by Steve Barnes, ORM Supervisor | Sep 15, 2024 | Division News, National News, Program News
By now you have all heard about the new Outdoor Risk Management program (ORM). I am happy to announce that as of March of this year the program is available on the NSP website! ORM was over four years in the making and was created by subject matter experts, education professionals, members of the legal community, and, of course, patrollers. There was specific input from the National Ski Areas Association, the Patroller Wellness Taskforce, the Responder Alliance, as well as the NSP Education Committee.
It is designed to give the line patroller a base of knowledge of risk management with an emphasis on how to recognize potential risk and how to approach it. The program consists of 10 modules ranging from the need for ORM general concepts of risk management to ethical considerations. I believe this course will make every patroller a better patroller from the beginning and more of an asset to their patrol and the resort they serve. It is important to note this program is, and will be, a work in progress and nothing is to be interpreted as a strict requirement. We need to be consistently monitoring changes and updates within the industry.
As I said the course consists of 10 modules which take about 10 to 15 minutes per module to complete. They can be completed all at once or one at a time at your leisure. While it is designed to be an individual course many patrols are using some modules in their refreshers, specifically modules 3 (Personal Risk Management and 6(Patrol Operations), with some patrols making it mandatory for this season.
Here are the steps to take to enroll:
1. Sign into your account at nsp.org.
2. On your member home page click on the Center For Learning tab at the middle of the top of the page.
3. On the next page click on Go to your Learning Center tab at the middle of the bottom of the page.
4. On the next page type ORM in the search catalog bar and click on the magnifying glass on the right side of the page.
5. In the box titled Outdoor Risk Management click on the black Enroll button.
The feedback we have been receiving has been nothing but positive. With comments like “The content is great,” I never thought to look at it that way,” to “The best couple of hours I’ve spent on any course, NSP or not.” I urge you all to give it a try, you won’t be disappointed. If you have any questions feel free to email orm@nspserves.org.
by Ed Riggs, Instructor Development Supervisor | Sep 15, 2024 | Division News, Program News
Ed Riggs, Instructor Development SupervisorFor those who don’t know me, I’ve held many positions in over 35 years in NSP but have been out of ski patrol management for quite a while. So why get back into it? As I did then, I still believe in what we do. In the past I’ve been a patrol director, a region OEC administrator, an assistant region director, and the national Instructor Development (ID) program director. I am currently an IT for both OEC and Instructor Development, as well as a senior trainer evaluator for OET, and a PSIA ski instructor.
I’m not listing these things to brag about my resume, because I’m sure many patrollers have equal or better credentials than mine. I’m just trying to illustrate my love of teaching and my dedication to patrolling. Education is my passion. In my real job I’ve been an educator at the college level for over 30 years.
What are my goals for Instructor Development in the Eastern Division? I must admit, I was left with an outstanding program to manage. The reports I received from region advisors are very impressive. One region offered three ID courses in the last five months. That type of initiative reinforces my goal to continue strengthening and building the strongest ID program in the nation.
As many seasoned instructors in all disciplines leave or take a break from teaching, we must continue to bring new instructors into the fold. That starts with Instructor Development courses. Now that we are able to offer hybrid courses, I am encouraging all region advisors to increase their course offerings to accommodate the busy lives of patrollers. There is no longer the need to have a big enrollment to offer a course. In fact, the National ID program is offering frequent virtual course sessions to further meet the needs of those desiring to get started on the road to becoming an NSP instructor.
There are several new things happening in the ID program at the national level. I promise to keep everyone updated. Until then, I hope everyone enjoys what is left of the pre-skiing season.
by Joanna Eckhardt, Harriett Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area | Sep 14, 2024 | Division News, Program News, Spotlight Articles
I learned a lot of things at the Women’s MTR clinic organized by the Genesee Valley Region, under the leadership of Deb Whalen, however two things stood out for me the most.
