by Tim Franz, Bike Supervisor | Apr 2, 2026 | Program News
For most of you, your patrolling season is about to end. But bike patrollers are just now preparing for our upcoming season! Many of the bike patrollers you see out there are, in fact, year-round patrol members, also serving as alpine or Nordic patrollers in the winter.
Coming this Summer from the Bike Program
• Watch for upcoming events and news. The bike program is still developing and growing across our division. Bike patrollers across the U.S. serve in many areas, including urban roads/gravel trails, in XC/backcountry locations, and at downhill/gravity bike parks (these work more like the typical alpine patrol).
• Curious about bike patrolling? Come to one of our summer bike patroller schools! Any NSP member is welcome, including hosts, physician partners, alpine patrollers, and Nordic patrollers. As of now, we have two scheduled. The first will be in June/July in the Genesee Valley Region and will be XC-oriented. The second is scheduled for September 12-13, 2026 at HoliMont Bike Park in WNY and will be at a downhill park.
• If you’d like to learn more about bike patrolling or get some bike training, we have instructors who are ready to teach classes in WNY, GVR, EMARI, WMASS, NJ, SVT, and EPA.
• Interested in getting qualified to teach in the bike program? Talk to a bike program region advisor, one of our instructors, or email Tim Franz (Bike Program Supervisor) or John Wolf (Assistant Bike Program Supervisor).
by Sue-Ellen Helmacy, Awards Supervisor | Apr 2, 2026 | Division News, Program News, Spotlight Articles
Eastern Division has a New Award! The Red Merit Star fills a unique and necessary recognition gap—honoring patrollers whose instinct, training, and intervention made a profound difference, even when the patient may not show or present with immediate life-threatening signs.
Unlike the NSP Purple Merit Star, which recognizes life-saving interventions, the Red Merit Star acknowledges situations where timely and skilled action, including load and go, which may have prevented a potentially catastrophic outcome, but where the injury or illness may not have initially presented as immediately life-threatening.
The Red Merit Star recognizes NSP patrollers who demonstrate exceptional emergency care, critical decision-making, and compassion in situations where their intervention was instrumental in preventing a significant negative outcome, or death.
Patrollers may be recognized for incidents in which they worked up to two years back. The process is similar to that of other Eastern Division awards. Further information and the application will be on the webpage shortly.
by Chuck Boyd, Nordic/Backcountry Supervisor | Apr 2, 2026 | Division News, Program News
What a time we had at Pike Glades! The weather was perfect, the snow was deep, and everyone made new friends! Thanks to Orest Ohar and Linda Helms from the Eastern Division’s OET Training Team, we received training in the use of two types of breakaway two-piece toboggans.
One was a two-piece Cascade 100 with belay points and handles typical to the Cascade Legend. The other was a carbon fiber, four-handle AKJA two-piece toboggan. A big thank you to Jay Peak’s ski patrol for letting us use the AKJA! We all learned a lot about running these sleds through the glades.
Our SAR exercise using Caltopo teams had all searchers recovering their hidden prizes. Look for this event again next season, especially if your ski area deals with lost area skiers out of bounds.
If you ever wanted to learn about what Nordic/Backcountry patrollers do, come next year to our annual Bolton Nordic Patroller School at Bolton Valley Ski Resort in Bolton, VT. Bolton Valley has all types of Nordic terrain including XC track/skate, backcountry, and lift served alpine. We will be doing Nordic basic evaluations, Nordic Senior evaluations, SAR lost skier searches, and skiing with a Skedco rescue litter through the woods. As a patroller, learning to use Caltopo in a SAR situation is extremely useful for a successful outcome. Groups will be skiing on all types of Nordic skis, with some riders on AT gear and split boards.
by Rob West, Avalanche Supervisor | Apr 2, 2026 | Division News, Program News
The Avalanche teaching season has come to an end for the Eastern Division. This year we successfully ran two Level 1 classes and one Level 2 class. A total of 44 students completed their Level 1 training, and 12 students completed Level 2.
We had an amazing group of patrollers participate in the programs this year. Everyone was fully engaged in their learning and went above and beyond to complete both their online and in-person coursework.
We also had two new Level 1 avalanche instructors complete their mentorships. Congratulations to Jeff and Val Luby for their hard work and dedication to the program!
Looking ahead to next season, we plan to run three Level 1 classes and one Level 2 class.
In the meantime, remember to continue your training and education during the off-season. This fall you can attend the AMN Refresher (date and location TBD), as well as the Eastern Snow and Avalanche Workshop in Fryeburg, ME in early December.
While most resorts will be closing soon, there is still plenty of backcountry skiing to enjoy. Tuckerman Ravine typically holds enough snow for skiing well into May. This is my home patrol area, so feel free to reach out for current conditions.
Also be sure to follow the Mount Washington Avalanche Center daily avalanche bulletin. Please feel free to reach out anytime if you have questions about the Avalanche Program.
Linda Helms, the Certified Program Avalanche Chair, sent a couple of cool videos from YouTube. Yes, they are regarding avalanches.
