by Matt Nebzydoski, OET Supervisor | Jan 21, 2026 | Division News, Program News
Here’s a great opportunity for some skill building before Senior tests kick off.
Eastern Division is offering two exciting Patroller School opportunities close to home—join us at Gore Mountain in the Adirondacks or Belleayre Mountain in the Catskills!
These events are a great opportunity to build and refine your skiing/riding and toboggan handling skills while learning alongside fellow patrollers.
What to Expect
Patroller School is a two-day OET event focused on skill development and progression:
- One full day with a Level III PSIA instructor focused on skiing or riding
- One full day with Division OET Staff focused on toboggan handling and applied skills
These events are engaging, supportive, and designed to promote meaningful growth—while having a lot of fun on snow.
📍 Gore Mountain
- Gore Women’s Toboggan Clinic – Friday, Feb 27
- Gore Patroller School – Saturday–Sunday, Feb 28–March 1
The Gore Women’s Clinic may be taken as a stand-alone, one-day event, or added to Patroller School for a three-day experience.
📍 Belleayre Mountain
- Belleayre Patroller School – Saturday–Sunday, Feb 28–March 1
👉 Register now: PatrollerSchool.org
We hope you’ll join us for an outstanding weekend of learning, skill-building, and connection.
Think snow,
by Matt Nebzydoski, OET Supervisor | Nov 19, 2025 | Division News, Program News
This February the OET, Certified, and Women’s Programs are teaming up for an awesome week of learning, testing, and training in Vermont.
The events kick off on Thursday, February 5 at Sugarbush with a “Steeps, Bumps and Trees‘’ clinic led by Eric Jordan, PSIA Examiner and Sugarbush local, along with Certified Patroller Matt Nebzydoski, Eastern Division OET Supervisor and Teigh Southworth from the OET Steering Committee Members.
Plan to work on improving your technical and tactical skills on some of the best ungroomed terrain in the East. All levels of patrollers are welcome; however, participants should be comfortable skiing on ungroomed black terrain. The clinic will be an ideal opportunity for those patrollers working to build their skills for upcoming Senior or Certified level assessments.
In addition, OET Instructors and TEs who attend will be provided coaching tips on assisting the patrollers they work with back home. **Due to a limited number of available tickets and instructors the focus will be Alpine skis this year. We hope to expand the program to include tele and snowboards in the future. Sign up early so you don’t miss out.
The fun moves to Killington on Friday with a Women’s Toboggan Clinic and Certified Pre-test. The women will spend the day running sleds with some of the best female instructors in the division, followed by an après ski gathering. Certified Candidates will pre-test to qualify for the exam at Sugarloaf in March.
This all leads to the famous Killington Patroller School for Saturday and Sunday. The patroller school includes two days of the best 
toboggan handling and skier, tele, or snowboard enhancement you can get. Newer NSP members may not realize the rich tradition of the Patroller Schools that were originally started to provide opportunities to train with the best. Sticking with tradition, Certified Patrollers and Division Staff will be leading the groups and sharing their knowledge and skills. Participants get one day of OET skills and toboggan handling and the other day working with top PSIA coaches to work on personal ski/ride skills. Patrollers interested in the Certified program can sign up for the Intro to Certified program which provides an overview of the tested modules. Whatever your goal is for the weekend there will be a group that fits.
Finally, to help participants that need reasonably priced lodging we have bunks available for the weekend. Join the instructors and staff who will be staying at the Turn of the River Lodge. It will be a great opportunity to unwind after a busy day on the slopes and chat around the fire with OET, Women’s, and Certified Leadership. Expect some après fun and camaraderie with fellow patrollers from across the East.
Tickets for all patroller school and OET events are available here. https://www.patrollerschool.org/events/divi-home/outdoor-emergency-transportation/ They go on sale the day after Thanksgiving.
by Matt Nebzydoski, OET Supervisor | Sep 13, 2025 | Division News, Program News
Yes, it’s very steep!
OET Steering is excited to announce a diverse lineup of events across the division for the upcoming season. These events offer valuable opportunities for patrollers to learn, grow, and connect with fellow patrollers.
