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!
by Peter Frykman, NH OET Advisor | Jan 18, 2025 | Division News, Program News, Spotlight Articles
Join us at the Patroller School dedicated to only Telemark and Snowboard on Saturday and Sunday, February 8-9 at Waterville Valley, NH.
What makes this patroller school different from all the others? There are only snowboarders training snowboarders and telemark skiers training telemark skiers. This small event is limited to 20 snowboarders and 20 telemark skiers, assuring a great teacher-to-student ratio.
We’ve brought together a collection of top snowboard and telemark NSP toboggan instructors. They will help you up your sled game. If you just got your jacket last year or are training for your Senior OET credential these trainers have the skill and experience to bring you to the next level. Our cadre of snow sports instructors from the AASI and PSIA are among the best in New England.
Waterville Valley is known as the “Home of Freestyle Skiing” and was the host of the 1971 and 1972 National Championships of Exhibition Skiing. These were the first national-level freestyle competitions. Waterville Valley has grown into a hub for world-class competitions, hosting 11 Alpine World Cup races, 5 US Freestyle Championships, 1 US Alpine Championship, and numerous freeski and snowboard US Revolution Tours. Waterville has become the go-to early-season training venue for multiple boardercross, big air, and alpine race teams.
The upper slopes of the resort are known as “High Country” and are the location of a full-sized boardercross course, a cluster of big air/slopestyle jumps, a mogul training course, and a set of slalom/giant slalom training lanes. High Country was the pre-season training venue for the US Boardercross and Paralympic Snowboard teams. Before the women’s World Cup races at Killington, many FIS Alpine race teams came to train up on High Country including the US, Slovenian, Croatian, Canadian, Albanian, and New Zealand teams.
This year Waterville Valley is hosting the 2025 Toyota Waterville Freestyle Cup which is part of the World Cup Mogul Series. This event will be on Lower Bobbies one of the steepest World Cup Mogul courses. Waterville has a wide range of terrain on its 67 slopes and is blessed wi
th a great snowmaking and grooming team.
Join us at Waterville and learn from top-flight instructors on world-class terrain. This event was a huge success last year and what the attendees liked the most was that they were instructed by folks from their chosen snowsport. To find out more information and to register for this event follow this link to the Patroller School website.
by Chuck Boyd, Nordic/Backcountry Supervisor | Jan 18, 2025 | Division News, Program News
See you on the snow!Well, the new year kind of wreaked havoc with our snowpack leaving us firm to icy conditions, or no snow at all. But here in the east Mother Nature has a way of correcting herself. Our western regions received a good amount of lake-effect snow. This set us up nicely for Nordic Fest.
Our second event at Pike Glades in NH is still in the planning stages and registration should open soon. Patrollerschool.org is the place to find out more information and to register.
Our OET staff is putting more emphasis on skate skiing this season. This is the fastest-growing aspect of our sport, and who doesn’t want to look like Jessie Diggins? With trail running becoming so popular in the other seasons, runners have taken to skate skiing to enjoy the winter season and maintain their aerobic fitness.
Others of us just do it for fun. To help us all learn the skating techniques, we have recruited PSIA L3 Track and Skate instructors to help provide this training. Even alpine patrollers should take a break from constantly going downhill and try this style of Nordic skiing. It’s a great way to balance your fitness and prevent overuse injuries.
While I was getting ready to drive into that lake-effect snow my yard was green. That does not work for us. We finally got some serious cold weather and snow. I hope to see many of you at our Nordic/Backcountry events, and if you notice a Subaru buried in a snowbank with a set of ski tracks heading into the woods, come and join us.
by Jessie Miller, Assstant Division OET Supervisor | Jan 18, 2025 | Division News, Program News
This year the Senior OET Evaluation includes two major updates to the format of the evaluation. The changes aim to make the assessment more relevant and practical, mirroring how these critical patroller skills are used in practice.
Patroller Skills-Blended Skills Run
Moving forward, all Senior Evaluations in the Eastern Division will evaluate patroller skills as a blended skills run, including snowplow, sideslip, moving change in direction (i.e. transition or pivot slip), and a static change in direction in a designated location (i.e., kick turn, wedge and match, jump turn or static 180 for snowboards).
