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
by Matt Nebzydoski, OET Supervisor | Sep 12, 2026 | Division News, Program News
The 2026–27 season is shaping up to be an exciting one for OET, with opportunities for patrollers at every level to sharpen their skiing, snowboarding, telemark, and toboggan skills.
Tailrope in actionWe’ll kick off the season in December with our annual Killington OET Meeting, where we’ll prepare our staff to bring this year’s training initiatives back to their home regions. Once again, we’ll be partnering with the PSIA Educational Staff to strengthen our coaching skills. This year, our staff development will focus on the skills and tactics needed for successful tail-rope work—an essential skill for many patrollers and one that presents unique challenges for both patrollers and instructors.
Training Opportunities for Every Patroller
As the season gets underway, look for a full calendar of OET training opportunities across the division designed to meet patrollers where they are and help them take the next step.
Patroller Schools are tentatively scheduled at Saddleback, Bristol, Elk, Killington, and Gore. These two-day events are ideal for new patrollers, developing patrollers and aspiring seniors.
Snowboard EnhancementEach school will include:
• Ski/Snowboard/Telemark enhancement (SES) focused on improving personal skills and movement on snow.
• A full day of toboggan training (TES) with some of the division’s most experienced OET instructors.
• Coaching and feedback that participants can take directly back to their home patrols or a senior assessment.
We’re also looking beyond the traditional patroller school format. Plans are underway for an event in Northern VT focused on instructor development and tactics for advanced terrain. And for those looking to challenge themselves in more technical terrain, we’re planning steeps and bumps training at Plattekill.
Find Your Next Challenge
What comes down must go up!Whether your goal is to become a stronger skier, improve your toboggan handling, prepare for senior, become a better coach, or take on more challenging terrain, OET has an opportunity for you this season.
Keep an eye on the OET calendar. Events will be added once dates are confirmed with our host resorts. Registration will open the day after Thanksgiving.
We’re looking forward to getting on the snow with you and making the 2026–27 season one of our best yet.
by Justin Guth (NH RD & ED Asst DD) | Sep 12, 2026 | Division News, Program News
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
by Harriet Frawley, Memorial/Scholarship Advisor | Sep 12, 2026 | Division News, Program News
As my tenure as Memorial Scholarship Fund Advisor winds down, I am pleased to share this year’s David J. Nelson Sr. Memorial Scholarship recipients. Congratulations to the awardees, and thank you to everyone who has supported the Fund throughout its 50-year history. I also offer special thanks to those who have encouraged me over the past 10 years of steering the program.
Scholarship – $1,250
Hope Giammatteo, Powder Ridge/CT
A recent Choate Rosemary Hall graduate, Hope attended this year’s YAP Summit, earning the esteemed Hans Hyson Award. A self-described student-athlete and community member, she has balanced a rigorous academic load with athletics, running a state chapter of a national non-profit, participating in academic clubs, and serving on ski & bike patrol. This past year, she captained both her basketball and softball teams. As a co-founding president of Helping Hands Project, Hope organized service events and volunteering opportunities for students at food pantries and homeless shelters in the greater New Haven area. Hope has committed to Skidmore College to play softball and double-major in biology and neuroscience on a pre-med track. While there, she plans to patrol at nearby West Mountain and seeks to become an OET Instructor.
Sean Wallace, Blue Hills/EMARI
Sean graduated from Blue Hills Regional Technical School this spring. For his patrol, he serves as a Lift Evacuation Instructor and regularly assists with OEC class. Named the 2025 National Outstanding Young Adult Patroller, Sean has attended the YAP Summit twice, and says, “That weekend, we tore up the trails in tight formations that felt like I was in a scene of Top Gun.” Outside of patrolling, Sean is an Eagle Scout and participated in National Youth Leadership Training. Early in high school, he joined the United Naval Sea Cadet Corps, rising to the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class and putting his OEC skills to use as the Lead Cadet Medical Responder and Trainer. He then joined the Coast Guard, completing his initial training in Cape May, NJ. Now a reservist, Sean plans to earn a degree in Emergency Management from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy before returning to the Coast Guard as an officer.
