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
by Bill Zink, Certified Supervisor | Jun 9, 2026 | Division News, Program News
The Certified Program had a very good year. We participated in the Far West Nutz and Boltz event at Mt. Hood in June, held our annual Boot Camp in Pennsylvania at Ski Roundtop in August, our Enhanced Patroller School at Swain in Genesee Valley, New York in September, two pretests – Hunter and Killington in January/February, Killington Patroller School and Intro to Certified Event in February, and our Annual Exam at Sugarloaf, Maine in March.
Turnout at all events was strong. We had a total of seven candidates take our exam. The weather turned warm, it rained, and then froze for two weeks prior. Needless to say, the terrain was NOT available to run the OET components of the exam. We also had to offer a bye on the Avalanche Beacon Search due to inadequate snow cover.
We are hot and heavy preparing for our visit to Nutz and Boltz again at Mt. Hood in early June. There is a strong push to introduce four-handled sled training in our Eastern Division quiver. We are seeing resorts with side country access and our backcountry and Nordic patrollers are seeing the value of this tool. We have been introduced to the basics of handling a four-handled sled and expect to perfect our teaching skills this year. In addition, we will be calibrating our rope and avalanche modules while participating.
Our next activity will be our annual Boot Camp. This year’s event will be held at Magic Mountain in Southern Vermont on August 7, 8 and 9. Our Enhanced Patroller School will be held at Swain on September 18, 19 and 20. We are currently planning our two pretests again this year. The first is yet to be determined and the second will be integrated into our Intro to Certified Program at Killington. Tentative save the dates are as follows:
• Pre test 1 – location TBD February 7
• Pre test 2 – location Killington February 12
• Intro to Certified – location Killington February 13 and 14
• Our exam will be held at Smugglers’ Notch the week after the YAP event on March 18-21.
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
by Chuck Boyd, Nordic/Backcountry Supervisor | Jun 9, 2026 | Program News
We finished the season with Nordic Master evaluations at Anthony Lakes, OR. The Eastern Division sent two NM ITs to the event along with Pacific Northwest and Northern Divisions’ NMs to evaluate the candidates. During a period of good weather and deep snow, our two candidates passed the MTR overnight SAR exercise. Low angle rescue, avalanche, improvised toboggans, and fire-starting skills were demonstrated and evaluated. If you are interested in the Nordic Master track, please contact me for the information.
The AMN planning committee is actively planning the 2026 AMN Instructor Refresher. The date will be September 11-13 with the location tentatively planned for Campgaw Ski Center, Mahwah, NJ. We will be remembering Rick Shandler for all the work that he did for all three programs. Details will be on patrollerschool.org as we go forward with the planning.
What are your plans for the summer? Will you be bike patrolling, or just riding your bike? Hiking just day trips, or long extended over nights? Paddling a canoe or kayak? Climbing, either rock cliffs or mountains? Whatever you do, make sure that you enjoy yourself. Life is short and not a dress rehearsal. See you at the AMN.
