One thing is for certain: summer is slowly dying, and we are moving towards my favorite season. Depending on which long-range forecast you follow, we are either going to have an epic El Niño winter or a very wet winter. I’m going to believe that conditions will be great! Last week my local ski shop called to tell me my new skis were in, and now, on to the search for some new boots for this winter!!
As we move into fall, lots of exciting events are happening in the Eastern Division. Local areas are gearing up for their OEC and On the Hill Refreshers. I’m looking forward to getting back together with my home patrollers and catching up on everyone’s summer adventures.
The Eastern Division Board has also been busy during the off-season. In June, we passed the FY 2027 budget. We were able to fund all the programs with small increases to each program’s budget. I’d like to thank the hard work of the finance committee along with the program supervisors/advisors for the work put into the budgeting process. They all certainly know how to stretch their resources. Two highlights are the purchase of a Cascade break-down carbon fiber AKJA four-handle toboggan and no Eastern Division dues increase. The new AKJA toboggan is starting to become the go to toboggan in back country and off-piste rescue. Jay Peak is already integrating them into their toboggan livery. This AKJA will be used for training at Nordic/Backcountry and patroller schools, keep an eye out for it.
There have also been a few new members stepping up to guide programs and committees. I’d like to welcome Matt Karpinecz as the new Mountain Travel & Rescue (MTR) program supervisor and Jennie Sakimura as the Memorial Scholarship Fund Advisor. They will both do a great job. Special thank yous go to Joni Porter, outgoing MTR supervisor, and Harriet Frawley, outgoing Memorial Fund Advisor, for their years of service and guidance. Stay tuned in the next couple weeks for announcement of a few more program leadership changes.
Summer training events are wrapping up, and everyone has been busy. This summer we had two bike patroller schools, a certified boot camp, AMN refresher, and the Enhanced Patroller School is scheduled for September 18-20. It was a pleasure to work alongside many of the dedicated patrollers at boot camp and AMN. This year’s certified boot camp had a very special event. Former Division Director and National Board Member John Kane was inducted into the National Ski Patrol Hall of Fame. An article with John’s accomplishments is in this issue so please give it a read. Congratulations John on a truly well-deserved and overdue honor.
Winter training events are getting scheduled, and I encourage everyone to check out the calendar at patrollerschool.org. Many of the events fill quickly so don’t wait if there is something you want to attend.
This year we will be having an election for five National Board Members. There are ten candidates running and their platforms can be seen at the NSP.org website under the 2026 election tab. There will be two Meet the Candidates zoom forums, Sunday, September 20 and Monday, October 12 at 8pm EST both nights. The Division will be sending out an email with our recommended slate, but I’ll always encourage you to read the platforms, attend the forums, and vote for who you feel will be the best Board Member for the NSP.
Lastly, I want to wish everyone a great refresher season. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t ever hesitate to reach out. My email is peter.buss@nspeast.org
Warm regards,
Peter Buss
Division Director, Eastern Division, National Ski Patrol
