputation. For three years running, Down East magazine has rated Saddleback, “Maine’s Favorite Mountain,” and in SKI Magazine’s “2025 Resort Guide,” Saddleback made a big splash this year by ranking #2 in the east and #4 in the nation!
In the mid ’60s, however, things were different. A 4,600′ Mueller double chair and two T-Bars serviced 10 trails, and when standing in the lift line, you learned to look uphill for runaway skis because not everyone owned safety straps! A full-day adult lift ticket was $7.00, and you could have a private ski lesson for $10.00. But what drew us in then, and continues to draw us in today, are the people, the family-friendly atmosphere, the laid-back attitude of some very serious skiers, the amazing vistas, and the opportunity to make memories with our family and friends every day that we are on the mountain.
Paul recently turned 98. He is a retired Navy Senior Chief who was deployed overseas during WWII and the Korean War, lives alone in the home he built, plows the driveway, and runs the snowblower so the oil man can get to the fill pipe. He does his shopping and hits the local diner a few days each week. He patrolled for 35 years and hung up his skis at age 84. Don, your author of this story, is 69, began patrolling at age 16, patrolled 43 years, and has been an Alumni member for the last four seasons. Jared, my son, also began patrolling at age 16 and has 25 years of service. He dropped the chain on hauling tobos a few years back when he was promoted to Director of Mountain Operations, but keeps his certifications current and can often be found in the FAR. Wesley, at age 15, is one of a large group of YAPs this year completing all of their OEC and OET training. He is smart, calm, and likable, and he can ski circles around all of us!
This brief tribute to my family’s four generations of patrollers has some unique elements that I hope will leave you thinking “Wow, that’s so cool!” But beneath it all are some common elements that you and my family undoubtedly share: a love of skiing, a desire and a willingness to help those in need, and above all, a love for your family and a grateful heart for all that you have been blessed with.
About the author: Don Emerson is a second-generation patroller at Saddleback Mountain in Maine and serves as the Maine Region NSP Alumni Advisor.
