by John Wolf, Liberty Mountain Ski Patrol PD | Dec 22, 2025 | Division News, Spotlight Articles
As the 2025-2026 ski season gets underway, the Liberty Mountain Ski Patrol (LMSP) marks a significant milestone: sixty years of dedicated service to the skiing community and the National Ski Patrol system.
From Oregon Ridge to Liberty Mountain
Their story begins around 1965 when patrollers from the then recently-closed Oregon Ridge Ski Area in Hunt Valley, Maryland, brought their expertise to a newly developed resort in the rolling hills of south-central Pennsylvania. Originally known as Charnita—named for developers Charles and Anita Rist—the ski area faced early financial challenges. When the resort went bankrupt in the early 1970s, those committed patrollers persevered.
In 1974, when Irv Naylor acquired the property and renamed it Ski Liberty, the patrol members took a defining step: they ratified bylaws to provide lasting structure and guidance, a measure that was truly ahead of its time. That formalization, now over fifty years old, created the foundation for an organization that would become a stalwart within the Eastern Division.
Leadership Within the NSP System
LMSP’s impact extends far beyond the 600 vertical feet of their home mountain. The patrol was named the 1995 and 2025 Eastern Division Large Alpine Patrol of the Year, a testament to their commitment to excellence. Members have served at the highest levels of the NSP, including as National Chair and as legal counsel, Divisional and National, for the organization for decades and have ended up in the most prestigious halls of fame and honor that the NSPS has to offer. Not to mention the countless number of instructors that the patrol has produced over the last 60 years as well as countless other leadership positions its members have held at all levels (sectional, regional, and divisional). Their innovative practices, safety protocols, and accident documentation have been adopted by patrols and ski industry organizations across the country.
A Family Tradition
What truly distinguishes LMSP is the deep sense of family that permeates the organization. Multiple generations have served together; spouses, parents and children, even grandparents and grandchildren have shared patrol duties. In the early 1980s, patrol members and their families literally built their community together, constructing a family room annex to the first aid facility. When the patrol outgrew that space in the mid-1990s, families again came together to create new facilities.
Pioneers and Mentors
The patrol’s success rests on the shoulders of pioneers who set the standard for generations to follow. Legends like Wally Shank, Bill Sachs, Bob Scarlett, and countless others who established a culture of excellence and mentorship that continues today.
Bob Starr, who joined as a teenager in the early 1970s and who continues to actively patrol in the present day, summed up the patrol’s enduring appeal: “The people bring us back. We are all friends who support each other.”
Beyond the Slopes
LMSP’s commitment to service extends well beyond Liberty Mountain. Patrol members regularly provide support for community events including the JFK 50-miler ultramarathon, the Annapolis Running Festival, the Baltimore 10-Miler, and the Maryland Interscholastic Cycling League races, among many others. This community involvement reflects the patrol’s broader mission of service and safety.
Looking Ahead
Today, LMSP comprises approximately 120 members, over half of whom are volunteers. They represent diverse professional backgrounds from across the mid-Atlantic region united by a passion for skiing/riding and helping others.
Entering its seventh decade the patrol faces ever evolving challenges, yet the foundation laid by those Oregon Ridge patrollers sixty years ago remains strong. A legacy of service, excellence, and family that continues to define LMSP.
As the 2025-2026 season progresses and LMSP celebrates this diamond anniversary, the patrol stands as a reminder of what makes the National Ski Patrol special: dedicated patrollers who brave harsh weather, provide exceptional care, and create lasting bonds of friendship through service and passion. Here’s to sixty years of keeping the slopes safe at Liberty Mountain and to many more seasons ahead.
by John Wolf, Liberty Mountain Ski Patrol PD | Nov 19, 2025 | Division News, Program News
Learning From the Best: Eastern Division Bike Program Members Shadow World-Class Event Operations
When the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Downhill (Union Cycliste Internationale) rolled into Whiteface Mountain, New York this season, it brought with it not just some of the world’s fastest riders, but also an incredible learning opportunity for the Eastern Division Bike Program. A contingent of bike program members made the journey to the Adirondacks to shadow the Whiteface Mountain Ski Patrol and witness firsthand how risk management and emergency response operate at the highest level of mountain bike racing.
