NATIONAL SKI PATROL
Western Appalachian Region
NORDIC SKI PATROLS
Schedule of Events
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2011-2012 Courses, Clinics, and Other Events
Saturday October 8
Laurel Mt. Volunteer Group Trail Maintenance Day Laurel Summit Area of Forbes State Forest
Join members of our Nordic patrols and other forest user groups for a day of volunteering to keep our ski trails in top shape. Coordinated by the Pa. Bureau of Forestry. Activities generally include trimming brush, blazing, and improving drainage along the trails. Following this event, volunteers are invited to a banquet hosted by the Bureau of Forestry. Contact Nordic Patrol Volunteer Coordinator Andy Cook. Email: ACook@SomersetTrust.com
Saturday October 29 - Sunday October 30 (Note change in dates)
Mountain Travel & Rescue Level 1 (MTR 1)
Hosted by Ski Sawmill, located near Williamsport, Pa. This is the NSP's core mountaineering course, designed to introduce participants to techniques for traveling and working in reasonable safety and comfort in a winter environment. The course includes both indoor and outdoor activities encompassing such subjects as survival skills; clothing and equipment selection for winter camping and travel; emergency shelters; search & rescue; navigation & route selection; roped rescue; cold weather nutrition & medical concerns; and group dynamics. These are followed by an overnight campout at the ski area. (Anyone who chooses not to camp will receive the MTR Fundamentals credential.) Open to Nordic and Alpine patrollers, and to anyone with an interest in mountain travel or patrolling. Advanced registration is required. Contact Regional Nordic Advisor Jerry Timcik.
Saturday December 17 - Sunday December 18
Mountain Travel & Rescue Level 2 (MTR 2) Preliminary Session
Hosted by Ski Denton at Denton Hill State Park, Pa. This course provides participants with the knowledge and skills to cope successfully with winter emergencies, and to take care of themselves and others in the most adverse weather conditions. It also equips patrollers with the skills to function in an effective support role on search and rescue teams. It builds on the skills learned in the prerequisite MTR 1 course (see above) with more in-depth training and field work. This Preliminary Session includes one day of primarily classroom activities, followed by an overnight campout at the ski area. Participation is required in order to attend the MTR 2 Final Exercise (see below). Open to Nordic and Alpine patrollers, and to anyone with an interest in mountain travel or patrolling. Advanced registration is required. Contact Regional Nordic Advisor Jerry Timcik.
Saturday January 14
Nordic Clinic for Alpine Patrollers
Kooser State Park & Forbes State Forest, Pa. Alpine patrollers are invited to gain insight into the world of their Nordic counterparts by joining them for a day on the trails. In addition to receiving some guidance on how to bring their Nordic skiing skills to the next level, participants will learn to improvise emergency toboggans, splints, and shelters in remote backcountry situations. Advanced registration is required. Contact Regional Nordic Advisor Jerry Timcik.
Saturday January 21
Intro to Avalanche Safety & Rescue
Hosted by Hidden Valley Ski Resort. Introduces fundamental principles of avalanche hazard, safety, and rescue. This course is open to patrollers and to anyone with an interest in the subject, and qualifies as a Senior elective. Advance registration is required. Contact John Boburchuk.
Saturday February 18 - Monday February 20 (Note change in dates)
Mountain Travel & Rescue Level 2 (MTR 2) Final Exercise
Hosted by Ski Denton at Denton Hill State Park, Pa. This culmination of the MTR 2 course builds on and puts into practice the skills acquired during the prerequisite MTR 2 Preliminary Session (see above). It consists of 2 days of outdoor activities and travel in winter conditions, including 2 nights camping in a remote setting. Open to Nordic and Alpine patrollers, and to anyone with an interest in mountain travel or patrolling. Advanced registration is required. Contact Regional Nordic Advisor Jerry Timcik.
Dates TBD
Nordic Senior Clinics
Kooser State Park and Forbes State Forest, Pa. Intensive, individualized training in skills required for Nordic patrollers to attain Senior status. These sessions include coaching and practice in skiing techniques; navigation and route selection; toboggan fabrication and transport; low-angle rescue; and emergency bivouac. Contact Regional Nordic Advisor Jerry Timcik.
