by Scott Launt, Labrador Mtn., CNY Region | Apr 2, 2026 | Spotlight Articles
I first saw this sport roughly twenty years ago, never thinking that one day the sport might show up in Central New York, let alone that I might be patrolling at one. SKIJORING (Noun) – a winter sport in which a person wearing skis (or snowboard) is drawn over ice or snow as by a horse, dog team, or motor vehicle. It is derived from the Norwegian word skikjoring, which means “ski driving.”
On March 7, members of Song Mountain, Labrador Mountain, and Highland Forest Nordic Ski Patrols in the Central New York Region were asked to assist at Heritage Hill in Pompey, New York with safety and of course medical services as needed. What a Hoot! Both amateur and professional participants, female and male; young and old took part in the event. Additionally, EMTs were on hand with ALS on station. Fortunately, none of these services were required.
Our crew was comprised of patrollers from multiple patrols: Bob Tackman (as lead and organizer) from Song Mountain; Bill Albrecht, Cindy Hoalcraft, Chris McQueeney, and Scott Launt from Labrador; and Carolyn Henn from Song Mountain and Highland Forest Nordic.
The event started at noon and ran until 3:45 PM. The conditions of the track deteriorated as the wind and rising temperature took its toll. The winning time was 13 seconds, with two heats running on the track and the riders not wishing to take a header! Over 500 spectators truly enjoyed the event. Fortunately, our skills were not required!
The Paladino family, owners of Heritage Hill, were generous with our crew, providing food and refreshments. We stayed on hand for the awards ceremony and live music. We were asked by Dan Paladino, owner of Heritage Farms, to come back for this event next year. It will be a pleasure!
by Scott Launt, Labrador Mtn., CNY Region | Nov 19, 2025 | Division News, Program News
First, a real human-interest story by Scott Launt, Central New York Alumni Advisor
In 2017, a young patroller named Melanie Harvey signed on with the Labrador Mountain Ski Patrol of the Central New York Region. Over the ensuing several years, she completed OEC and OET, and in 2018, she took courses towards OEC Instructor Trainer, having a background in teaching medical professionals. She was an active alpine patroller for two seasons.
Melanie Harvey
After having her first child, she made the difficult decision to sit on the sidelines. She joined the NSP Alumni in 2020, after her daughter was born. She maintained her OEC refreshers, making up one when her third child was born.
Now, with two additional children and missing the patrol, she decided to make a comeback! While on the sidelines, she stayed in touch with the patrol, making it clear she would eventually return. She was grateful that the patrol included her in patrol communications and alumni outings.
There are several keys to this success story. She kept in touch with the patrol, letting them know her intentions. Communication was key.
There were many moving parts to this story. In the background helping this happen were Mike Cassidy, our OEC Senior leader for the Region; RD Tom Hughes; Labrador Patrollers from her shift; and others.
It takes a Patrol that cares, and a patroller that wants to return to patrolling when life permits it.
Alumni Membership acts as a safety valve, allowing patrollers to handle life’s surprises and stay connected enough to their patrol family to make returning to active patrolling easier.
Questions? Contact your Patrol Alumni Liaison, your region’s Alumni Advisor, or your Eastern Division Alumni Advisor, https://www.nspeast.org/alumni.html.
by Scott Launt, Labrador Mtn., CNY Region | Nov 18, 2024 | Region News, Spotlight Articles
Mike LaPoint, Jodi Butterfield, Rich Pietrafesa, Scott LauntOn October 16 in Utica and October 18 in Syracuse, the Central New York Region welcomed winter with Warren Miller’s ’75’ – the 75th-anniversary film. On hand were Mike LaPoint, Jodi Butterfield, Rich Pietrafesa, our National Chair, and me, Scott Launt.
Our goal was to recruit interested riders in patrolling, hand out NSP SWAG to our kindred spirits, promote goodwill, and have a good time. Mission Accomplished!
Rich was asked to say a few words during intermission at both venues. He shared the stage with John Avery, Road Manager, Warren Miller Entertainment recognizing all the patrollers in the audience, encouraging people to join our ranks, and giving an impassioned yet brief discussion of the benefits of becoming a patroller.
Photo Credit: Jodi Butterfield
