Session Descriptions link

Session Descriptions

Friday Pre-Conference

Wintergreen Resort Golf

Friday Evening. August 22nd

Refresher For IOR & IT’s Only – Clint Butts (4:00 pm)

Awards – Demystified and Simplified – (Friday night 7:00 pm)
A robust awards and recognition program is an indispensable tool for motivating and retaining patrollers. This is a crash course in who, what, when, where, why, and how to use this vital resource. Bring your laptop and your questions!

BLS CPR course Renewal (Friday night 4:00 pm)

Becoming a Senior Patroller! (Friday night 7:00 pm)
Learn about the NSP Senior Program and how to develop your leadership skills to achieve the credential of Senior Patroller, Senior Alpine Patroller, or Senior Nordic/Backcountry Patroller, as well as (forthcoming) Senior Bike Patroller.  We will discuss the steps required to prepare for and successfully complete the requirements for the OEC module, ski and toboggan modules, nordic/backcountry modules, and aid room module, as well as the elective options.   We will explain the program’s focus on leadership, decision-making, and problem management. Come join us to learn more about advancing your patrol skills and gaining experience.

Saturday: Session 1: 9:15am

First Tracks, Understanding the Grooming process (Session 1 – 9:15am to 10:30am)

First Tracks: Understanding the Grooming Process
This session offers a behind-the-scenes look at the grooming process and the operational decisions that go into preparing slopes for first tracks. We’ll explore key elements of groomer safety, particularly skier awareness and protocols when skiing with active snowcats on the hill. The presentation will also touch on light snowmaking operations that may be occurring during early morning hours. Whether you’re in patrol, operations, or guest services, this is a great opportunity to understand the collaboration and safety considerations that ensure a smooth start to every day on the mountain.

The Next New Thing, Alpine Touring (Uphill Skinning) (Session 1 – 09:15 to 10:30)
Are you ready to earn your turns? In this session, you will learn about why alpine touring is growing in popularity, how to pack for a successful trip into the backcountry, and how you can select gear to start touring whether you are a skier or a splitboarder!

Detachable Lift 101. First Chair: What to look for on the ride UP (Session 1 – 09:15 to 10:30)
This session will cover the basic operation of a detachable lift. Learn how the grip detaches and attaches from the wire rope. We will also discuss how freezing rain and wind affect ski lifts.

Leadership Development (Session 1 – 09:15 to 10:30)
Define your NSP future! “Overview of the new NSP Leadership course” w/ Group exercise.  The National Ski Patrol is launching a new Leadership Development Course.  This course will include over 30 micro-learnings with suggested training tracks focused on “building the bench”.  Get a sneak peek at some of the material from this course.  We will have an open discussion on how patrols can utilize this to build their team.  This course is not just for current leaders, it is for everyone looking to develop their leadership skills!

Session 2: 11:00 am

Adaptive Sports (Session 2 – 11:00 to 12:00)
Join us at the adaptive building for a hands-on exploration of the specialized equipment, such as sit-down skis and tethers, that make skiing accessible and enjoyable for individuals with disabilities. During this seminar, you’ll discover the best practices for working with diverse skiers on the mountain and have the opportunity to ask questions during an open Q&A session. Come learn how to promote inclusivity and empower skiers of all abilities to experience the thrill of the slopes in this informative and interactive Adaptive Adventure.

Vacuum Mattress Full Body Immobilization Review (Session 2 – 11:00 to 12:00)
OEC 6 th edition includes training on the use of vacuum mattress splint. This session will review and demonstrate the principles of operation of a vacuum splint, several methods of moving the patient onto the splint, and some tips and tricks for effective use. Hands-on participation will be dependent on group size and time available.

SnowSports: Fresh Eyes – Movement Analysis to help unlock patrollers stuck in the intermediate zone (Session 2 – 11am to 12:00pm)
Join the Southern Division Snowsports School for a fun and interactive session focused on sharpening your eye for the sometimes subtle technique flaws that can limit your new patrollers from successfully advancing through Alpine OET training. We’ll use ski and snowboard videos, drawing on our combined NSP and PSIA/AASI experience, as well as the experience of our audience members, to build a better understanding and deeper appreciation of student-centered approaches to observe, evaluate, and prescribe your way to better outcomes. This session is geared for OET trainers and any patroller

Session 3: 1:30 pm

Avalanche: Where is Waldo and His Friend? (Session 3 – 1:30pm to 3:00pm)
This year we are amping up your skills and including multi burial rescue. Come learn about avalanche transceivers, how they work, how to find one person, and how to find two people.  We will have races and prizes for those who can find Waldo and his friend the fastest!

