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, we hope this site provides you with the direction and inspiration to join us. Our region is proud to offer award-winning bike patrols (both Urban and Alpine), Nordic patrols, and lift-served Alpine patrols.

As you explore the site, be sure to check out the eleven patrols that make up the Mother Lode Region. Our region stretches from the mountains east of Fresno, up the Sierras, to the Central Valley Sacramento Area, and all the way up to the Cascade Mountains of Shasta.

The MLR is composed of primarily lift-served Alpine ski patrols, ranging from very small patrols to larger ones in terms of member numbers and resort size. I hope you find something that sparks your interest, and please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Welcome Members

Hello Happy Holidays to the Mother Lode Region Members! OEC Cycle C refreshers are done, with the exception of a few makeups that need to happen sooner than later. 

With the Holidays fast approaching most, if not all of us, are waiting and praying for snow that will hopefully come in time for the Christmas and New Years season. Time to function test and tune those boards and skis!

Please check out the MLR calendar for our upcoming training sessions and events throughout the region. 

Time to challenge yourself and pursue your Senior OEC or Toboggan training this season? Our Region has several opportunities to do so.

Patrol Representatives

As we move into Winter and our ski seasons, here are some things to consider for you and your members:

• Winter Meeting: You are voting members and will make up the quorum at our upcoming Meeting on Jan. 24th at Boreal with Zoom Option. Thank you, Patrol Reps, for all the work you do! You have one of the toughest jobs in the NSP.

• Developing/Mentoring Seniors and Instructors: 

  • Mentoring Instructors: Now is the perfect time to set up  instructors with instructor Mentees. Mentoring is often overlooked at many levels and is absolutely an integral part of growing and developing the skill levels of members. Remember the ID course is needed and is available online for instructor candidates. Members who wish to become instructors should first approach your PR to gain their approval and signature on the appropriate mentoring form. Your Region Contact for Instructor Development is Brent Thompson. You can find his contact information on our MLR officers listing. 

  • Senior Certification: Entering the Senior Program also requires a signature from your PR and significant effort by other Senior Patrollers to guide you through the process successfully. I strongly encourage Patrol Reps to encourage and promote the Senior Certification for their qualified members as it does many things to create stronger and better patrollers. Your Region Contact for the Senior Certification Process and Program is Julie Winter. You can find her contact information on the MLR Officers list as well.

Important Dates & Events for All NSP Members

On the menu bar mouse over General Info and then select Calendar and Events from the drop down.

Closing Thoughts

It is a privilege to serve as your Region Director. As I enter my fourth year I am blessed to be healthy and enjoy the outdoors with my Patrol Families. I have had the opportunity to meet so many members of the MLR and am looking forward to meeting even more of you this season on the snow.

I look forward to another season of training, evaluations, challenges, and adrenaline-fueled moments of accomplishment. Remember that no matter the outcome of your NSP endeavors—successful or not—you’ve won. You’ve pushed yourself, become a better patroller, and, most importantly, a better person.

Happy Holidays!

William J. Borelli

Mother Lode Region Director