A World-Class Event, A World-Class Team
The scale of a UCI World Cup event is something that must be seen to be fully appreciated. With riders hitting speeds exceeding 40 mph on technical terrain, massive rock gardens, and gap jumps that would make even seasoned patrollers hold their breath, the stakes for emergency response couldn’t be higher. But if there was any doubt about Whiteface’s readiness, the local patrol team put those concerns to rest with a rock-solid performance that showcased the professionalism and expertise our organization is known for.
Watching the Whiteface patrol in action was like seeing a masterclass in preparation and execution. Every detail was considered, from pre-race course sweeps to strategic positioning of personnel and equipment along the most technical sections.
Strategic Risk Management in Action
Our division bike program members had the privilege of observing the comprehensive risk management strategies employed throughout the event. The Whiteface team conducted extensive pre-race course assessments, identifying high-risk features and determining optimal staging locations for personnel and equipment. Communication systems were tested and retested, ensuring seamless coordination between course marshals, medical personnel, and patrol teams stationed at critical points along the demanding downhill track.
What impressed the visiting patrollers most was the layered approach to safety: preventive measures through course design consultation, proactive positioning of resources, and rapid-response protocols that could be activated at a moment’s notice. The team’s familiarity with their mountain, combined with their professional training, created a safety net that allowed the world’s best riders to push their limits with confidence.
Emergency Response Excellence
Throughout race day, the ED bike program members shadowed the patrol’s emergency response capabilities firsthand. While major incidents were thankfully minimal—a testament to the preventive work done beforehand—the team’s readiness was evident in every interaction. From quick responses to minor mechanicals and crashes to the calm, coordinated approach to more serious situations, the Whiteface patrol demonstrated the gold standard for mountain bike event safety.
The integration of patrol skills into summer bike operations was particularly enlightening for the visitors. Many of the same principles that guide winter emergency response—scene assessment, patient care in challenging terrain, efficient evacuation procedures—translated seamlessly to the mountain bike environment, albeit with unique considerations for the sport’s specific risks and terrain features.
The Spectacle of World Cup Racing
Of course, it wasn’t all business. The bike program members also had the opportunity to witness some of the most impressive displays of mountain biking on the planet. Watching elite riders navigate the technical features of Whiteface’s World Cup track at race pace was an experience that reinforced why we all love mountain sports. The combination of raw speed, technical precision, and calculated risk-taking displayed by competitors from around the globe made for an unforgettable show.
Bringing Lessons Home
As the our Bike Program continues to grow and develop, experiences like this UCI World Cup shadowing opportunity prove invaluable. The members returned home with notebooks full of observations and most importantly, a deeper understanding of how to scale up operations for major events while maintaining the core principles of professional patrol work.
The Eastern Division extends its sincere thanks to the Whiteface Mountain Ski Patrol for their hospitality and willingness to share their expertise. Their professionalism and dedication to safety at this world-class event reflects the very best of what the National Ski Patrol represents—and sets a benchmark for all of us in the bike program to aspire to.
As we continue to build and expand mountain bike patrol capabilities across the Eastern Division, the lessons learned at Whiteface will help shape our training programs, operational protocols, and event readiness for years to come. Here’s to many more opportunities to learn, grow, and serve our mountain communities—on snow and dirt alike.
by John Wolf, Liberty Mountain Ski Patrol PD | Oct 23, 2025 | Division News, Program News
The Eastern Division Bike Program ran their second annual Bike Patroller School at HoliMont Bike Park in Ellicottville, NY.
Our weekend started late Saturday morning allowing the participants to meet up and ride the bike park at reduced rates. During our Saturday ride, Adam, a HoliMont patroller, led a great skills clinic focusing on improving our cornering. I’ve been riding for many years, and his tips made me an even better rider! We finished our day with pizza and beverages in their ski school building, and then a few of us camped out at the mountain.
The main program started bright and early on Sunday morning. The HoliMont instructors taught the Bike 1 course first thing. The GVR instructors followed that with the wheeled-litter course. For those who are unfamiliar with the wheeled litter, it is the summer patroller’s version of a toboggan.