Patroller Schools have a rich history of providing patrollers the opportunity to learn from the best instructors, including Division Staff and Certified Patrollers. In fact, the Elk Mountain, Maine, and Killington Patroller Schools can trace their history back more than 30 years when they were founded by Certified Patrollers looking to share their expertise.
Patroller Schools are awesome opportunities for patrollers at all levels to grow their OET skills and enjoy the camaraderie of meeting fellow patrollers from outside their home mountains. Events will include Senior, Women’s, and Certified level training. Schools will also offer top level PSIA coaches to help hone your ski, snowboard, and tele technique.
In addition, instructors and TEs will have several Ski Trainer Workshops (STWs) to choose from to help maintain and grow their skill sets. We will continue our theme of “Building Great Instructors” for a second year as we provide multiple opportunities for instructor development.
Here is a tentative list of this season’s events. More details to come in the coming months in Trail Sweep and at Patrollerschool.org.
Patroller Schools
1. Timberline/Canaan Valley – Jan 10 – 11
2. Maine Region – Jan 24-25
3. Elk – Jan 24-25
4. Plattekill – Jan 31-Feb 1
5. Sugarbush (Steeps, Trees, and Bumps) – Feb 5 tentative
6. Killington – Feb 7-8
7. Gore – Feb TBD
Ski Trainer Workshops (STWs) Dates TBD
1. Jay Peak
2. Sugarbush
3. Catamount
4. Holiday Valley
5. Waterville Valley
6. Ski Liberty
7. Sugarloaf
by Bill Zink, Certified Supervisor | Jul 4, 2025 | Program News
The NSP Certified Program is a performance-based leadership program that provides an opportunity for patrollers to learn and be tested on critical patroller skills/knowledge. The program has a distinguished history with many of its members serving in national, division, regional, and local patrol leadership positions. Certified patrollers have a history of commitment to giving back, fostering learning, and progressing core patroller skills over the years.
Success in the program is hard-earned, requiring a real commitment to mastering multiple patrol-related disciplines, often over multiple years, across regions and divisions, to gain a vast and deep knowledge/skill base. Through the program, our members not only build a best-in-class level of expertise but also a sense of camaraderie with fellow patrollers as they work outside their local patrol/region.
Your preparation to participate will provide a unique opportunity to learn from others, broaden your experience, and sharpen your skills. Admission is not automatic. To apply as a candidate, an applicant’s credentials are reviewed by a committee to ensure a minimal level of experience, a commitment to the program, and a track record of leadership and support of their local patrol/region.
Qualified individuals are invited to participate in the annual certified exam. This exam is an intensive 3-day event that tests all aspects of your patrolling skills. During the season, multiple events are hosted, including a summer boot camp, to help hone skills and prepare candidates to be successful.
The Certified Program has six core components examining physical endurance, knowledge, and experience, all requiring individual study and travel. The six core components are Avalanche, Outdoor Emergency Care, Outdoor Risk Management, Rope Rescue, Skiing and Riding, and Toboggan Handling. The specifics of each component can be found below in a document titled Certified Program Operations Manual.
This member-driven and approved standard is without compromise, where excellence is mandatory and the contents of exams are constantly evolving to remain current with best practices and industry standards.
Over the past years, we have concluded that we make great patrollers even better through a combination of training, education, and teaming opportunities. We are working hand in hand with the National Ski Patrol to develop future leaders and excellent patrollers. We have a significant pipeline, and we continue to engage and expand our reach into the ranks of the NSP, including active participation in all levels of training, testing, leadership development, and diversification of the NSP across every program offered.
by Anna Hermann, WAPP YAP Advisor | Apr 15, 2025 | Program News
Every March, without fail, I look forward to the Eastern Division YAP Summit. It’s a significant event for many young adults, but I’m just like them—eager to hit the slopes, ski the trees and bumps, and find the good trouble we can get into. I’m always excited to learn something new (you’re never too old to learn something new), to watch the YAPs in the enhancement track gain confidence and knowledge in just three short days, and to see the competition groups cheer each other on. Of course, the awards banquet is always bittersweet. I’m never quite ready for the weekend to end, but I’m thrilled to see where the YAPs place and what cool swag they win. It’s truly an honor to return each year as a shepherd—arguably the best role anyone can have over the weekend, aside from being a YAP.