The first is from Tuckerman Ravine on 3/15/26. I was patrolling that day and we heard about this slide, and even spoke to the person involved. He said it was about a 6″ crown and comprised of the new snow on the old bed surface which had seen some rain and re-freeze. Someone caught it on video. Pretty cool. Lots of drama. Tuckerman Ravine Avalanche
This next video is of a recent wet slide in the La Sal Mountains of Utah. The La Sals are south and east of the Wasatch so have a more similar snow pack to Colorado (continental vs inter-mountain). La Sal Moutains Avalanche
Also of interest is a recent podcast about an avalanche accident in the La Sal mountains that occurred in 1992. Avalanche Podcast
I have not had the chance to look into further developments of the Sierra Avalanche fatalities from February. I will update when I have the chance. Enjoy the weather, and keep hoping for snow.
by Teigh Southworth, OET Steering Committee | Apr 2, 2026 | Division News, Program News, Spotlight Articles
In the past you may have received emails about renewing your Toboggan Instructor status for the Pro Division. It is important to note there are some differences for Pro Division OET instructors to stay up to date. Here is the scoop.
First, you need to understand how the National Ski Patrol is organized. There are nine Geographic Divisions where predominantly volunteers are registered, and the Professional Division where most of the paid patrollers are registered. Each Division is broken down into regions. The regions in the Professional Division have the same boundaries as each of the Geographic Divisions. Here in the Northeast, we are either members of the Eastern Division, or the Eastern Region of the Professional Division.
The Professional Division does not host its own events, neither does the Eastern Division. All OET events are open to all patrollers regardless of registration. Events may be staffed by instructors from either or both divisions. In fact, Eastern and Pro Division members work together from the OET Steering Committee down to plan and develop OET programs that welcome all who attend.
If you are registered in the Eastern Division, you work with your OET Region Advisor to maintain your instructor status. However, if you are registered in the Professional Division, not only do you have to work with your Region Advisor to maintain your instructor status, but you also have to meet the requirements set by the Professional Division, hence the second set of requirements sent by the Professional Division OET Supervisor, the position currently held by Ray Bryan. Ray typically sends out an email mid-March so that he can get the reappointments submitted to the National office by April 30.
If you are an OET Instructor Trainer, a similar set of circumstances will occur, your Region Advisor will be letting you know what is needed to continue as an Instructor Trainer, but you will also receive an email from Ray with the requirements for maintaining your Instructor Trainer Status with the Professional Division.
Hopefully this helps clear up any confusion for members registered in the Professional Division as to why you have two separate sets of requirements for maintaining your Toboggan Instructor or Instructor Trainer status.
On a closing note, the position of Senior Trainer/Evaluator (TE) is an Eastern Division designation only, it does not exist at the national level, and therefore you won’t be getting a second email about how to maintain that status. Contact your OET RA, Matt Nebzydoski, Eastern Division OET Supervisor or Ray Bryan, Pro Division OET Supervisor if you have any questions.
by Chuck Boyd, Nordic/Backcountry Supervisor | Feb 24, 2026 | Division News, Program News
Highland Forest in fresh snow.
Are you ready to be signed off as a Nordic senior or would you still like additional training with the division staff? If so, come join us at Bolton Valley, VT on the weekend of March 21-22, 2026. Bolton Valley has some of the most diversified terrain in the division. It allows us to evaluate XC skiing, backcountry skiing, and alpine touring.
If you are looking to complete your Nordic/Backcountry basic or senior, or train for Nordic Master, come out and join us. Registration is on patrollerschool.org or contact the Nordic/BC Program Supervisor Chuck Boyd.
Registration is still open for the Pike Glades event, but it is filling up. We currently have two slots left. This backcountry event is a must for all uphill skiers, whether you are on telemark skis, alpine touring skis, or a split board. Besides learning uphill technique, we will ski the glades, run toboggans in the glades, and focus on lost area skier SAR techniques for those patrollers who have to go look for riders who duck the ropes and head out of bounds at your area.
Nordic Senior evaluation L-R Tyler Lewis, Jennifer Jones, & Sten Winborg
Sten Winborg teaching classic Nordic skiing
Nordic Fest was a blast and a bit chilly, but everyone braved the cold and learned new skills. Our PSIA instructors did a fantastic job of teaching both skate and classic lessons as the program strives to make better skiers of our Nordic patrollers. Sunday, we conducted both Nordic basic and senior evaluations. This has become an annual event, and I’ll let a few pictures tell the rest of the story.
by Allan Miller, Alumni Supervisor | Feb 24, 2026 | Division News, Program News, Spotlight Articles
THIRD ANNUAL EASTERN DIVISION PATROLLER AND ALUMNI EVENT
Stratton Mountain, Vermont – March, 15–20, 2026
Join us again for the Third Patroller and Alumni event. It will be a week of skiing, information, camaraderie, and après ski good times. We will again celebrate our shared passion for skiing and patrolling! Be there for as long as it’s fun for you! We hope you can stay the whole time, but your stay is up to you! No charge for notable alumni and patroller events. All costs for lodging, lift tickets, and meals are on you.
