Mother Lode Region

Welcome to the site for the Mother Lode Region of the National Ski Patrol! We would love to see you join us!

Welcome Visitors!

Welcome to the Mother Lode Region Web Page. If you are not yet a member of the NSP it is my hope that this site can give you direction and purpose in becoming one of us, a member of the National Ski Patrol. The Mother Lode Region,(MLR), boasts  both Urban and Alpine award winning Bike Patrols, a Nordic Patrol, and several lift served Alpine patrols. 

As you explore the site  be sure to check out the eleven patrols that make up the MLR. Our region stretches from the mountains east of Fresno up the Sierras to the Central Valley Sacramento Area, then on up to Cascade mountain of Shasta. The MLR is made up of primarily lift served Alpine ski patrols ranging from very small to quite large in terms of member numbers and resort size. Several of these resorts also have
Mountain Host Units, which work closely with the Ski Patrol offering a more guest service and safety focus and  component to the mountain experience.   It is our hope that one or more of these patrols or Units appeals to you. Please reach out to the listed Patrol Representatives for each patrol or me if you have any questions.

Members

With the July 1st date just passing we are now entering into a new fiscal year and a new season of recruiting, bike patrolling, training candidates, and starting OEC classes. Patrol Representatives, their Assistants, and Instructors have much to do before the snow flies. Meanwhile, enjoy your summer activities!

Please check out our calendar frequently on this site. You will find that it mirrors the Far West Division Web Page but has certain elements and dates that are unique to our region. 

Patrol Reps

Upcoming to do lists as we move through Summer into Fall:

• You are voting members that make up a quorum at our upcoming Summer Meeting on August 18th at 6:30 PM

• Submit your financial reports to Treasure Ri Chan preferably before August 1st.

• Submit your patrols leadership changes to myself and or Sarah Horne as soon as possible, if you have not done so prior, so that we can make sure to update the MLR contact list and forward to the Division.

• As your patrols begin to select dates for your annual Refresher please submit to myself or Sarah Horne so we can populate the MLR calendar.

Thank you Patrol Reps for all that you do, you have the toughest job in the NSP!

All NSP Members

Instructors and Instructor mentees upcoming Instructor Summit, both ICE and Instructor Refresher, September 12th, in Sacramento, more details soon….look for the flyer. Remember that as an instructor you must teach at  least one class and complete the instructor continuing education class every three years.

Far West Division Awards September 12th at the Courtyard Sacramento MidTown. More details later.

Updates, News and Challenges

How long have you been a member?  Is it time to up your game and or re engage? Consider honing your skills and help to teach the future members of the NSP and of your patrol OEC. 

Currently, there are two OEC classes in the MLR, one in Sacramento, Contact is Derek Koonce and one in the South Bay, contact is Dave Lavelle. Better yet, if you are not yet a Senior Level patroller and it has been a few years since your candidate year, perhaps it is time to go for it this season!

Closing Thoughts

I have had the privilege of serving as your region director for the past four seasons. During that time I have gotten to meet many, many members of the MLR. We have challenged ourselves, myself included, by training on toboggans together pushing our skill sets both as instructors and as trainees with Alpine Candidates and Senior Candidates. 

I have attended OET/SEM clinics, and refreshers throughout the Region all the while meeting members of the NSP that have become important and vital members of my extended family.  I am looking forward to another season filled with training, evaluations, challenges, and fun filled adrenaline moments of accomplishments and successes. 

Remember, that no matter what the outcome of certain endeavors that you pursue in the NSP, successful or not, you always win, as does your patrol, because you pushed yourself farther and became in the process, a better patroller and undoubtedly a better person!  

See you All soon!

William J. Borelli

Mother Lode Region Director