First, offering a Women’s MTR clinic, especially with the word Women’s in the title, encouraged me to sign up. I know nothing about mountain travel and rescue. I like the idea of being outdoors and camping. But I am by no means one of those people constantly somewhere in the woods with a tent and a compass. I never held a compass until now. The fact the clinic was offered for women specifically and contained a topic I knew nothing about, really made me sign up.
I would probably not have signed up for a general MTR clinic, assuming I knew too little about the subject and would be too embarrassed, or too lost, or too frustrated, or frankly feeling too stupid to understand. The fact it was offered as a Women’s clinic empowered me to say, I would really like to know more about MTR, and I think maybe I can learn and understand. Now don’t get me wrong, there were a lot of subjects in the online portion of the course that made me slightly question my decision. The prospect of navigation was especially scary.
But the fact that our instructors assumed we could totally master the simple concepts of navigation was also empowering. Deb was wonderful and supportive, offering open communication about concepts we found challenging. She made it enjoyable to learn but, at the same time, we knew that if we got stuck in any way, we could call, and she would find a way to explain.
The second part that really stood out to me was the fact that being an “all-girls crew” gave the course a different feeling while attending the in-person portion. It was really refreshing to see that our instructors went the extra mile to teach the concept while fostering and encouraging creativity and individualism.
Some instructors I had in the past made it very clear, that while there are a lot of ways to meet the objective, there is honestly only ONE good way, this being their way. In the program we were asked to make a fire and build a shelter. There were no long monologues about how to best approach this request. The objectives were clearly stated in both cases (fire must burn for more than two minutes; shelter must keep you dry and allow you to survive a night in the wilderness in cold, rainy, and windy conditions).
I saw many fires, and I saw as many shelters as there were teams (seven I believe) and none of them were equal. It was refreshing and empowering to see that shelters can come in different forms, and what you have on hand and your imagination may, in fact, suffice to successfully spend a night in the woods with a fire and shelter. What really stood out is that our instructors and mentors attending fostered creativity and spirit. They helped each individual work to their best ability while not injecting their ego, but meeting or surpassing (you should have seen some of the amazing shelters) the objectives.
I absolutely loved the program, and strongly recommend finding and attending one if you can. I met some wonderful women and left in high spirits feeling empowered and a little in awe of all the great work I saw! And honestly, should we not all know how to use a compass and a map to get us out of the woods?
by Denice Kaus, OET Steering Committee | Sep 14, 2024 | Division News, Program News, Spotlight Articles
It’s that time of year when the temperatures start to cool, leaves start to change, and there’s pumpkin spice everything. That means it’s time to start thinking about Ski Patrol training. Have you started to think about your OET training opportunities? There are training events everywhere – at your home area, in your region, and at the division level.
Where do you find these fun events? Patrollerschool.org has links to events in each region and in the division. As a local patroller, look for Ski Enhancement and Toboggan Enhancement Seminars. These are training events where you can refresh your skills, learn new techniques, and challenge yourself.
The next step is the Senior Program. This training fine tunes your skiing and toboggan handling skills in the “more” or “most” difficult terrain. This allows you to train with patrollers from other ski areas in your region. Challenge yourself to ski on new terrain, meet new people, and better your skills.
Following are the goals of the Senior Patroller Outdoor Emergency Transportation program:
- To provide a training and evaluation environment which encourages all Patrollers to participate.
- To expand and improve the NSP member’s patrolling knowledge and skills through a national program of training and evaluation.
- To provide NSP members with the opportunity to obtain quality upper-level training.
- To improve the image of Patrollers and the National Ski Patrol.
- To provide a method for members to obtain personal improvement and achievement through definable goals.
- To prepare patrollers for leadership positions in the National Ski Patrol.
In order to apply, you must get the recommendation of your patrol director and contact your region OET administrator. Encourage a friend to apply with you!
