by Matt Nebzydoski, OET Supervisor | Nov 19, 2025 | Division News, Program News
This February the OET, Certified, and Women’s Programs are teaming up for an awesome week of learning, testing, and training in Vermont.
The events kick off on Thursday, February 5 at Sugarbush with a “Steeps, Bumps and Trees‘’ clinic led by Eric Jordan, PSIA Examiner and Sugarbush local, along with Certified Patroller Matt Nebzydoski, Eastern Division OET Supervisor and Teigh Southworth from the OET Steering Committee Members.
Plan to work on improving your technical and tactical skills on some of the best ungroomed terrain in the East. All levels of patrollers are welcome; however, participants should be comfortable skiing on ungroomed black terrain. The clinic will be an ideal opportunity for those patrollers working to build their skills for upcoming Senior or Certified level assessments.
In addition, OET Instructors and TEs who attend will be provided coaching tips on assisting the patrollers they work with back home. **Due to a limited number of available tickets and instructors the focus will be Alpine skis this year. We hope to expand the program to include tele and snowboards in the future. Sign up early so you don’t miss out.
The fun moves to Killington on Friday with a Women’s Toboggan Clinic and Certified Pre-test. The women will spend the day running sleds with some of the best female instructors in the division, followed by an après ski gathering. Certified Candidates will pre-test to qualify for the exam at Sugarloaf in March.
This all leads to the famous Killington Patroller School for Saturday and Sunday. The patroller school includes two days of the best 
toboggan handling and skier, tele, or snowboard enhancement you can get. Newer NSP members may not realize the rich tradition of the Patroller Schools that were originally started to provide opportunities to train with the best. Sticking with tradition, Certified Patrollers and Division Staff will be leading the groups and sharing their knowledge and skills. Participants get one day of OET skills and toboggan handling and the other day working with top PSIA coaches to work on personal ski/ride skills. Patrollers interested in the Certified program can sign up for the Intro to Certified program which provides an overview of the tested modules. Whatever your goal is for the weekend there will be a group that fits.
Finally, to help participants that need reasonably priced lodging we have bunks available for the weekend. Join the instructors and staff who will be staying at the Turn of the River Lodge. It will be a great opportunity to unwind after a busy day on the slopes and chat around the fire with OET, Women’s, and Certified Leadership. Expect some après fun and camaraderie with fellow patrollers from across the East.
Tickets for all patroller school and OET events are available here. https://www.patrollerschool.org/events/divi-home/outdoor-emergency-transportation/ They go on sale the day after Thanksgiving.
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 John Wolf, Bike Supervisor | 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 Chuck Boyd, Nordic/Backcountry Supervisor | Nov 19, 2025 | Division News, Program News
Nordic Fest is back, but with a new date…January 30-February 1, 2026! We will again be at Highland Forest in Fabius, NY, with most of us arriving on Friday January 30. You can enhance your ski skills with L3 PSIA XC instructors who will provide personal instruction on your specific skill set needs.
Group meals, good lessons, and great people will make this an awesome learning experience. If you’re looking to test out as Nordic Senior, contact both your patrol director and me.
By the time you read this I will already have skied the toll road on Whiteface. The only way to catch this early season snow is to earn your turns. This is what Nordic skiing is all about.
It will be a couple more weeks before ski areas start spinning their lifts, so if you feel the urge, now is the time to get out there before everyone else. Just don’t be too aggressive as the snow will not be deep enough to hide all the hidden obstacles. Don’t hurt yourself before the season gets started. Work on getting in shape and having fun.
See you out there.
by John Wolf, Bike Supervisor | 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 Chuck Boyd, Nordic/Backcountry Supervisor | Oct 23, 2025 | Division News, Program News
As the leaves begin to turn color and the temperatures begin to drop, the refresher season has started. This year is Refresher Cycle C. We have divided the Nordic skills list into three recommended refresher cycles running parallel to our OEC refresher cycles. The skills list and refresher cycles can be found on the division website’s Nordic/Backcountry page.
The main topic of most refreshers is to be updated on your local mountain’s requirements. For the skills requirements, try to make that fun. Think of games and challenges. Even if you are a seasoned veteran at basic and senior skills, how fast can you perform these skills? Are you able to teach others?
I attended the Thunderbolt Backcountry refresher on October 18 and plan to be at the Nutmeg Nordic refresher on November 16. Let me know some of your refresher dates and I’ll see if I can attend.