We had a late lunch, enjoying freshly grilled hots, hamburgers, and veggie burgers and then…we rode more! Two of the HoliMont patrollers, Kate and Adam, led the group ride that started with a tour of some of the great riding that the park has to offer and then led us all over the mountain.
Thanks to HoliMont Ski Club for welcoming us, Patrol Director Rick Chapman and the HoliMont Bike Patrol for hosting, Val Sorrells for photos, and the HoliMont and GVR instructors for leading us through a great weekend of training.
Want to host a bike patroller school in 2026? Reach out to your regional advisor, John Wolf, or Tim Franz
by John Wolf, Liberty Mountain Ski Patrol PD | Oct 23, 2025 | Division News, Program News
When I first arrived at a Maryland Interscholastic Cycling League (MICL) race venue a few seasons ago, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I knew mountain biking, I knew emergency response, but I had never seen hundreds of middle and high school riders, their families, coaches, and volunteers come together to create the kind of electric, supportive atmosphere that defines NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) events. What I discovered that day changed how I think about patrolling and community involvement.
Over the past few years, my patrol and I have had the privilege of helping develop relationships between our patrol and both the Maryland (MICL) and Pennsylvania (PICL) Interscholastic Cycling Leagues. These partnerships have become some of the most rewarding work I’ve done in my years with NSP, and I’m excited to share why more patrollers should consider getting involved with their local NICA leagues.
A Culture of Inclusion and Support
The first thing that strikes you at a MICL or PICL event is how genuinely welcoming and fun these races are. Unlike some competitive youth sports where pressure and intensity dominate, NICA events celebrate participation and personal growth. Sure, there are serious racers pushing for podium finishes, but there are just as many riders simply challenging themselves to complete the course. The atmosphere is infectious – cowbells ringing, families cheering for riders they’ve never met, and volunteers from every team working together to make the day successful.
As patrollers, we’re used to being part of close-knit mountain communities, and NICA events have that same feel amplified by youthful energy and enthusiasm. Whether you’re stationed at a medical tent, roving the course, or simply standing by, people want to know who you are, thank you for being there, and often share stories about their own experiences with ski patrol. It’s outdoor recreation bringing people together – just on two wheels instead of two skis.
When It Really Counts
The beauty of patrolling these events is that most of the time, you watch young athletes succeed, high-fiving each other as they finish, and enjoying beautiful days in some of Pennsylvania and Maryland’s best riding areas. But when an incident does occur, the professionalism and experience we bring makes all the difference.
We’ve responded to everything from minor scrapes to more serious injuries requiring advanced care and transport coordination. In every case, the OEC training we rely on all winter translates seamlessly to the mountain bike environment. Assessment protocols don’t change. Splinting techniques are the same. What does change is the overwhelming gratitude from parents, coaches, and race staff who see trained responders quickly take charge of a situation with calm competence.
League directors have repeatedly told me that having the presence of our patrol at their events provides peace of mind that is invaluable. They know that when things go wrong, their riders are in the hands of people who train year-round for exactly these moments. That confidence allows them to focus on running great events rather than worrying about the “what ifs.”
Skills That Transfer
For patrollers looking for summer training opportunities, NICA events are exceptional. You’ll practice radio communication across challenging terrain, coordinate with other medical providers, manage incidents in various terrain, and work within an incident command structure – all skills that sharpen your winter performance. Plus, many patrollers have discovered a passion for mountain biking itself, joining the growing ranks of NSP bike patrollers.
Getting Involved
Consider reaching out to your state’s NICA league as they may be actively seeking partnerships with patrols throughout their region. The leagues run approximately four to six events per season either in the spring or in the fall, typically on weekends. The commitment is flexible – you can support one event or the entire season. Many patrols have found that having a core group of interested patrollers makes scheduling coverage easy while giving members a chance to try something new.
The leagues provide excellent pre-event coordination, clear communication throughout race day, and genuine appreciation for your involvement. They understand that volunteers are the backbone of their events and treat patrollers as valued partners rather than just another checkbox on their safety plan.
