Best Pacific Northwest Division of the NSP Podcasts (2025)

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Shared Stress, Common Ground: Proven Wellness Lessons from First Responders Beyond the Slopes (Part 2 of 2) 40:57

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2d ago40:57

40:57

Wellness isn't just a buzzword—it's a critical component of performance for those who respond to emergencies on the mountain and beyond. This revealing conversation, recorded at the Pacific Northwest Division's annual 2025 Convention, brings together an extraordinary panel of experts from across the first responder spectrum to share hard-won insigh…

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Shared Stress, Common Ground: Proven Wellness Lessons from First Responders Beyond the Slopes (Part 1 of 2) 36:48

4d ago36:48

36:48

Wellness isn't just a buzzword—it's a critical component of performance for those who respond to emergencies on the mountain and beyond. This revealing conversation, recorded at the Pacific Northwest Division's annual 2025 Convention, brings together an extraordinary panel of experts from across the first responder spectrum to share hard-won insigh…

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Water, Snow, and Fire: The Elements of Kathy’s Journey-(Part 3:3) What Happens When Recognition Meets Humility on the Mountain? 31:54

17d ago31:54

31:54

When someone dedicates decades to emergency services, the impact ripples outward in ways they may never fully witness. Kathy's story exemplifies this powerful truth as she shares her remarkable journey through the National Ski Patrol system. We continue with Kathy in Part 3... The PNWD History Project: Shirley Cummings, the official history project…

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Water, Snow, and Fire: The Elements of Kathy’s Journey-(Part 2:3) Jacket Colors & White Crosses: The World of Ski Patrol 26:21

22d ago26:21

26:21

We continue with Kathy Alexander as she shares her extensive career journey in ski patrol and outdoor safety, highlighting the significant changes in equipment, uniforms, and training methods over her decades of service. The PNWD History Project: Shirley Cummings, the official history project coordinator, (& all around fabulous lady), has been on a…

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Water, Snow, and Fire: The Elements of Kathy’s Journey-Part 1 26:01

1M ago26:01

26:01

Kathy's professional path exemplifies how ski patrol skills translate across emergency services. After transitioning from volunteer to paid patrol, she became Mount Bachelor's Safety Administrator (Risk Manager), then joined Bend Fire as a paramedic in 1994. Her first aid journey began much earlier—as a Girl Scout lifeguard in the 60's—creating a f…

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Memories as a pioneering ski patroller and nurse:(Part 2:2) Cinnamon Rolls and Yellow Merit Stars, A Patroller's Tale 42:55

1M ago42:55

42:55

Carol Fountain takes us on a nostalgic journey through her remarkable career with the Bogus Basin Ski Patrol, revealing how morning meetings became history lessons and cinnamon rolls turned into coveted prizes. Her leadership philosophy centered around recognition—making sure every patroller felt valued for their contributions, something she believ…

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Memories as a pioneering ski patroller and nurse:(Part 1:2) When we had no radios and so much more 33:26

2M ago33:26

33:26

Carol Fountain shares her 50-year journey with the National Ski Patrol at Bogus Basin, Idaho, providing a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of mountain rescue from the 1970s to today. Her perspective as both a nurse and longtime patroller reveals how emergency care, equipment, and ski culture have transformed over five decades. The PNWD Histor…

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From Bottle Caps to Rescues: The Evolution of Mount Hood Ski Patrol (Part 2 of 2) -(Click link in description for pictures) 41:26

2M ago41:26

41:26

Ski Patrol Has Changed, But Friendship Remains the Heart of Service. Longtime Mt Hood patroller, Gordy Winterrowd shares insights from his 50+ years of service, reflecting on the evolution of rescue equipment and the changing relationship between volunteer and paid patrol staff. Click here to see the pictures he is describing while chatting with us…

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From Bottle Caps to Rescues: The Evolution of Mount Hood Ski Patrol (Part 1 of 2) (Click link in description for pictures) 43:54

2M ago43:54

43:54

Imagine watching ski patrollers descend a darkened trail with injured skiers on sleds, sometimes hearing their cries of pain. For 9-year-old Gordy Winterrowd, these powerful moments sparked a calling that would lead to 57 years of service with the Mount Hood Ski Patrol. Listen in to learn more about his own and Mt Hood Ski Patrol's History! Click h…

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Avalanche Rescues, Red Jackets and Patrol Evolution. Continuing the "Chat" with Gary Burke & Shirley Cummings! 57:07

2M ago57:07

57:07

Join us as we continue our “Chat” with Gary Burke as he shares his impressive legacy in ski patrol and search and rescue operations across the Pacific Northwest, recounting dramatic rescues and the evolution of mountain safety over decades. His stories highlight the dedication required to protect visitors to the slopes and the extraordinary efforts…

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The snow never stopped falling on volunteers...(Part 2:2) Steve, Gary & Shirley on Tobogganing Tales and Transformative Change in NSP 1:10:22

2M ago1:10:22

1:10:22

Continuing with Steve Rolfe Part 2:2. Also joining in...Gary Burke and Shirley Cummings. Listen to veteran ski patrollers share stories that trace the evolution of ski patrol from the 1950s through present day, revealing how regional differences, equipment innovations, and standardization efforts shaped modern mountain rescue systems. Welcome to Pa…

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The snow never stopped falling on a volunteer patroller's four-decade adventure. (Part 1:2) 1:06:49