Young adult patrollers have the same training opportunities as adult patrollers and have additional YAP specific training events available. There is an annual YAP summit in the spring for patrollers throughout the division. Are you a YAP or do you have YAPs at your area or region? Talk to your region’s YAP advisor about events scheduled in the region. YAPs are encouraged to participate in the division OET events at patroller schools. This is an opportunity to ski at new areas, meet new patrollers, learn something new, and HAVE FUN!
Check patrollerschool.org for locations and registration information. Also check out the YAP link on the division website for all information regarding the Eastern Division YAP program.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Jun 27, 2024 | Division News, Program News, Spotlight Articles
CERTIFIED BOOT CAMP
HOLIDAY MOUNTAIN, NY – Friday, August 16 – Sunday, August 18
For full information: https://www.patrollerschool.org/events/events/certified-boot-camp-2023-mt-bethel-pa-2/
Join us at Holiday Mountain Ski & Fun Park in Monticello, NY, for a gathering of like-minded Ski Patrollers in a rustic camping environment, all looking to learn about the Certified program and enhance or broaden their patroller skill set. The goal this season is “deep dive into lift evac.” The certified program modules that will be covered at this event will be:
- Lift Evacuation
- Outdoor Risk Management
- Avalanche
- Low Angle Rescue
- OEC Assessment, Skill & MCI Scenarios
OVERALL AGENDA
Boot Camp provides:
- Friday — 4:00-6:00 pm – Arrival & Camp Set-up
- Friday — 7:00 pm Meeting
- Breakfast and Lunch on Saturday and Sunday
- Saturday is BOOT CAMP training Day
- Dinner Saturday Night
- Bonfire — FUN
ENHANCED PATROLLER SCHOOL
SWAIN MOUNTAIN, NY – Friday, September 13 – Sunday, September 15
For full information: https://www.patrollerschool.org/events/divi-home/certified-program/
This event is low pressure — you can learn, have fun, and network with other patrollers from all around the division. It is open to any currently registered member of NSP, candidate through Certified. It is a hands-on, get dirty, get bloody, play with different gear event. Typical included modules include:
- Lift evacuation
- Low angle rope rescue,
- OEC assessment and skill building,
- ORM discussions,
- An MCI drill with outside EMS agencies.
Patroller School provides:
- Great food all three days,
- An easy-going, no pressure learning environment,
- Looking at many different ways to meet an objective.
What you need to bring:
- An open mind,
- Gear that you would like to show off or work with,
- Your first aid pack with gloves and supplies.
Rough agenda:
- Friday — 1:00 pm – Arrival, registration, and camp set up
- Friday — 3:00-6:00 pm – Knot tying and open topics
- Friday evening — Fire pit discussion
- Saturday — Module station rotations
- Saturday evening — MCI discussions and planning and ifre pit discussions
- Sunday — MCI drill and feedbac from multiple points of view
by Bill Zink, Certified Supervisor | Jun 25, 2024 | Division News, Program News
Certified Chair Bill ZinkMy name is Bill Zink. I started patrolling in 1994 at Ski Roundtop, a little hill in the southwest section of the Eastern Pennsylvania Region of the Eastern Division of the National Ski Patrol. I received my rust and blue coat on February 13, 1995, from one of the best trainers, Gordie Bell.
The next night, in my rush to get out on the slope and patrol, I promised my wife Natalie I would be home by 8 pm on Valentine’s night to celebrate our new house. Somewhere around 7:30 pm, while riding the chairlift, I witnessed a high-speed collision of two skiers. They were both young men in high school. Once the dust settled, one boy lay on the ground unconscious, and the other was walking around in a dazed state.
I unloaded the chair, had the lift operator radio in the event and location, and made my way to the scene. Both patients survived. One was flown by helicopter to a nearby trauma center and the other went with ALS. I arrived home at midnight, February 14, 1995.
