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 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.”
