by Peter Buss, Division Director | Oct 12, 2026 | Division News, Spotlight Articles
This year we have ten very good candidates running for five open positions. Four of those candidates are from the Eastern Division. All four of the Eastern Division candidates are highly qualified. Candidates from other Divisions are also highly qualified. I encourage everyone to do their own research and make selections based on who you feel will best serve the needs of the National Ski Patrol, not just the Eastern Division. Take the time to look at the candidates resumes and bio’s. Reach out to your local leadership, or me, and ask questions. It is your responsibility, as a member, to do your research and cast a vote for the candidates you want to lead your organization.
If you missed the two Meet the Candidate forums, I highly encourage you to watch the recordings and listen to the candidates as they answer questions relevant to the NSP. Please take this opportunity to listen, evaluate and select the best five candidates from the list of ten very good candidates.
Voting for NSP’s Board of Directors opens October 15. Before you cast your ballot, join the final Candidate Forum where candidates will respond to member submitted questions and discuss key NSP topics.
Links to the recordings of the “Meet the Candidates Forums” below:
Note: You must sign in with your NSP ID to attend..
WATCH THE OCT 12 FORUM
Passcode: NSP1938
WATCH SEPT 20 FORUM
Passcode: VNA?d1x.
by Mike McGinnis, ED BOD, YAP Liaison | Oct 12, 2026 | Division News, Program News
New Process – New Timeline
Yes, fall has just begun – fall sports, band, pumpkin spice, and refreshers. Who is thinking about March and the Summit?
Now is the time to consider attending the YAP Summit in March 2027, scheduled for Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont, and to apply for a YAP Summit Scholarship.
The YAP Summit Scholarship is made possible by a generous donation from MaryLyn and Greg Boberg of Holimont and Holiday Valley Ski Patrols, respectively, as well as the Eastern Division. The intent of the scholarship is to provide financial assistance to those students/families who show a need for this support.
The scholarship application process will begin on October 15, 2026, and close on January 15, 2027. Note: This is NOT the same timeline for registering for the YAP Summit. The application will be available on PatrollerSchool.org and MUST be completed “online!” It will be handled electronically; no more emailed applications. “Letters of Recommendation” are required and will be submitted separately by the recommending individual.
With this new process, YAPS can apply for a scholarship before registering for the Summit event. Once the application process is completed and all three requirements are submitted, they can then register for the Summit and will not need to pay the registration fee at the time of registration. Once the YAP scholarships are awarded, those recipients’ registrations will be automatically completed and considered paid in full. Those not awarded will then get a chance to complete payment. This timeline allows for the scholarship review committee to assess submissions and make recommendations BEFORE the Summit event registration deadline.
Please contact your YAP Region Advisor with any questions and keep an eye out for e-blasts relating to the YAP Summit and any other YAP-related information. If you have a financial need and wish you to apply for the YAP Scholarship, please click this button:
by Chuck Dunn, WNY RD | Oct 12, 2026 | Division News, Program News
The Eastern Division of the National Ski Patrol is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as Bike Program Supervisor. If you are a Bike Patroller, this is an opportunity to advance Bike Patrolling in the Eastern Division and also directly affect the direction of bike patrolling nationally. You don’t need to be a mountain biker to qualify, just someone who wants to help bike patrolling grow.
Please provide a brief resume outlining your ski and/or bike patrol history and accomplishments. Please submit a cover letter that includes your name, NSP ID, and a brief description of your vision for the Bike Program.
To help guide your response, consider addressing some of the following topics:
1. Your vision for the Bike Program over the next 1 year and/or 5 years.
2. Strategies to grow Bike Patrol membership.
3. Additional educational courses and/or certification programs needed from the national committee to advance the program in the Eastern Division or nationally.
4. The relationship(s) you envision between Bike Patrols and Alpine/Nordic patrols.
5. Recommended policy and/or procedural changes at the Eastern Division or National level to enhance bike patrolling.
6. Any modifications you would propose to the Bike Patrol Supervisor current job description.
Please submit your application materials via email to Nancy Mayberry, no later than 9PM EDT on October, 31 2026.
For questions regarding the requirements or selection process, please email Chuck Dunn no later than 5pm EDT, October 28, 2026.
Thank you for your interest in this opportunity. We look forward to your application.
Charles F. Dunn
Chair, Eastern Division Bike Program Supervisor Search Committee
by Eric Snyder, EPA Inter-Agency Liason (EMS) | Oct 12, 2026 | Division News, Program News
The Bear Creek EMS Program is hosting the following virtual patroller workshop. Please share with your colleagues, EMS professionals, and friends.