That day impacted my life in so many ways. It set me on a course of perpetual learning. I never wanted to be the guy that didn’t know what to do when the poop hits the fan. Fast forward to 2024 and I am now newly elected chair of the Eastern Division Certified Program. I currently patrol at Ski Whitetail, a Vail resort; Timberline Mountain in Davis, West Virginia (Southern Division); and as a part-time Pro at The Hermitage in southern Vermont. I love the sport of skiing. I love ski patrolling. And I love the friends that I have made in the industry.
I look forward to the next several years. I want to share the impact the industry and the Certified program has had on my life. The Journey to Certified is just that. A journey. It is a worthy journey no matter the outcome.
I am still married to the same woman as I was on that fateful Valentine’s night in 1995. While she can’t say she loves skiing and ski patrol as much as I do, she will say she does love the people and what it has meant to me and our life.
To learn more about our program, consider participating in one of our two summer/fall events, a “Summer Certified Boot Camp” scheduled for August 16-18 at Holiday Mountain Ski Area in Monticello, NY or an “Enhanced Patroller School” at Swain Resort the weekend of September 13-15th. Go to www.patrollerschool.org for registration details and information about these summer programs. See www.Nspeast.org/certified for details on the Certified Program.
by Bill Zink, Certified Supervisor | Jun 25, 2024 | Division News, National News, Program News, Spotlight Articles
Happy Summer fellow Ski Patrollers. As the new chair of the Eastern Division Certified Program, I am humbled by the outpouring of support our members offer the Eastern Division. I participated in my first ever Eastern Division Spring Officers Meeting. My job was to report to the ED leadership team our accomplishments.
As I prepped for the meeting, I started reviewing what our accomplishments were for the year. Then it struck me that maybe it was time to refresh our fellow patrollers on what the Certified Program is all about. Below is an excerpt from a letter from the National Director of the NSP in 1964 and the directive which created the Certified Program as we know it today.
In 1964, National Director Chuck Schobinger forwarded a committee report from the Southern Rocky Mountain Division to George Wesson, Jr. to work out the details for a ‘Certified’ program. The report read: “It is the desire of the paid patrolmen of the NSPS to continually strive for higher standards for all ski patrolmen. Hence, this Certified ski patrolmen program is instituted to give recognition to those who have devoted the extra time and effort to pursue a course of self-development beyond the minimum requirements of the senior ski patrolmen. This program is necessary for the NSPS to keep pace with the technological developments in the sport of skiing and to encourage ski patrolmen to better fulfill the ever-increasing demands and expectations of ski area management and the skiing public.”
The Eastern Division put together a committee of inspiring New England patrollers, which included George Wesson Jr., Rudy Carlson, Wayne Doss, Dexter Galusha, and Casey Rowley to work out the details and proficiency requirements for a pilot program. It would demand the highest level of proficiency from patrollers through training and testing and would promote a level of patrolling in which there would be no compromise with excellence in skiing, first aid, patrol management, administration, and leadership.
First Certified TestTwo years later, during the 1967-68 season, the pilot program was launched. Thirty-four candidate applications were received. Only eight were accepted. Seven candidates showed up at Wildcat Mountain in New Hampshire for the first ‘Certified’ Ski and Toboggan Exam. PSPA was asked for their help in administering the exam to help give credibility to the program for the professionals. The courses were long and challenging using the most difficult terrain Wildcat had to offer. All seven candidates participating were successful and were invited to the first ‘Certified’ First Aid Exam to be held at Killington in April 1968.
The first aid problems were challenging and realistic, many taken from actual accident reports of some of the most unusual or difficult accident scenarios New England Ski Areas had seen. In some scenarios the actual patients were asked to ‘relive’ their accidents by replaying the roles of patients during the exam. In addition to first aid skills, the candidates would be expected to demonstrate a thorough understanding of patrol/management relationship and ski area operation knowledge.
Interviews were conducted for each candidate as if they were applying for a position of patrol leader at their mountain. In the early years of the program, the interviews were conducted by the actual owners and managers of the ski area. Questions concerning snowmaking and lifts, trail markings and grooming, staffing requirements and payroll, equipment needs and costs, mass casualty plans and risk management, legal and liability concerns, federal, state, and local laws and protocol would all be fair game. All seven candidates again passed this portion of the exam becoming the first NSPS ‘Certified’ Patrollers.