At the 2025 Summit, the staff decided to try something completely different—something far from the usual outdoor evening activity. The groups had the unique opportunity to create their senior-level scenarios and run them as instructors. Various chaperones, staff, and other adults were invited to participate as patrollers on the scene. For those fortunate enough to be there, well, it’s one for the books. Kudos to the creativity of these young adults!
A kind parent shared a few words about their YAP, whom I had the honor of shepherding and chaperoning—someone I hadn’t met before the event. This will be marked as the weekend she learned how to ski the bumps!
From the parents’ perspective
—I just wanted to thank you and your team for such a great event this past weekend.
—My daughter had a fabulous time.
—She made great friends, challenged her skills, and significantly grew her confidence.
—She is already excited to sign up for next year.
—I thought the event was extremely well-organized and well-run.
—Everybody was so nice and accommodating. I felt 100% comfortable letting my daughter go and do her thing.
—Your hard work did not go unnoticed.
—I cannot say enough good things.
—Have a great rest of the year and see you next year!
—Thank you again for such an amazing program.
Did somebody say SWAG?
This year didn’t fall short of being amazing. There was great skiing, fantastic OET and OEC instructors, and, best of all, an OUTSTANDING group of Young Adults! This year’s event was the largest by far, with 83 YAPs! That may seem like a large number, and no doubt it is, but over the weekend, shepherds get to know all their YAPs and unique backstories. We are truly fortunate in the Eastern Division to have such a strong program, where the hard work of the staff at every level—from division, region, and mountain—culminates in an event like this, reflecting the dedication and effort that flows through this division program. This is the future of our division; these are our future leaders.
by Amy Reinink, ENY Women's Program Advisor | Apr 15, 2025 | Program News
Our student took a deep breath, then grasped the toboggan handles.
“OK,” she said. “I’m going to send it.”
This retired Air Force veteran and new ski patroller had come to the Eastern New York Women’s Clinic at Gore Mountain on March 22 to gain confidence pulling sleds. A chorus of encouragement rang out from other participants.
Yes, it’s very steep!
“You’ve got this.”
“That’s it!”
“You’re doing it!”
A couple of hours later, I heard the same chorus as two other participants guided a toboggan over the headwall of Lies, one of Gore’s steepest runs. As they approached the bottom, the chorus morphed into shouts of celebration.
For the three women who participated on March 22, that camaraderie, encouragement, and shared vulnerability made it possible for them to push their limits while having a blast.
That vibe was present at women’s clinics throughout the Eastern Division last season.
In Northern Vermont, Women’s Program Advisor Geneviève Talbert held three sessions throughout the region. At Smugglers’ Notch on January 26, eight women of varying abilities honed their skills, from a candidate still undergoing OET training to an advanced group that practiced belaying techniques in a glade and over rocky, icy, steep terrain.
At Burke Mountain on February 10, eight participants skinned uphill, then met for hot chocolate at the summit. They gathered and divided into groups for a GPS search on the skiing run down. After lunch came a discussion on how to pack for a search and rescue and a session on a rescue SKED. And at Mad River Glen on March 10, 13 participants skied, pulled sleds, and practiced OEC.
Magic Mountain patroller Jennie Sakimura experienced the camaraderie of a women’s program firsthand at the two-day Women’s Skiing Skills and Toboggan Handling Enhancement Seminar as part of Killington Patroller School.
Here’s her description: As a Basic Patroller who learned to ski after age 40, I’ve often found confidence on the slopes to be elusive. This clinic provided more than just technical instruction—it offered a supportive environment where fundamental skills finally “clicked” for me.
We’re ready to show off our skills.
Toboggan handling on challenging terrain pushed me beyond my comfort zone, but with the encouragement of our instructors and fellow female participants, I discovered new ways to think about the way I ski and learned new strategies. It was such a gift to have the space to practice new skills, and the camaraderie among our group created a special, encouraging dynamic that was so energizing. Our instructors were equipped with impressive skills and achievements, and were able to relate to the group, which made complex techniques accessible and achievable.