2M ago1:06:49

1:06:49

What happens when a 17-year-old joins ski patrol in 1967 and stays for more than four decades? Steve Rolfe's journey through 42 years of Pacific Northwest ski patrol reveals not just his personal story, but the fascinating evolution of mountain safety, leadership, and ski area management. (Part 1 of 2; Friend Shirley Cummings in audience) The PNWD …

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What Happens When Service Becomes A Way Of Life? 50:52

3M ago50:52

50:52

When Jim Trett first joined ski patrol in 1984, he could barely make it down the mountain. "I'm doing my make a pie and try not to fall down," he recalls with a laugh. That reluctant skier would go on to serve an incredible 40+ years as a patroller, including 33 years being on Mt Hood Ski Patrol at Mount Hood, OR before transferring to Santiam Pass…

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From Wilderness Emergency Care to Modern Aid Rooms: One Patroller's Evolution 40:10

3M ago40:10

40:10

Barbara Lierson shares her remarkable journey in the National Ski Patrol since 1988, from her early days at Marshall in Missoula to her current role at Summit Central at Snoqualmie Pass. Her unique perspective highlights the evolution of ski patrol protocols, training approaches, and the challenge of integrating new patrollers with longtime veteran…

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From 1960 to Today: Six Decades on the Slopes 1:07:17

3M ago1:07:17

1:07:17

Frank Rossi's life story reads like a cultural history of American winter recreation. The 80-year-old ski patroller, who joined the National Ski Patrol in 1960 at just 17 years old, shares six decades of memories that span from wooden toboggans to modern rescue equipment, from an era before CPR to today's advanced medical protocols. Note: Recorded …

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Nursing the Slopes: A Colonel's Journey Through Ski Patrol, an Amazing Ride! 50:00

3M ago50:00

50:00

Few people embody the spirit of "Service and Safety" like Mary Lou Robinson. After joining the National Ski Patrol in 1988 while serving as an Army nurse, Mary Lou's remarkable journey spans five divisions, multiple continents, and countless lives touched along the way. Join us as we Chat with Marylou! Note: Recorded at a previous convention, pleas…

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Bonus: Volunteers Created America's First Adaptive Ski Program (S2-Skiers2) at Hyak. S1:Bonus... 7:39

3M ago7:39

7:39

Shirley Cummings explains how "S2 Skiers2" began at Hyak Ski Area in the PNWD and its amazing efforts between various ski resorts in helping those needing a bit more assistance in learning how to ski. Pioneering well before the ADA was established. Note: Recorded at a previous convention, please disregard background noises. (2023) The PNWD History …

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The Cummings have served skiers at Hyak since 1965, witnessing decades of mountain evolution! 42:37

3M ago42:37

42:37

Step back in time with Shirley and Gary Cummings, with this extraordinary couple whose experiences bridge skiing's wooden ski era to today's modern mountain operations of ski patrol service at Hyak (now Summit East). They offer a fascinating glimpse into skiing's transformation since the mid-1960s. Note: Recorded at a previous convention, please di…

Pacific Northwest Division Of The NSP Podcasts

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Patroller Chats

Pacific Northwest Division of the National Ski Patrol

1
Shared Stress, Common Ground: Proven Wellness Lessons from First Responders Beyond the Slopes (Part 2 of 2) 40:57

1
Shared Stress, Common Ground: Proven Wellness Lessons from First Responders Beyond the Slopes (Part 1 of 2) 36:48

1
Water, Snow, and Fire: The Elements of Kathy’s Journey-(Part 3:3) What Happens When Recognition Meets Humility on the Mountain? 31:54

1
Water, Snow, and Fire: The Elements of Kathy’s Journey-(Part 2:3) Jacket Colors & White Crosses: The World of Ski Patrol 26:21

1
Water, Snow, and Fire: The Elements of Kathy’s Journey-Part 1 26:01

1
Memories as a pioneering ski patroller and nurse:(Part 2:2) Cinnamon Rolls and Yellow Merit Stars, A Patroller's Tale 42:55

1
Memories as a pioneering ski patroller and nurse:(Part 1:2) When we had no radios and so much more 33:26

1
From Bottle Caps to Rescues: The Evolution of Mount Hood Ski Patrol (Part 2 of 2) -(Click link in description for pictures) 41:26

1
From Bottle Caps to Rescues: The Evolution of Mount Hood Ski Patrol (Part 1 of 2) (Click link in description for pictures) 43:54

1
Avalanche Rescues, Red Jackets and Patrol Evolution. Continuing the "Chat" with Gary Burke & Shirley Cummings! 57:07

1
The snow never stopped falling on volunteers...(Part 2:2) Steve, Gary & Shirley on Tobogganing Tales and Transformative Change in NSP 1:10:22

1
The snow never stopped falling on a volunteer patroller's four-decade adventure. (Part 1:2) 1:06:49

1
What Happens When Service Becomes A Way Of Life? 50:52

1
From Wilderness Emergency Care to Modern Aid Rooms: One Patroller's Evolution 40:10

1
From 1960 to Today: Six Decades on the Slopes 1:07:17

1
Nursing the Slopes: A Colonel's Journey Through Ski Patrol, an Amazing Ride! 50:00

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Bonus: Volunteers Created America's First Adaptive Ski Program (S2-Skiers2) at Hyak. S1:Bonus... 7:39

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The Cummings have served skiers at Hyak since 1965, witnessing decades of mountain evolution! 42:37