Nathaniel Demain, Abenaki/NH
Nate participated on the varsity cross country, alpine ski racing, indoor track, and track and field teams during his time at Kingswood Regional High School, where he volunteered with Knights Against Hunger, supplying weekly food bags to students in need. He was also a member of NHS, the math team, the robotics team, and attended the YAP Summit twice. Regarding robotics, he says, “Everyone has that goal that they know they will never reach; the impossible goal. For me, it was to attend the First Robotics World Championship. Last year, I achieved that goal. Continuing my life after spending a week around the smartest robotic people in the world changed my impossible life goals. I now know I can have an impact, and change other’s lives.” Nate will attend Boston University, studying Mechanical Engineering.
William Burdin, Nashoba Valley/EMARI
William leads Nashoba’s Ski Scout Program, comprised of aspiring YAPs aged 12-15. He has attended the YAP Summit three times, placing 1st in OEC in 2025. He is an active OEC Instructor and is on his way to becoming an OET Instructor. He says, “Training others to remain calm in stressful situations, demonstrating lifesaving medical skills…showed me how powerful medical knowledge can be.” At his high school, Westford Academy, William ran track & field, participated in NHS and Marching Band. He was also a member of Health Occupational Students of America, placing 3rd statewide in Pathophysiology in both 2024 and 2025, which qualified him for an International Leadership Conference. William will attend UMass/Amherst majoring in kinesiology on a pre-med track.
Mason Opalka, Elk Mountain/EPA
Mason attended this year’s YAP Summit, offering this rave review, “The National Ski Patrol Eastern Division has cracked the code on how to have the best weekend for learning and competing.” At Susquehanna Community High School, Mason was a member of both the cross country and track & field teams, serving as team captain. He is also an Eagle Scout, designing and constructing two gaga ball pits for a local elementary school. The project took 70 hours and required him to lead a team of 10 volunteers. Regarding future plans, Mason says, “I chose Penn State to study civil engineering because of my interest in science, and the influence of my father, who is a civil engineer. I want to design and build infrastructure that benefits my community while minimizing environmental impact.”
Honorable Mentions – $750
Mary Page, Bear Creek/EPA
Mary is a 2026 Allentown Central Catholic High School graduate. She has attended the YAP Summit twice, saying the program built up her confidence immensely. She also recently completed training as an EMT, which helped her realize she wanted to study medicine. A 14-year dance student, Mary performed in her school’s musical theater productions and was Dance Team captain. She was also Key Club vice president and on the Science Olympiad Team. Mary has volunteered with the Central City Project as both a tutor and in their food pantry. Additionally, she assists with Allentown Central Catholic’s Summer Enrichment and Dance Camps, earning the Day-Marion Service Award for cumulative service hours. Mary plans to major in biology with a history minor at Scranton University.
Nicholas Loew, Bromley/SVT
Nicholas is a 3rd year medical student at the Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University, where he has led both the Ski & Snowboard Club and Trauma & Acute Care Surgery Elective for the last two years. He is a senior alpine patroller and has been awarded a yellow merit star. Nicholas’s community service includes working as a disaster action team member and duty officer for the RI/CT Region of the American Red Cross, and as a volunteer sexual education and health instructor to middle schoolers in underserved communities. He states, “I consider my experience as a ski patroller to be the first steppingstone in my path toward pursuing a career in medicine. From that initial commitment to service on the mountain, my experiences have naturally built upon one another and deepened my desire to care for others.”
Flora Dewar, Bolton Valley/NVT
Following a career change which found her working as a Labor & Delivery Assistant at the University of Vermont Medical Center, Flora began her studies through their Direct Entry Masters of Nursing Program in 2025. She says she was “raised by ski patrol,” tagging along with her father who patrolled at both Okemo and Saskedena Six. Two years ago, in a search for community, she returned to her patrol roots, joining Bolton Valley Ski Patrol in NVT. She says, “That winter changed a lot for me. I made friends. I skied more than I had in years and quit my job and started working at the hospital. Through ski patrol, I realized that I loved the medical side of patrol just as much as I loved the skiing side of it. From there I became an EMT and applied for nursing school. My hope is to become an Emergency Department RN, and continue to use the skills and passion I first found through ski patrol to help my community.”
by Allan Miller, Alumni Supervisor | Sep 12, 2026 | Division News, Program News
Allan Miller
Eastern Division Alumni AdvisorThis guide will help Ski Patrollers understand their options if they need to interrupt patrolling. It’s a retention-focused approach for keeping experienced members connected to the National Ski Patrol community. The goal of this guide is to help patrols retain members who conclude they may need to step away from active patrolling by making sure they understand their options, know whom to contact, and feel encouraged to remain part of the NSP community.