Smooth Operator: Techniques for Evaluation (Session 3 – 1:30pm to 3pm)
Visual cues for assessing common sled handling deficiencies 

Reaching the Chair: When Explaining and Coaching from the Ground isn’t Enough (Session 3 – 1:30 to 2:30pm)
How would your resort provide “hands-on” assistance to a guest during a lift evacuation? This session will review, discuss, and demonstrate several methods that can be used to allow a rescuer/patroller to ascend or be raised to a carrier to provide assistance. Note that lift evacuation and supporting activities are a resort responsibility that NSP members may be asked by the local resort to support.

Teach with the Learner for Current and Aspiring Instructors (Session 3 – 1:30 to 2:30pm)
Teaching is a very dynamic and reciprocal process involving the engagement of learners in very purposeful ways. Asking questions, uncovering misconceptions, and giving feedback provide paths for learners to understand the concepts behind the learning. Come to this session to learn practical ways to step up your teaching game!

Session 4: 3:15 pm

Boot Fitting: The Perfect Fit for Your Feet and Performance (Session 4 – 3:15pm to 5:00pm)
(Featuring National Alpine Team for PSIA 2012-2021 “Heidi Ettlinger”)
Greg Hoffmann and Heidi Ettlinger will discuss ski boots/ski quiver choices/binding effects on “the skier system” i.e. person with details on technique effects of equipment especially women and explain how these components relate to safety. https://www.skibootfitting.com/

Petzl (Working at Height) – Lift Towers; Ladder Climbing; Fall Protection, and Rescue (Session 4 – 3:15pm to 5:00pm)
Resort staff (including patrollers) are often expected to climb and perform work on lift towers on a routine (maintenance) or emergency (lift evac) basis. This session presented by Petzl representatives will discuss and demonstrate what equipment and training is necessary to perform this activity safely and in compliance with OSHA regulations. In addition, the rescue of a worker who is suspended by their fall protection gear will be discussed and demonstrated.  Learn more on this Petzl training page: Petzl Professional Rescue

Accident Investigation: All in the Details. (Session 4 – 3:15pm to 5:00pm)
This session will provide an HANDS-ON overview of many critical aspects of the accident investigation process.  We will explore this through the eyes of mountain management, focused on what ski patrollers need on their radar. While every mountain will have its own protocols, we will address scenarios of lift involvement to on-slope incidents, the use of signage, photography, proactive guest education and the basic tools required.  We will explore how the newly implemented technologies like RFID, video surveillance, smartphone apps, and how on-mountain vehicles can affect the results of an investigation. Brett Henyon and Allen McCown joining Michael Barber this year accumulatively bringing over 5 decades of experience in the National Ski Patrol and 3 decades of managing accident investigations.

Low Angle Rescue: How to set up 3:1 (Session 4 – 3:15pm to 5:00pm)
This session will focus on using rope systems for patrol rescue applications.  Focus will be on the fundamentals of mechanical advantage (1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1), proper anchoring systems, and different types of patient moving devices.  This will be a hands-on session and everyone will have the opportunity to practice the skills discussed.

Sunday Morning

OEC Refresher for Non IOR’s and IT’s – Bill Smith (08:00)

Southern Division BOD Meeting (08:00)

Presenter Bios

Greg Hoffmann is a veteran Masterfit University instructor, former board-certified Pedorthist, a long-time boot tester and former PSIA level III Alpine instructor. After ski season, he’s likely to be found in Cape Hatteras, NC which he spends kiteboarding, boating, and fishing commercially with his captain’s license and Missphitty Charters. With over 40+ years in the snowsports industry, Greg is one of the most sought after bootfitters in North America.

Heidi Ettlinger designs and implements educational guides and training services for the snowsports industry. As an entrepreneur and early innovator, she founded Gearing to Go in 2003, a small business that focuses on converting individuals and families into lifelong skiers and riders. Her work includes an extensive portfolio serving rental shops, resort management, outdoor retailers, manufacturers, ski and ride instructors, the National Ski Patrol and many others. Heidi is a Professional Ski Instructor of America (PSIA) National Alpine Team Alumna, serving two terms from 2012-2021. She founded the PSIA-AASI Women’s Summit in 2012 and helped to build their Women’s Council for Equity and Inclusion in 2018. Over the past year she co-founded the World Women’s Snowsport Organization and launched their inaugural Summit in Austria. Connecting individuals with their gear while working closely with manufacturers to integrate their technology with user know-how has always been the mainstay of her career. She has designed and led events for the recreational public and professionals across the United States and internationally. Heidi is renowned for her commitment to snowsports community growth bridging the operating structure of industry partners with hands-on sustainable development strategies.

Michael Barber is the Patrol Director, Emeritus and Advisor to the BOD at Wintergreen Ski Resort. He is a Medic/Firefighter with over 21 years experience in Technical Rescue and works as the Regional Vice-President of Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions for Leviate Air Group. Michael is a Member-at-Large on the NSP National Safety Team. He was awarded a Purple Merit Star in 2019 and was a Finalist for the NSAA Safety Champion in 2021, the same year that Wintergreen Resort was awarded the NSAA Safety Award – Best Overall Safety Program 2021