In years past, a Senior Candidate would complete patroller skills separately, performing a snowplow run and a sideslip run. In practice, when a patroller is handling a toboggan they use a BLEND of these skills to achieve a smooth ride for the patient.
Loaded Toboggan & Tail Rope – Traverse
A traverse is now included in the loaded toboggan run. The driver and tail rope candidates demonstrate the ability to work together as a team to traverse around an obstacle. In a practical sense, the traverse will simulate getting around a rock, tower, bare patch, or other obstacle while safely transporting an injured patient. Consider how each of these changes ties into the Toboggan Fundamentals!
Toboggan Fundamentals
• Employ sound judgment to ensure the safety of the toboggan handlers, passenger, and public.
• Use a blend of Technical Fundamentals, along with chain/rope management, to control the speed and direction of the toboggan.
• Use Route Selection and other Tactical skills to optimize the path of the toboggan to safely arrive at a scene or transport a patient.
• Employ appropriate Communication between toboggan handlers, passenger, and public.
Really Cool Resources
You have questions? We have answers! The FAQs in the Standard Operating Procedure aim to address questions regarding the updated Senior Evaluation format. These, and more, can be found on the:
Patroller School OET homepage.
Senior Evaluation Standard Operating Procedure
OET Trainer Evaluator Handbook (i.e. the Flip Book)
Reach out to your local TEs and Regional Leadership to learn more and get involved in the Senior Program!
by Craig Larson, YAP Supervisor | Jan 18, 2025 | Division News, Program News
The Eastern Division Young Adult Program Staff has been planning, prepping, and preparing for this year’s Eastern Division Young Adult Summit at Smugglers’ Notch. Young Adult Patrollers from Maine to West Virginia will gather at Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Jeffersonville, VT. from March 7 to 10 for three days of hands-on training, competition, friendship, and fun.
Smugglers’ Notch Resort has tons of terrain: long turn cruisers, steeps, trees, terrain parks, and Black Hole, the only TRIPLE BLACK DIAMOND in the east. With 2610 feet of vertical rise this is the YAP event to attend.
Those who have been to a Young Adult Patroller Summit speak highly of the training and fun they had.
“What a great event. There aren’t other Young Adult Patrollers where I ski. I never knew there were so many. I’ll be back next year.” – First-year attendee
“I look forward to showing off my patroller skills at this event each year. This event gets bigger and better each time I attend. I love walking away with free stuff.” – Third-year attendee
If you have never attended an Eastern Division Young Adult Summit, this is the year to participate. If you have attended this event before, come again! Here’s what you get by attending this event:
-
- Three nights of lodging (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
- Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday
- Dinner on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Lift Tickets for Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday
- Hands-on Skills training
- Patroller Skills competition
- Mystery events
- FREE swag
ALL for $475.00!
More information regarding the YAP Seminar can be found on the Eastern Division webpage, patrollerschool.org, Facebook, and Instagram. Check our social media pages often as information is updated, swag is promoted, or goodies are given away.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Dec 18, 2024 | Division News, Program News
The Eastern Division has so much to offer patrollers. Take advantage
of events that are currently listed on the Eastern Division Calendar.
For information, go to the calendar and click on the event, go to the
Patroller School website, or contact the Program Advisor.
1/8 Patroller Stress Awareness Forum, ZOOM
1/11-12 Nordic Fest, Highland Forest, Fabius, NY
1/17/25 Certified Pre-Test, Sugarloaf, ME
1/18-19 Sugarloaf Patroller School, ME
1/24-26 Level 1 Avalanche, Whiteface, NY
1/25-26 Elk Mountain Patroller School, PA
1/25-26 WISP Patroller School, MD
1/31 Certified Pre-Test, Killington, VT
2/1-2 Killington Patroller School, Killington, VT
2/3-5 Level 1 Avalanche, Smugglers’ Notch, VT
2/8-9 Waterville Valley Tele/Snowboard School, NH
2/8-9 Gore Mountain Patroller School, NY
2/8-9 Plattekill Patroller School, NY
2/12 Patroller Stress Awareness Forum, ZOOM
3/7-9 Level 1 Avalanche, Mt. Washington, NH
3/7-9 Winter Division Officers’ Meeting
3/7-10 Young Adult Patroller Summit, Smugglers’ Notch, VT10
3/12 Patroller Stress Awareness Forum, ZOOM
3/13-16 Certified Annual Exam & Meeting, Jay Peak, VT (invitation only)
3/31 Memorial Fund Scholarship Applications Due
by Eric Kreckel, OET Steering Committee | Dec 18, 2024 | Division News, Program News
Currently, in the Eastern Division, there are over 800 toboggan instructors, over 200 senior trainer-evaluators, and over 100 instructor-trainers. At a division level, we are responsible for validating and submitting new instructor applications, instructor renewals, and instructor-trainer appointments to the national office annually.