After two exhausting but exhilarating days at Killington, I returned home with more than just improved technique. I carried with me a newfound confidence and felt an enduring breakthrough in my skills. I cannot recommend this program enough. It’s not just about becoming a better skier and toboggan handler; it’s about discovering a community, learning, and finding joy in pushing your boundaries.
by Bill Zink, Certified Supervisor | Apr 15, 2025 | Division News, Program News
Peter, Becky, Vinny, RJ, and Certified Program Chair Bill Zink
The Eastern Division recently held our annual Certified exam and banquet at Jay Peak with over 118 participants lying in the snow as OEC patients and observing our eight candidates show their stuff in skiing, toboggan skills, lift evacuation, low-angle rescue, avalanche, and outdoor risk management. Of course, Jay Peak delivered an excellent venue, terrific skiing, and amazing and challenging terrain. Four of the eight candidates were successful. They include Vinny Romano #870, Becky Rubin #871, Peter Buss #872, and RJ Bouchard #873.
A heartfelt congratulations to all four of these candidates. Vinny, Becky, and Peter were in their third and final year to be successful. RJ was in his second year. These new Certified Patrollers represent the Eastern Division well. They hail from Western Pennsylvania, Western New York, Connecticut, and Vermont resorts. These new members are already in leadership positions across the division, and we look forward to seeing their contributions in the future.
The Certified Program is a performance-based leadership program that provides an opportunity for all patrollers to learn and be tested on critical patroller skills and knowledge. The program history dates back almost 60 years, when the national chair requested some East Coast patrollers develop a leadership program that would span both the volunteer and professional patroller organizations and skill sets.
Upcoming events include a summer boot camp in the EPA region in August. Specifically, Vail Resort Ski Roundtop in Harrisburg, PA, will host us from August 15-17. The Enhanced Patroller School will also be offered again at Swain Ski Resort in Genesee Valley Region on the weekend of September 12 – 14. Both events will challenge the instructors and participants in all their skills and offer great camaraderie and adventure. Next year’s exam will be at Sugarloaf, Maine, in March 2026.
Again, congratulations to our newest Certified Members!
by Jason Tamulen, OEC Supervisor | Apr 15, 2025 | Division News, Program News
National Ski Patrol’s YAP Summit Prepares the Next Generation of First Responders
The National Ski Patrol (NSP) Young Adult Patrol (YAP) Summit returned to Smugglers’ Notch, VT, from March 7–9, 2025, promising to be one of the most immersive and dynamic experiences yet. This year’s focus was real-world emergency care, with participants engaging in intense Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) scenarios designed to test their skills under high-pressure conditions.
The central theme of this year’s summit was a full-scale deck collapse simulation—a challenging scenario that required participants to assess and manage patients amid a chaotic and high-stakes environment. With over eight simulated patients suffering from various traumatic injuries, young adult patrollers had to think quickly, collaborate effectively, and rely on their training to triage and treat patients efficiently.
A Weekend of Learning, Competition, and Collaboration
The YAP Summit is not merely a training event; it’s an opportunity for young patrollers to showcase their skills in a competitive setting while honing their outdoor emergency care techniques. The weekend included both competitive and enhancement groups, each crafted to build expertise and confidence. The competition occurred on Saturday during two sessions for Groups A and B. On Sunday, the focus shifted to the enhancement groups, Group C and Group D. Young adult patrollers faced timed, high-intensity scenarios that demanded teamwork, quick thinking, and precise execution of OEC protocols.
Double backboards
With over 80 participants divided into four groups, evaluators assessed performance using a strict point-based scoring system. The addition of a scored Patient Assessment Station provided further challenges to demonstrate their expertise. Meanwhile, enhancement groups concentrated on skill refinement and patient care techniques, including pelvic and hip assessments, management of impalement injuries, bleeding control, airway management, and spinal motion restriction (SMR). Participants had access to specialized equipment such as airway mannequins, oxygen tanks, defibrillator trainers, and sled bags and backboards for trauma care.
