The Eastern Division of the National Ski Patrol
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Safety & Wellness Program

Safety for All

The Eastern Division Safety & Wellness Team promotes safety awareness for mountain guests, patrol members, and the communities we serve. Through public outreach, educational programs, wellness initiatives, and regional collaboration, our goal is to reduce accidents and injuries while fostering a culture of safety throughout the division.

Our team supports safety events at ski areas and community gatherings, including January Safety Days, Warren Miller events, and other public programs that educate guests on topics such as lift safety, helmet use, and responsible skiing and riding. These events also provide opportunities to introduce the public to the National Ski Patrol and encourage future membership.

For patrol members, we promote safety and wellness through annual refreshers, educational campaigns, stress awareness initiatives, and support for the Patrol Stress Awareness Team. We help connect patrollers with resources following critical incidents and work to prevent stress-related injuries.

The team also serves as a resource for regional safety concerns, helping facilitate communication, share best practices, and support Eastern Division leadership. At major public events, we proudly represent both the National Ski Patrol and the Eastern Division while advancing our mission of Safety for All.​

Patroller Stress Awareness

Patrollers may experience stress following a difficult call, serious injury, fatality, or other critical incident. The Patroller Stress Awareness team provides information, peer support, educational resources, and guidance on where to seek additional help.

Visit Patroller Stress Awareness Resources

Safety Campaigns

Public Safety Initiatives
Patrol Safety Initiatives
  • Lift Safety
  • Equipment Checks
  • Helmet Usage
  • Know the Code
  • Take-A-Break
  • Speed Control
  • Lift Backpack Safety
  • CPR for Women
  • Stress Awareness
  • Patrol Stress Awareness Team Support

​Travel Team

The Travel Team is a dedicated group of Safety & Wellness volunteers who extend the Eastern Division's safety mission beyond the mountain. By participating in community events, outdoor recreation venues, industry gatherings, and major sporting events, the team promotes safety awareness while representing the National Ski Patrol and the Eastern Division.

​Through engaging conversations, educational displays, and interactive safety activities, team members connect with skiers, riders, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. These interactions help reinforce safe practices, increase public awareness of National Ski Patrol programs, and inspire future volunteers.

What we do

  • Promote safety awareness and education
  • Support recruitment and membership growth
  • Increase awareness of National Ski Patrol programs
  • Represent the Eastern Division at public events
  • Build relationships within outdoor communities
  • Support safety and wellness initiatives
​Whether attending a community festival, sporting event, trade show, or safety awareness program, the Travel Team serves as ambassadors for the Division and champions our commitment to​ Safety for All.
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Eastern Division Safety Team Members at an event
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Leadership, Regional Advisors & Assistants

Leadership Role Name Contact
Program Supervisor Kathy Fitzpatrick Email
Tent Coordinator Dallas Coffman Email
Communication Liaison Betsey Reeves Email
Swag Manager Dan Scully
Region / Area Advisor / Assistant Contact
Connecticut (CT) Melanie Muszynski Email
Central New York (CNY) Vacant
EMARI Vacant
Eastern New York (ENY) Kerry Brousseau Email
Eastern Pennsylvania (EPA) Jenn Rinker
Peter Kaufman, MD (Liberty)
Erika Toren (Whitetail)
Email
Genesee Valley Jeff Welch Email
New Hampshire (NH) Bob Wright Email
Maine (ME) Elizabeth Bell-Folsom
Bill Andrew, Assistant
New Jersey (NJ) Brian Smith
Mike Zimak (YAP)
Email
Northern Vermont (NVT) Jesse Remmey Email
Southern Vermont (SVT) Ned O'Rourke Email
Western Appalachian (WAPP) Bryant Hall Email
Western New York (WNY) Doug Levy
Richard Smulski, Assistant
Email
Western Massachusetts (WMA) Dave Sacchitella
Paul Zielinski, Assistant
Email
Mountain Hosts Richard Kaufman Email

Terrain Park Safety

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(click the image to visit the Terrain Park Safety website for more information)

Know The Code 2022

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Skiing and snowboarding can be enjoyed in many ways. At areas, you may see people using alpine skis, snowboards, telemark skis, cross country skis, and other specialized equipment, such as that used by the disabled. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the code listed below, and share with other skiers and riders the responsibility for a great skiing experience.
​
  1. ​Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
  2. People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
  3. Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
  4. Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
  5. You must prevent runaway equipment.
  6. Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
  7. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
  8. You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
  9. Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
  10. If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.


A Young Skier Saved by STOP THE BLEED Training

Read a compelling story of how "Stop The Bleed" training helped save the life of Jonathan Davis, during his U-16 run at Whiteface. Like most everyone else in the race, his skis were razor sharp. As happens so often in slalom, he hooked a tip and his ski came off. Jonathan’s GMVS coach, Tim Curran, caught the fall on video. It was a bummer, but the fall seemed pretty tame. When Curran panned back down to Jonathan, he saw a long dark streak in the snow and realized that something was seriously wrong - read more here
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Kathy Fitzpatrick
Safety
 Advisor
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