Why This Matters
Patrollers may need to interrupt active service for many reasons, including family responsibilities, health, work demands, relocation, or changing availability. When members believe their only choice is to leave completely, the organization risks losing experienced people, institutional knowledge, instructors, mentors, and future volunteers. A clear education and communication process can help convert potential departures into continued engagement as Alumni by providing the patroller with options to retain their OEC technician certification and their connection to their patrol and the organization.
Key Message for Patrollers
Leaving active patrolling does not have to mean leaving NSP. Members who can no longer patrol regularly should be encouraged to explore all the options they have so they can remain connected, continue contributing, and preserve important benefits where applicable.
Options to Explain
• Alumni status: A path for members who need to step away from active patrolling while remaining connected to NSP.
• Temporary Not Patrolling
• Military Duty Status
• Continued years of service: Alumni may continue to accrue years of service.
• OEC options: Alumni may be able to maintain their OEC certification if they choose to meet applicable requirements.
• Instructor rating: Alumni who are OEC instructors may be able to maintain their instructor rating if they continue to meet program requirements.
• NSP access: Alumni may continue to have access to the NSP website, NSP store, and many professional offers.
• Flexible service: Alumni may still support the patrol through mentoring, training, administrative help, events, recruiting, fundraising, or other non-patrolling roles.
Recommended Process
1. Start the conversation early. Encourage patrollers to speak with their Patrol Director, Patrol Alumni Liaison, Region Alumni Advisor, Division Alumni Advisor before they stop participating or fail to renew or refresh their OEC certification.
2. Listen first. Understand why the member needs to interrupt active patrolling and whether the situation is temporary, seasonal, or long term.
3. Explain available options. Review Alumni status, secondary registration if applicable, OEC considerations, instructor rating considerations, and ways to remain involved.
4. Connect the member with an Alumni advisor. Provide contact information for the Patrol, Region, Division, or National Alumni advisor as appropriate.
5. Complete the registration/status process. Patrol Directors should work through the required steps to register the member appropriately and change the member’s status to Alumni when that is the right path.
6. Invite continued participation. Ask the member how they would like to help and identify meaningful ways to keep them involved.
7. Follow up. Check in after the transition to confirm the member has access to needed information and feels connected.
Roles and Responsibilities
Patroller – Talk with the Patrol Director before leaving active patrolling and ask about Alumni options.
Patrol Director – Discuss the member’s goals, explain available paths, complete required registration/status steps, and identify ways the member can stay involved.
Alumni Advisor – Answer questions, explain benefits and requirements, and help connect members with the right NSP resources.
Region, Division, and National Alumni Leaders – Provide guidance, resources, and contacts for patrols and members navigating the transition.
Education and Communication Action Items
Education
Members should receive clear information before they reach a decision point. Patrols can include Alumni information during annual refreshers, membership renewal reminders, leadership meetings, and one-on-one conversations with members who are reducing participation.
Communication
Patrol leaders should make it easy for members to ask questions without feeling that they are abandoning the patrol. Communication should emphasize respect for the member’s service, appreciation for their contribution, and practical next steps for staying connected.
Suggested Talking Points
• “You do not have to disappear from the patrol just because you need to step away from active duty.”
• “Alumni status may allow you to keep your connection to NSP and continue your years of service.”
• “If you want to maintain OEC or an instructor rating, we can help you understand the requirements.”
• “Your experience is valuable. Let’s talk about how you might still support the patrol in a way that works for you.”
• “We can connect you with an Alumni advisor who can answer detailed questions.”
Resources
• Patrol Alumni Advisor
• Region Alumni Advisor
• Division Alumni Advisor
• National Alumni Advisor
• NSP website: Education > Interest Groups > Alumni > Committee contact information
• NSP website membership information and Alumni resources
My goal since coming to this position is to help patrollers stay connected to their patrol and NSP. Give me a call if you have suggestions for how we should do this or questions about how to stay connected.
One More Thing
We will be holding an on-line seminar titled “Everything you should to know about how to stay connected to your patrol and NSP when life gets in the way.” This will be a zoom call for any member who wants to understand the options for interrupting active patrolling and not losing their OEC certification or connection to their patrol. This will be led by the Alumni Advisors of the Eastern Division and will be especially useful for Patrol Directors and Patrol Reps.