Beyond the Backboard – Spinal Cord Injury: From Recognition to Recovery
October 27, 2026, 7:30-9:30 pm EST
Presented by:
Linda Laskowski Jones, MS, APRN, ACNS-BC, CEN, NEA-BC, NREMT, FAWM, FAEN, FAAN
Editor-in-Chief of Nursing, Executive Director of the Appalachian Center for Wilderness Medicine, Blue Mountain Ski Patrol
Larry Jones, BA, NREMT, FAWM
Fellow of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine – Wilderness Medical Society, Blue Mountain Ski Patrol
Eric Snyder
EPA Inter-Agency Liaison (EMS)
(610) 487- 4479
epaemsadvisor@gmail.com
nspepa.org
by Chrissy Ludka, Women's Program Advisor | Oct 12, 2026 | Division News, Program News
Have you noticed that the Eastern Division Women’s Program has a new look?
Along with our new logo, we also have a new mission statement, both built around creating an inclusive, collaborative environment where women can thrive.
Updated Mission Statement
The Women’s Committee of the National Ski Patrol’s mission is to create an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative environment where all patrollers can thrive within the NSP community and influence the broader industry. We are dedicated to empowering, supporting, and advocating for women and emerging groups in patrolling.
If you follow us on social media, you also may have noticed our NSP Eastern Division Women’s Spotlight Series. In these brief profiles, we showcase the unique skills, stories, and contributions of women across the region. So far, we’ve profiled women including:
- The first female patrol director in her mountain’s recent history
- One of the founders of the Eastern Division Women’s Program
- A quiet hero whose longevity is the glue that holds her patrol together (and whose lemon bars are legendary)
Do you know someone on your patrol who deserves to be featured? Send us your nominations—we’d love to highlight them!
Follow us on our socials on our Facebook page National Ski Patrol-Eastern Division Women’s Program, on Instagram @nspeastwomen or reach out to us via our page on https://www.nspeast.org/womens-program.html.
by Chuck Boyd, Nordic/Backcountry Supervisor | Oct 12, 2026 | Division News, Program News
The leaves are starting to turn, and refresher season is upon us. Several patrols have already scheduled their OTH refreshers for November, including Nutmeg Nordic, Highpoint Nordic, and Highland Forest. Let me know how the new beta refresher cycle works out with your patrol. So let’s get it done. Check your region’s website calendar to find your local refresher.
There is an election going on for the members of the NSP National BOD. If you care about how this organization is run, make your voice heard and vote. I’m sure that you have received several emails regarding this; don’t just delete them.
Have you started to look for new equipment yet? This is a good time of year to work the pro forms. Don’t wait until Thanksgiving; by then the sales season has started, and the shops are less likely to deal with you.
This is also the time of year to do trail work. Check local calendars in your area. The Thunderbolt Patrol will be doing trail work on Mount Greylock. The Adirondack Mountain Club will also be doing trail work up on their properties in the High Peaks region. GBA (Granite Backcountry Alliance) will also be working on their zones especially on Mount Moosilauke, where the MTR program typically does their MTR 2 courses.
I’m not sure what Mother Nature will give us this year, but I’m going to be ready and so should you. Look forward to seeing you out skiing in the woods!
by Trail Sweep Staff | Oct 12, 2026 | Division News, Program News
Mark your calendars for the following Avalanche, Mountain Travel and Rescue, and Nordic/Backcountry training events:
Mountain Travel and Rescue
The Connecticut Region will hold an MTR 1 on the weekend of January 9-10, 2027 at Winding Trails in Farmington, CT. Registration information will be on patrollerschool.org.
Nordic Backcountry
The Nordic Backcountry Program will host Nordic Fest the weekend of January 30-31, 2027 at Highland Forest in Fabius, NY. Registration information will be on patrollerschool.org.
The Nordic Backcountry Program will host the Pike Glades Patroller School the weekend of February 27-28, 2027 at Pike Glades, NH. Come out and learn how to use our new two-piece carbon fiber toboggan. Registration information will be on patrollerschool.org.
Avalanche Program
Level 1 Avalanche Class, Whiteface, NY January 22-24
Level 1 Avalanche Course, Smugglers’ Notch, VT February 8-10
Level 2 Avalanche Course, Whiteface, NY February 18-21
Level 1 Avalanche Course, Mount Washington/Tuckerman Ravine, NH March 5-7
Visit the program pages on nspeast.org or patrollerschool.org for more information.
by Peter Buss, Division Director | Sep 12, 2026 | Division News, National News
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
by Kim Terwilliger, Northern Catskills Section Chief – SNY Region | Sep 12, 2026 | Division News, National News
It was a tremendous honor to announce that John Kane has been inducted into the National Ski Patrol’s Hall of Fame class of 2027 at the Certified Boot Camp at Magic Mountain, VT.