Your Turn to Ride
If you’re looking for a way to use your NSP skills beyond the winter season, to be part of an incredibly positive youth sports environment, and to build relationships that benefit both your patrol and your community, I strongly encourage you to reach out to your local NICA league.
The national partnership between NSP and NICA has created the framework, but it’s individual patrollers and patrols building local relationships that will make this collaboration truly transformative. I can tell you from our experience: the energy, gratitude, and sense of purpose you’ll find at these events is worth every minute. Plus, you’ll discover that helping young riders push their limits and overcome challenges is every bit as rewarding as anything we do on the mountain.
Come join us on the trails – there’s a whole community of young riders who need patrollers like you, and I promise you’ll leave every event with a smile on your face and cowbell ringing in your ears.
by John Wolf, Liberty Mountain Ski Patrol PD | Dec 18, 2024 | National News, Program News
In case you missed the news in November, the National Ski Patrol and the National Interscholastic Cycling League (NICA) announced a Memorandum of Understanding describing a new partnership. This marks a significant milestone in expanding NSP’s impact beyond the slopes and into the rapidly growing world of youth cycling.
Founded in 2009, NICA “develops interscholastic mountain biking programs for student-athletes across the United States. NICA is about having amazing adventures with your teammates while tackling both small and epic challenges.” This partnership formally recognizes the vital role that bike patrollers can play in ensuring safety in youth mountain biking.
Even before this agreement, Liberty Mountain Ski Patrol in the Eastern Pennsylvania and Maryland Region started providing first responder services to their local NICA leagues and has already demonstrated how successful this relationship can be for both organizations.
The 2024 season showcased the potential of this collaboration when we supported both the Maryland (MICL) and the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling Leagues (PICL). Our dedicated team provided patrol services for seven events, contributing over 100 patroller hours. The patrol’s comprehensive approach included pre-event virtual huddles with stakeholders and planning how to coordinate with on-site medical staff, ensuring seamless integration of emergency management protocols and site-specific logistics.
One of the most remarkable outcomes of our partnership with the local NICA leagues has been the translation of Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) skills from snow to dirt. Our OEC training provided an exceptional foundation for handling cycling-specific injuries by using the same assessment and treatment protocols. The familiar equipment from winter patrolling – such as trauma packs, splinting materials, and bleeding control supplies – proved equally valuable during summer events, though we adapted them for a different type of mobile deployment. Patrollers reported how their experience with the mechanism of injury assessment on the slopes transferred perfectly to evaluating bicycle crashes, allowing for quick and accurate scene size-ups, and treatment decisions.
Another significant advantage that our patrollers brought to the local NICA league events was their extensive experience with radio communications and incident coordination. Years of managing on-mountain communications proved invaluable on mountain biking race day. Patrollers’ familiarity with clear, concise radio protocols, emergency response coordination, and maintaining effective communication to manage an incident across challenging cycling terrain helped establish efficient information flow between course marshals, medical support, and race operations. This professional communication standard enhanced overall event safety and response coordination, particularly in areas with limited cell service where reliable radio communication was crucial.
The impact of our partnership with the local leagues was immediately evident. The local league organizers repeatedly emphasized how the NSP presence significantly enhanced their emergency management capabilities. At one particularly challenging event, our dedicated bike patrollers demonstrated their value when they quickly responded to multiple incidents across the course, providing immediate care while at the same time coordinating with event staff to ensure optimal outcomes.
The successful integration of NSP’s expertise with NICA’s youth development mission has created a model partnership that benefits everyone – from the young riders pushing their limits while their dedicated friends, family members, and other volunteers support them to the patrollers who hone their first response skills during the summer.
This new collaboration between NSP and NICA represents more than just an operational partnership; it’s an investment in the future of both organizations. As NICA continues its impressive growth nationwide, the presence of NSP-certified bike patrollers adds an essential layer of safety and professionalism to youth cycling events.
For the Eastern Division, this partnership opens new avenues for member engagement and demonstrates our organization’s versatility and commitment to outdoor safety across all seasons in an area where NICA participation is growing rapidly. The enthusiasm and appreciation shown by NICA’s national organization, local leagues, coaches, and participants confirm that this partnership will be a cornerstone of both organizations’ futures.