To simplify the administrative tasks required to manage these, improve our accuracy, and provide transparency to the instructors themselves, the steering committee has developed and deployed the “Smartersheet” application. We encourage every toboggan instructor in the division to log into the app and review the status of their record.
The new and improved NSP Eastern Division OET help desk let’s you:
• View your instructor record
• Submit self-reporting items• Submit new instructor applications
• Submit instructor renewal applications
• Submit TTW or STW teaching observations
To gain access, use the ‘Forgot password?’ link on the login page and enter your email address. If the email address entered matches what we have on your record, a password reset link will be emailed to you. Otherwise, please submit a ticket to the OET Help Desk. This OET Help Desk also provides additional details on the capabilities of this app.
If there are any discrepancies in your record, please contact your OET RA. The steering committee will then work with your RA to make any necessary corrections and get them processed through the national office if necessary.
by Matt Nebzydoski, OET Supervisor | Nov 18, 2024 | Division News, Program News
OET has been working hard all summer to prepare for the upcoming season. This winter we will introduce new initiatives including the first version of the Toboggan Fundamentals, updating some components of the Senior OET assess⇒ment, new online Moodle School course offerings, and version 2.0 of the OET TE Handbook. This December, OET Staff will meet with Regional and National ski and toboggan leadership at Killington for our annual training. The updates will be communicated through patroller schools and regional clinics.
What are the Toboggan Fundamentals? The Toboggan Fundamentals are launching this season across the divisions and include four statements that we believe are present at all levels of toboggan handling and tail rope work from candidates to certified patrollers. They capture the safety, technical skills, route selection, and communication necessary for safe patient transport.
Toboggan Fundamentals
→ Employ sound judgment to ensure the safety of the toboggan handlers, passengers, and the public.
→Use a blend of technical fundamentals and chain/rope management to control the speed and direction of the toboggan.
→Use route selection and other tactical skills to optimize the toboggan path to safely arrive at a scene or transport a patient.
→Employ appropriate communication between toboggan handlers, passengers, and the public.
OET Moodle School Course Offerings
New OET courses for this season will include a course titled Building Great Instructors focused on the integration of the PSIA-AASIA Learning Connection Model into our training. The introduction focuses on how great instructors blend excellent technical skills with a strong knowledge of teaching and people skills to connect with learners. Expect to hear more about this theme as the season progresses. We have also updated our instructor, TE, and IT prep courses. OET recommends that any patroller interested in progressing in their skills check them out, and especially encourage aspiring toboggan instructors and TEs to take advantage of the wealth of information contained in each course module.
Senior Program Updates
The Senior OET Assessment will be updated this year to include some new elements and increase the relevance of testing components. OET Skills will be combined into one run rather than artificially isolating the skills. Candidates will demonstrate the skills needed for the terrain they are navigating and incorporate the skills into their toboggan and tail rope work. A loaded toboggan traverse will also be included that will have driver and tail rope candidates demonstrate the ability to work together as a team to traverse around an obstacle. In a practical sense, the traverse will simulate getting around a rock, tower, bare patch, or other obstacle while safely transporting an injured patient. The goal is to make the assessment more relevant and advance the skills required in senior terrain. More information and senior training opportunities will be available at patroller schools and regional OET clinics throughout the season. Reach out to your local TEs and Regional Leadership to learn more and get involved.