It was a surprise recognition, celebration, and presentation of a very prestigious NSP award. The NSP’s awards and recognition program is the currency that we, as NSP members, must recognize patrollers who go above and beyond, whether it be at the patrol, region, division, or national level.
This award was established to recognize individuals whose association with the NSP has had substantial and lasting positive effects upon multiple regions and divisions or within the national organization.
To be considered for this prestigious award one must be a 25-year or more active member of the NSP, have received a National Appointment or Leadership Commendation Appointment, served in a leadership position such as a patrol director/patrol rep, section chief, region director, program director or advisor at the national or division level, served as a National Board member, assistant division director or division director, received a Distinguished Service Award or Meritorious Service Award, served as an active credentialed instructor or IT for 20 years or more, possibly served on a national task force or participated as a co-writer to a national curriculum or even created a pilot program which was later adopted by the national organization
John Kane has checked almost every box of that criteria.
John has been an active patroller for 45+ years. He began his ski patrol career at the age of 18 at the Blue Hills Ski Area in Canton, Massachusetts in 1979. He became a senior patroller in 1981, an OET Trainer/Evaluator in 1983, and achieved Certified Patroller status in 2002. He has been a member of the OET Steering Committee beginning in 1993 and served in that group for over 10 years. He continued to be a part of the Eastern Division OET Staff. In addition to being an OET Trainer/Evaluator and Instructor/Trainer, he is also an OEC Instructor/Trainer, EMM Trainer Evaluator, and he held the Maine Region Certified Advisor position from 2005-2010.
He has shown outstanding leadership and service since the beginning of his patrolling career. He was recognized as the Blue Hills Outstanding Patroller in both 1980 and 1983. He received other region recognition awards early on as well. He served as the Patrol Representative for Prospect Hills Ski area and then became the Southern Section Chief for the EMARI Region. He achieved National Appointment #7131 in 1989 and continued to expand his leadership and patroller-first focus. He served as the EMARI Region Director from 1988-1992. He continued to find ways to mentor others and be a leader within the organization.
John moved his patrolling activities to Maine where he served as the Maine Region Director from 2007-2014. He became the Assistant Division Director for the Eastern Division in 2009 and served until 2012 and then again in 2014. When he stepped away from the Maine Region Director role, he continued to support the Maine Region leadership by serving as the Central Section Chief. In 2016, he was elected as the Division Director for the Eastern Division – a role which he has described as his most treasured position. He stepped down from this position to become a member of the National Board of Directors and served from 2021-2023.
John Kane has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment throughout his tenure as a member of the National Ski Patrol. He has held multiple instructional and leadership positions within the organization. His goal-focused, results-oriented approach has led to the development of functional strategic committees at both the division and national levels which has resulted in improved accountability, redesigned and updated IT systems, and improved organizational governance.Through his various positions he has demonstrated excellence in operational oversight, program delivery, fiduciary accountability, and communication.
If anyone knows John, they know that he models a positive attitude and willingness to have fun at the same time. He is a tireless leader and exhibits great sensitivity to the organizational needs as well as creative problem-solving.
He exudes integrity, honesty, commitment, and transparency as a patroller, leader, and friend. He strives to leave an organization better than when he started. He is committed to a member-first thought process.
He has served as a Region Certified Advisor, he is an OEC and OET Instructor and IT, He has served as a patrol rep, section chief for two different regions, region director for two different regions, has been an assistant division director as well as a division director.
He has been a National Board member. His foresight, vision, and guidance while both on the National Board and as chair of the Business Process Committee has left an impact on the vision, mission, and pillars of NSP as well as members of the National Ski Patrol organization.
This prestigious award, the National Ski Patrol’s Hall of Fame Award, was presented on August 8, 2026 at Certified Boot Camp held at Magic Mountain, Vermont by Division Director Peter Buss and past National Chair Richard Pietrafesa. There were multiple special guests and previous Hall of Fame inductees present. John’s family also traveled to the mountain and remained hidden throughout the presentation yet were able to observe the entire event! What made this presentation highly impactful was that it was presented to the individual who had the vision to start the Certified Boot Camp program many years ago.
This presentation and event could not have happened if it were not for an incredible support system led by his wife, Debbie, who is his biggest cheerleader and greatest supporter.
A huge thank you to the Certified Boot Camp planning team with their assistance in this presentation and celebration.
As a final note about John – he is a patrollers patroller. He continues to serve as an active patroller, instructor, mentor, leader, and friend.
Kim Terwilliger,
Northern Catskills Section Chief – SNY Region