Today’s exam now consists of 10 modules (some modules have multiple components). The modules include Outdoor Emergency Care; Outdoor Emergency Transportation; Avalanche; Outdoor Risk Management; Lift Evacuation; and Low Angle Rescue. The exam takes three days to administer and is in March of each year. A successful candidate has three years to successfully pass all 10 modules. If not successful, you must start again.
To learn more about our program, consider participating in one of our two summer/fall events, a “Summer Certified Boot Camp” scheduled for August 16-18 at Holiday Mountain Ski Area in Monticello, NY or an “Enhanced Patroller School” at Swain Resort the weekend of September 13-15th.
Go to www.patrollerschool.org for registration details and information about these summer programs. See www.Nspeast.org/certified for details on the Certified Program. A special thanks to Peter Neefus for the history!
by Heather Newman, Women's Supervisor | Jun 25, 2024 | Division News, Program News
Heather Newman, Women’s SupervisorI would like to introduce myself, Heather Newman, as the next Women’s Advisor for the Eastern Division. I grew up skiing at a small (one T-bar, six runs) mountain in Northern Maine and started my patrol career in 2010. Since 2013, I have been a volunteer patroller at Saddleback in Rangeley, Maine. I am a Senior Patroller, an OEC Instructor, and an OET TE. Over the past six years, I have worked with the Maine Region as the Women’s Advisor and am very excited to take on my new role.
When asked why I enjoy teaching at Women’s-only events, I refer to comments the attendees made to me during and after the event: “I have never done that before; that was so cool,” “Thanks for taking us to the edge of our comfort zone with confidence,” “You believe I can, I believe I can,” and “Thank you and your friends for showing us women are strong patrollers.” I look forward to working all over the Eastern Division to bring more of those moments to the women of our patrol.
My family and I recently moved to Central Vermont and I look forward to skiing and getting to know patrols in the area.
by Deborah Whalen, Genesee Valley Nordic Advisor | Jun 25, 2024 | Division News, Program News, Region News
The Genesee Valley Region hosted its first MTR (Mountain Travel and Rescue) Women’s Clinic, “Women in the Wild,” on June 2, 2024. An energetic group of 24 women from regions throughout New York State and New Jersey representing 10 different alpine and Nordic patrols attended and were able to refresh and/or be introduced to a combination of skills.
The participants utilized a combination of Patroller Moodle School lessons followed by a day of field exercises. We were blessed with pleasant weather while we explored the woods and trails at Harriett Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area overlooking beautiful Honeoye Lake in the Finger Lakes area of New York State.
These amazing ladies were introduced to nutrition as it pertains to outdoor travel and the increased caloric needs. In the field we put into practice our map and compass navigation skills while following a predetermined course as well as locating features off in the distance.
Outstanding teamwork contributed to efficient emergency fire-starting using multiple methods to create a spark and/or flame. Further along the trail emergency shelters were created and the group was able to view and discuss the multiple approaches to constructing a shelter.
A variety of natural resources combined with items from their 10 essentials were put into use. Great camaraderie allowed for new skill practice through teamwork and sharing of equipment and ideas as we traveled on a variety of terrain offered by the park.
Everyone then took some time amongst the trees for some forest bathing during a yoga session led by Kay Colner, ERYT-500, CIAYT. We wrapped up the day with a shared meal at Noble Sheperd Craft Brewery wishing happy travels to our new friends from throughout New York State and New Jersey. Special thanks to Eastern Division MTR Supervisor Joni Hamilton-Porter, Genesee Valley Region Women’s Program Advisor Pam Welch, and Eastern Division Patroller School Orest Ohar.
Please see the Eastern Division Calendar for other MTR and/or Women’s Program offerings https://www.nspeast.org/calendar.html
