Patroller Chats

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 made when emergencies arise. This riveting conversation with both Gary and Shirley t...

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 Patroller Chats. What began as a way to support the history project, led by our own his...

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 History Project:  Shirley Cummings, the official history project coo...

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 Ski Patrol at Hoodoo Ski Area. This conversation reveals an extraordi...

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 veterans.  Note: Recorded at a previous convention, please disregard background noises. (202...

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 at a previous convention, please disregard background noises. (2023)

Stroke ...

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, please disregard background noises. (2023)

The PNWD History Project:  Shir...

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 Project:  Shirley Cummings, the official history project coordinator, (&...

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 disregard background noises. (2023)

The PNWD History Project:  Shirley Cu...