Lying down on the job so candidates can practice.
Three days of training, camaraderie, and a continued commitment to excellence brought nearly 70 patrollers together at Magic Mountain in Londonderry, Vermont, for the 19th Annual Eastern Division Certified Program Training.
From August 7–9, Magic Mountain served as the backdrop for the annual training event. Nearly 70 participants gathered for a weekend focused on advanced skills, practical scenarios, professional development, and—perhaps most importantly—the continued pursuit of excellence within the National Ski Patrol’s Eastern Division Certified Program.
Magic Mountain management and staff were exceptional hosts throughout the weekend, providing the facilities, support, and welcoming atmosphere that helped make the event such a success. Among those on hand was Magic Mountain’s own Assistant Patrol Director and Certified #871, Becky Rubin, who was able to participate in the weekend alongside fellow patrollers.
The weekend brought together an unusually broad cross-section of the patrol community. Participants included Division Director Peter Buss, Certified Angels, current certified candidates, first-year candidates, development group patrollers working toward acceptance into the program, iIndustry professionals, and even newer patrollers interested in learning more about the path ahead. Two candidates and one certified staff member from the Central Division also traveled to Vermont to take part in the training.
Looking Back to Move Forward
he weekend began Friday evening with an open forum titled “Changing Times,” offering participants an opportunity to explore the history and evolution of the Eastern Division Certified Program. Certified members shared perspectives on where the program stood more than 30, 20, and 10 years ago and where it stands today. Current candidates also provided their perspective on the program and what they see for its future.
The discussion was eye-opening. While the program has changed considerably over the decades, one thing remained consistent: the commitment of its members to continually improve the program while maintaining the high standards associated with certified status. The conversation highlighted the diversity of experience within the program and the willingness of certified members to challenge themselves—and one another—to ensure that training remains relevant, demanding, and focused on the newest and best techniques available.
Training With Purpose
Saturday was devoted to skills stations covering a wide range of disciplines important to the certified patroller. Training included lift evacuation, low-angle rescue, outdoor risk management, avalanche skills, and first aid, providing participants with opportunities to develop and refine both technical skills and decision-making.
The hands-on format allowed candidates at different stages of their development to learn from experienced certified patrollers while also gaining insight into the expectations and standards of the program. Sunday morning brought the weekend together with scenarios designed to put those skills into practice. Participants were challenged to assess situations, develop plans, communicate effectively, and execute their responses under realistic conditions. The emphasis throughout the weekend was not simply on completing a task, but on understanding why a particular approach was appropriate and how it could be improved.
More Than Training
Prepping the Pig!
Of course, a successful boot camp is about more than skills stations and scenarios. The camaraderie surrounding the training is an important part of what makes this event special.
And there was certainly no shortage of food or fellowship at Magic Mountain. John Kane kept participants well fed with an amazing breakfast both Saturday and Sunday mornings. Saturday evening’s dinner featured a serious amount of preparation and an equally serious amount of food: approximately 80 pounds of slow-roasted pork, along with more than 60 pounds of marinated chicken quarters, prepared by certified members Justin Guth and Steve Suomala
Enough food?
And then there were tabletop nachos! Saturday’s lunch nacho spread featured approximately 30 pounds of ground beef and 10 pounds of chorizo, complete with all the fixings and homemade cheese sauce. It was enough to feed an army—or, in this case, nearly 70 hungry patrollers after a full morning of training. The meals provided more than nourishment. They created another opportunity for members from different patrols, experience levels, and even divisions to sit down together, exchange stories, and build relationships.
A Weekend Worth Repeating
The response from participants reflected the success of the weekend. As one participant put it: “This is my third Certified Boot Camp and by far the best one yet.” That sentiment captured much of what the weekend accomplished. The Eastern Division Certified Program continues to evolve, but its foundation remains strong: experienced members willing to teach, candidates willing to learn, and a shared commitment to maintaining the highest possible standards.
The training was led by Eastern Division’s Certified Program Chairs Jenn Laitala, Brant Maley, Jay Beirsbach, Linda “Pee-Wee” Helms, Donny Mills, and Justin Guth, whose efforts, along with those of the many certified members and volunteers who contributed throughout the weekend, made the event possible.
The 19th Annual Eastern Division Certified Boot Camp demonstrated that the future of the program is in good hands. From the newest patroller considering the journey to those who have carried the certified torch for decades, the message was clear: the bar remains high, the training continues to evolve, and the commitment to getting better never stops.
A special thank-you goes to Magic Mountain management and staff for being such outstanding hosts and for helping provide an ideal setting for three days of learning, challenge, and camaraderie.
We even set our candidates on fire!
“They didn’t bat an eye when I asked them to borrow their excavator and said I was going to set someone on fire” said Justin Guth, Certified OET Program Chair and Eastern Division’s Assistant Division Director.
The Eastern Division Certified Program will continue to change with the times—but if the energy, dedication, and enthusiasm displayed at Magic Mountain are any indication, its future looks very bright.
Justin Guth, Certified 624
NH Region Director and Assistant Eastern Division Director