UPDATED INFORMATION 2/19/26
DATES: The event will coincide with their “Friends and Family Week”, March 15 – 20, 2026
LODGING: Stratton Mountain is AGAIN providing rooms for $99 per night plus tax and VT fees at Black Bear Lodge for the week of the event. This rate is for 1 or 2 people per room. The link for reservations is on the Patroller School website or call (800) 787-2886. Promo Code NSPA26.
LIFT TICKETS: Stratton Mountain is AGAIN giving us a great “Friends and Family” rate of $35.00 per day plus tax. Valid for the week of the event. Lift tickets will be available either through the reservation link or the outside ticket window on the uphill side of the Base Lodge. Identify yourself as a participant in the National Ski Patrol Alumni group and buy the appropriate number of 1-day tickets. Promo Code NSPA26.
OTHER EVENTS: Several after-dinner events are being planned. Last year’s events were well worth the time and a BIG BONUS to the week. Details and schedule of these events will be forthcoming.
Mark your calendars and be part of this unforgettable event. More details will be sent periodically.
VERY IMPORTANT: Let us know if you are coming or if you are interested in getting more information as it becomes available by using the Eastern Division Patroller School link.
Come for a day or come for the whole week. We can’t wait to see you there.
Organized by the Alumni Advisors of the Eastern Division for any member of NSP and their families.
by Betsey Reeves, Safety & Wellness Team | Feb 24, 2026 | Program News, Spotlight Articles
Let me start by introducing myself: I have been an NSP patroller for 42 years. I have patrolled at three different ski areas, one small and two larger ones, all in the New England area. I was also an EMT with the local fire department for 35 years and am still an OEC instructor.
I have been to many first aid scenes, including doing CPR on a 17-year-old on the side of a ski trail. In years past, I have felt confident about my skills; however, I am just too stressed about first aid to want to continue patrolling. Here is what it is in my head when I am patrolling now:
“Injured adult reported on Tom’s Thumb, possibly halfway down the trail.” The report comes in via the area radio, and I instantly jump up as it is my turn to take the call. My stomach turns into jelly as I grab my patrol jacket and fanny pack to head out. My head is going around and around, ‘Where is that exactly?’, ‘Why is my stomach in a knot?’, ‘What if I miss it?’, ‘What if I screw up?’’?
I see my skis but have trouble getting into them; ‘Why can’t I just snap into them?’ ‘Will I need my poles?’ ‘No, faster without them, but they help me balance!’ ‘Maybe I should have taken a tobo.’ ‘No, I can radio back up if there really is someone injured.’
‘I realize this might be the most direct route, but I haven’t skied it today, and I don’t feel comfortable with the conditions. I should have skied it earlier. ”Big mistake! ’, ‘what if I fall,’ ‘just lost an edge, damn,’ ‘why do I do this?’ ‘I don’t want to see an injured person. What if I don’t know the correct way to handle the injuries? What if they are unconscious?’
‘My legs feel like jelly,’ ‘I am really nervous,’ ‘What am I going to find?’ I am really uncomfortable making decisions about what I find for injuries. “I should have taken a run 10 minutes ago; then I wouldn’t have been at the top.’
‘Why do I continue to do this?’ ‘My stomach is in knots; I shouldn’t have eaten lunch.’ ‘What if I throw up?’ ‘That would be terrible; there is so much stress wearing the white cross.’
All of those thoughts are typical of what goes through my head on the way to a scene or even while waiting for a call at the top. So much stress! I just don’t enjoy this part of patrolling anymore. What to do about it?
Can it be considered ‘burnout’? How to handle letting others know I just don’t want to do this part of it anymore. I still feel as if I have a lot to give to patrolling; I just don’t want to be that stressed out anymore. It takes all the joy out of patrolling, but I really love the group of patrollers I work with. What to do about it?
I want to believe there is a place for all who desire to continue to serve others as we progress through ski patrol. We just need to feel safe to express our concerns, and we need to have good listeners with creative solutions.
It’s okay to not feel normal when things are changing inside us. It’s not okay to feel alone and unsupported.
For more information about how to deal with stress, visit: https://www.nspeast.org/stress-awareness-resources.html
by J.J.Sargent, CNY MTR Advisor | Feb 24, 2026 | Program News
Due to the extremely cold temperatures forecast for Cascade Lake, NY, the Nordic Fest course was relocated to a “warmer” location at Highland Forest, Fabius, NY.
The team of Andrew “Lebo” Lebowitz, Erik Winarski, Jacob Dunnohew, James Wolff, John Ghidiu, and Ryan Schuyler, led by IOR Dave Martel and Nick Kreilach exhibited their proficiency in backcountry mountain rescue.
Battling the winds and below zero temperatures, these rescuers demonstrated navigation skills and conducted search and rescue operations, extrications, low angle rescues, and patient care in remote locations. Proper clothing selection, winter camping, and wilderness skills were evaluated by the instructors and tested by Mother Nature. It was a busy weekend, and we managed to stay warm by keeping moving. Everyone seemed to appreciate the realistic and detailed “hands on” field work. We didn’t just do training…we performed rescues.
All patrollers involved proved they are an “asset not a liability” in a difficult mountain rescue incident.