This is the time of year to think about new gear. There are plenty of pro deals to be had, and the shops would rather have you come in earlier than their regular customers. Try to avoid weekends when the shops are busy and I’m sure that you will get better service. Look for ski swaps, these are good ways to sell preowned equipment, or maybe also find what you are looking for!
If you’re selling gear at a swap, take the time to clean it up and make it sellable. At the swaps where I volunteer we turn away dirty and abused items. Make your gear shine like two dollar signs in your eyes.
Hope to see a few of you before the season begins.
by Ed Riggs, Instructor Development Supervisor | Oct 23, 2025 | Division News, Program News
As we approach the ski season several patrollers have told me they delayed their dream of becoming an NSP instructor because they haven’t taken an Instructor Development (ID) course. “Why not?” I asked. There was a litany of reasons (excuses), but the primary reason was the lack of a convenient ID course. “There wasn’t a course offered in my region when I needed it” or “I work on the weekends when the courses were offered.”
Problem solved. Many patrollers aren’t aware that there are Global ID skill sessions (hybrid online sessions) offered by the Instructor Development National Committee. Two of these sessions are offered each month, one on Monday evening at 8:30 and one on Tuesday evening at 7:00. Ideally, you might want to select the Tuesday option. The Monday option is typically for those in a different time zone or those night owls who don’t mind staying up late. Registration can be done on the NSP website.
Is this the same material that I would get in my regional course? The answer is a definite yes. The course instructors (one of whom is the National Program Director) have tons of experience. There is an Instructor Trainer (IT) present at each session to maintain quality assurance.
These sessions also provide opportunities for existing and candidate ID instructors as well. Current instructors can hone their skills or maintain currency by assisting in one of the sessions. Candidate instructors can participate and be observed by the IT present at the session. It should no longer take years for a potential new instructor to be approved. Please contact the National ID Program Director Lisa Rabideau if you want to assist in one of these sessions.
Is this approach to NSP learning going to be successful? Let the numbers answer that question. Since the inception of the Global ID skill sessions there have been 112 successful completions, many from the Eastern Division. Are these sessions going to replace the regional ID courses? These sessions were designed to provide an alternative. Regional courses are highly valued. Many patrollers like to stay close to home and even with current technology, some like the personal touch of a face-to-face or in-person full day class.
Consider your options. No more excuses.
by Rob West, Avalanche Supervisor | Oct 23, 2025 | Division News, Program News
The dates for all the avalanche courses are now up on the Eastern Division calendar. Registration for the classes will be open by the middle of November at Patroller School. We will be running three Level 1 and one Level 2 courses. The IOR for the classes are listed with each one individually. If have any questions on any individual courses, please reach out to the IOR or me.
The program goal is to provide premier avalanche safety and rescue education, specifically designed for the needs of patrollers, mountain search and rescue teams, and snow recreation stakeholders. To achieve this goal, the program provides distinct curricula appropriate for different stakeholder needs and different geographical conditions.
The Eastern Snow and Avalanche Workshop (ESAW) 2026 date is Saturday, December 6 at the Fryberg Academy in Fryeberg, ME. A one-day, live-in-person event, it is a great opportunity to further your avalanche education and spend time with fellow avalanche instructors. Tickets are on sale now. There will be an ESAW after party at Ledge Brewing in Intervale, NH.
I will be offering continuing education for all avalanche instructors that attend in person. Even if you’re not an avalanche instructor, it is a great opportunity to learn more about avalanches and safety in backcountry skiing. I hope to see you all there.
by Kurt Adam, RD EPA | Oct 23, 2025 | Division News, Program News
There is a “new face in town.” At the September Eastern Division Board meeting Chrissy Ludka was appointed the new Women’s Program Supervisor replacing Heather Newman. Special thanks to the hard work from Heather over the past two seasons.
Chrissy brings a world of experience and enthusiasm to the Women’s Program. Chrissy is a patroller at Elk Mountain in EPA. Her experiences include YAP Advisor, OET TE, Women’s Program Instructor, EPA OET RA, OEC Instructor, and a world of related activities.
She has been instrumental in facilitating a collaborative positive working environment in all programs in which she works. Her dedication to teamwork, collegial relationships, and transformational leadership are what drives her to always do what is best for all patrollers involved in the Women’s Program.
Stay tuned for a world of activities across the Women’s Program spectrum for the upcoming 2025/26 ski season.