The specifics for registering for this Zoom call will be published soon.
Allan Miller
Eastern Division Alumni Advisor
518-441-3899
by Chuck Boyd, Nordic/Backcountry Supervisor | Sep 12, 2026 | Division News, Program News
Hope everyone has had a great summer. I wrote this sitting on the porch of a cabin at the Cape Cod National Seashore, enjoying the evening. The Province Lands bike path rides like a roller coaster, reminding me of the terrain that I like to XC ski in the winter. Besides mountain biking, paddling, and rock climbing, I attended the certified boot camp at Magic Mountain this past August. It was so great to work with a bunch of patrollers striving to be the best that they can be. On the Nordic Master side, Keith Schultz, from the Pacific NW Division, just passed his oral board of review to become NM#024. Congratulations Keith! We’re looking for some more Nordic Master candidates from the Eastern Division. Reach out to me!
This year’s AMN Instructor Refresher took place at Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain, Lackawaxen, PA, the weekend of September 11-13. We focused on the world of XOEC with creative methods for treating upper and lower extremity injuries. All instructors participated in a SAR linear and area search, along with a patient carryout. We used Caltopo mapping software to create SAR maps using the new NSP Caltopo Teams account. The Avalanche program ran a transceiver station for L2 and Pro 1 prep, along with providing the XOEC instruction.
In addition, planning for our winter schedule took place at the AMN so that instructor teams can be lined up to teach at the different courses.
We are going to continue our training of Nordic/Backcountry patrollers by having all regions certify their basic patrollers. The senior and master candidate evaluations will be done at the division level to maintain good quality control and develop our future instructor teams.
We will be changing our refresher format for our OTH refreshers this fall, similar to what the OEC program is doing – a one-year instead of a three-year refresher cycle. The National Nordic Committee is finalizing this and it will be released soon. The Eastern Division will be beta testing this new refresher cycle. I recommend Nordic instructors go to the ED Nordic webpage and download a copy for the new refresher document.
Enjoy the fall weather, or plan a ski trip to South America. Chile and Argentina are getting hammered with snow at the moment!
by Rob West, Avalanche Supervisor | Sep 12, 2026 | Division News, Program News
While it was still summer, we were already getting ready for OEC refresher season. Before long, we’ll all be thinking about the upcoming winter and hoping for plenty of snow.
Of course, with lots of snow comes the potential for avalanches. While many people think avalanches only affect skiers, we know that’s not the case. Tragically, 10 people lost their lives in an avalanche while climbing Broad Peak in Pakistan. Incidents like this remind us that avalanche education is valuable for anyone who spends time in snowy mountain environments.
The NSP’s avalanche courses aren’t just for skiers. Mountaineers, climbers, snowshoers, and other backcountry enthusiasts can all benefit from developing avalanche awareness and rescue skills.
The schedule for the Winter 2026–2027 avalanche classes will be available soon, so stay tuned. It will be posted on the NSPEAST website calendar.
In the meantime, if you missed the Eastern Division Avalanche, Nordic, and MTR Instructor Refresher at Ski Big Bear, PA, you can also attend the Eastern Snow and Avalanche Workshop on November 7 in Fryeburg, Maine.
I look forward to seeing you all soon!
by Eric Snyder, EPA Inter-Agency Liason (EMS) | Sep 12, 2026 | Division News, Program News
Thank you to all who attended the Assessment of Chest Pain Patroller Workshop.
The Bear Creek EMS Program is hosting the following virtual patroller workshop.
Understanding Syncope – The Clues to the Collapse
September 29, 2026, 7:30-9:30 pm EST
This workshop covers the following objectives:
- Definition of Syncope
- Mechanisms
- Assessment
- Case Scenarios
- Diagnostic Evaluation
- Treatments
Presented by:
Dr. Steven Goldblatt, MD, FACC
Cardiologist (Retired), Medical Officer, Team CT-1, Disaster Medical Assistance Team,
and Medical Advisor for National Ski Patrol’s Eastern Division.
Eric Snyder
EPA Inter-Agency Liaison (EMS)
(610) 487- 4479
epaemsadvisor@gmail.com
nspepa.org
