Bolton Nordic Patroller School was our big event of the season and Ullr, the Norse God of Snow, delivered. With fresh snow on both Friday and Saturday nights we were primed for both XC and backcountry skiing evaluations! We minted four new senior Nordic/Backcountry Patrollers as well as two new Nordic Patrollers. Typically, we also do a Nordic Master evaluation, but this year our candidate had a medical issue just before the event was to begin. They will be back for next year.
Saturday, we toured the Nordic center as our Nordic candidates lead the tour navigating using Caltopo and being evaluated on their ski skills along the way. Four to six inches of fresh snow helped make everyone a good skier. Low Angle Rescue skills were demonstrated and mastered in the afternoon before we started the Search and Rescue lost skier exercise. Everyone navigated successfully to locate their lost skier and the prize that awaited them.
Sunday delivered with more fresh snow as we headed up to the Bryant cabin to complete the skills check-off and ski powder in the glades. Skiing the powder in the glades was magical! It brought back memories of my senior evaluation where I chased our mentor Pete Snyder through these same glades, in the same conditions! It made me feel really good as the candidate patrollers followed me into those same glades.
We would like to thank the Bolton Valley Ski Patrol for their logistical support and camaraderie. Keep your eyes on the Patroller School website for next year’s events. We hope to see you there.