A Unified Effort: Behind the Scenes of the YAP Summit
Behind this action-packed weekend was a dedicated team of evaluators and mentors, many of whom have been involved with the program for years and have greatly contributed to its success. Their role was to observe, score, and provide critical feedback, helping young patrollers improve their ski patrol response skills. Each scenario featured two evaluators to ensure fairness and consistency in scoring.
To keep things efficient, rotations were scheduled, and each scenario lasted a maximum of 20 minutes—a true test of time management and rapid assessment skills. Equipment also played a crucial role. On Friday night, YAP participants familiarized themselves with sled bags, backboards, and oxygen kits, ensuring they were comfortable using all available tools by the start of the scenarios.
It’s called TEAM BUILDING.
It’s About FUN!
One of the most exciting aspects of this year’s summit was the opportunity for young adult patrollers to collaborate in their groups on creative, interesting, and challenging scenarios. The YAP participants took the lead in designing unique emergencies, putting their advisors in the hot seat as they navigated the unpredictable scenarios created by the young patrollers. This role reversal added an element of fun and ingenuity to the event, fostering a deeper sense of tea
Why It Matters: Preparing the Next Generation of First Responders
Ski patrol involves more than just assisting injured skiers—it’s about being prepared for any situation. Events like the YAP Summit provide young adult patrollers with hands-on experience in simulated disasters, which enhances their ability to handle real-life emergencies with confidence and precision. By the end of the weekend, participants had not only tested their skills in a high-pressure environment but also built lasting connections with fellow young adult patrollers from across the country.
These experiences foster camaraderie, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to safety—qualities that define the best of the National Ski Patrol. Whether competing, enhancing their skills, or supporting their peers, every young adult patroller walked away with valuable lessons that will benefit them both on and off the slopes.
by Heather Newman, Women's Supervisor | Feb 18, 2025 | Division News, Program News
The Eastern Division’s Women’s Program is off to a fantastic start for the 2024-2025 season, with successful clinics that have drawn great enthusiasm and participation. The program continues to provide opportunities for women of all skill levels to improve their mountain sports abilities, try new activities, and connect with like-minded peers.
The program has hosted clinics at Elk, Killington, Smugglers’ Notch, Gore, Plattekill, Wisp, Labrador, and Burke Mountain this season. In addition to ski and toboggan enhancement, the program has offered guided uphill skiing, skiing/riding, GPS search and navigation, and Nordic.
- Participants have been excited by the opportunity to try new activities and refine existing skills in a supportive and encouraging environment. We’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many women expressing their appreciation for the camaraderie and expert instruction encountered at each clinic. Here’s what a few participants had to say:
- “This was a fabulous clinic organized and run by experienced, informative women. The instructors worked very well together to provide a comprehensive and fun day with the attendees. I learned more this day than expected!” – Labrador Mountain participant
- “Great instruction with positive encouragement and a can-do attitude. It was powerful, and I am thankful to the instructors for being inclusive to all levels!” – Megan S., Smugglers’ Notch Clinic
- “Creating a safe space for women to step outside their comfort zones with some amazing instructors. I felt supported every step of the way!” – Smugglers’ Notch participant
- “The pre-event organization and communication were matched with highly skilled instructors. Their ability to identify improvement needs, demonstrate techniques, and communicate concisely made this program highly successful.” – Elk Mountain participant
Looking ahead, we’re excited to announce the next clinics:
• Blue Mountain (EPA) on February 23
• Otis Ridge (WMA) on March 2
• Mad River Glen (NVT) on March 10
We are also thrilled to offer the Women’s Program Scholarship in Memory of Deborah Stitt again this year. Deborah had the opportunity to attend an Eastern Division Patroller School, where she was empowered to continue her patrol journey and support other women patrollers in developing their leadership skills within the National Ski Patrol (NSP). More information about the scholarship can be found at Patrollerschool.org.
Be sure to check out our Facebook page, National Ski Patrol – Eastern Divisions Women’s Program for a listing of upcoming events and additional details!
As the season progresses, the Women’s Program will continue to offer these clinics to foster a sense of community, adventure, and skill-building among women in the division. Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to get involved!
