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 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 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 Judy Valachovic, GROC Bike Patrol | Oct 14, 2024 | Program News, Region News
The Genesee Valley Region held its third annual Women’s Mountain Bike Enhancement Seminar at Dryer Road Park, a mountain biking trail network outside of Rochester, NY. This joint event between the Women’s Program and the Bike Program kicked-off with a comprehensive bike safety check, ensuring that all participants were properly equipped and ready to ride. Judy Valachovic organized the day.
The three instructors—Anne Schweighardt and Alexa Harding, part of the local racing and mountain biking scene, as well as Case Morrill, a local rider, instructor, GROC bike patroller, and Bristol Mountain patroller led several team-building exercises to foster a sense of camaraderie and trust among the group. This foundation of safety and teamwork set the tone for an engaging and supportive atmosphere throughout the mountain bike event.
The highlight of the day was two hours of mountain biking instruction and riding led by the three instructors. They carefully designed the instruction to accommodate all experience levels, from beginners to more advanced riders. Each participant had the opportunity to learn new skills, refine their technique, and build confidence on the trails.
After an invigorating ride, they enjoyed a calming yoga session to stretch and relax. The event concluded with a shared lunch, providing a perfect moment for reflection and connection, where participants exchanged stories, celebrated accomplishments, and strengthened the bonds they formed that day.
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 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
by Trail Sweep Staff | Feb 16, 2024 | Division News, Spotlight Articles
The Eastern Division and the NSP offer a variety of events, programs, and opportunities for all patrollers. The following are calendar reminders of some of the opportunities available in the next few months. Click on the links for more details.
WOMEN’S PROGRAM EVENT
Gore, ENY – February 24-25
PATROLLER STRESS AWARENESS FORUMS
Begin March 13, 2024, at 7 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 872 9811 1272
If you have any questions, please contact Melinda Mingus, MD, Eastern Division Patroller Stress Awareness Advisor by email or phone 646-522-1451
WOMEN’S PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIP
The application and additional information can be found on the Women’s Program Scholarship page accepted through March 15, 2024
YAP SUMMIT 2024
Smugglers’ Notch, VT – March 8-11, 2024
CERTIFIED EXAM
Sugarbush, VT – March 14-17, 2024
POWDERFALL
Vail. CO
APRIL 10 – 14, 2024
Register Now
