Patroller Chats

Pacific Northwest Division of the National Ski Patrol
  • 5.0 (1)
  • HISTORY

Join us as we sit down with past and present patrollers, hosts, and friends of the Pacific Northwest Division of the National Ski Patrol to preserve their stories and grow our History Project together. Patroller Chats was started in 2023 for the History Project by Shirley Cummings. Tune in for fun, informative, inspirational, and occasionally spirited conversations, where we explore traditions deeply rooted in history and full of heart. Honoring the NSP Creed: Service and Safety since 1938, we’re preserving our legacy and building lasting connections for the future. Join us on Patroller Chats!

  1. Insight from Veteran Patroller going from previous PNW Division Director to newly elected NSP BOD member.

    12/11/2025

    Insight from Veteran Patroller going from previous PNW Division Director to newly elected NSP BOD member.

    We talk with newly elected National Board member Shelly Urban about the long campaign, how conventions differ across divisions, and why defining our lane as an educational organization safeguards standards nationwide. She shares priorities around OEC consistency, tech modernization, mountain hosts, and wellness. The PNWD History Project:  Shirley Cummings, the official history project coordinator, (& all around fabulous lady), has been on a mission: Collect and assemble an archive of stories and pictures from the different ski patrols within the Pacific Northwest Division. Hence, Patroller Chats was born!  Click to share what you thought about this episode & who or what you might like next. Support the show If you enjoyed this episode of Patroller Chats, please follow and subscribe. We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode and if you know a long-time patroller that we should chat with, send us a message. Please share this podcast with those who love the outdoors while learning some insight and history. Consider becoming a supporter and keeping our history alive. Until our next Patroller Chat: Be Safe, Be Seen, Be Aware, and as always - Know Before You Go!….this has been Patroller Chats. Learn more about the Pacific Northwest Ski Patrol and how to join at: https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/info-compass.html Find more about Patroller Chats:https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/patroller-chats-pnwd-the-podcast.html The History Project can be found at:https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/history.html Safety4All is learning about being safe while enjoying the great outdoors:https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/safety-information.html Consider following our Social media links too!

    50 min
  2. From Flight Decks to Mountain Peaks: How Aviation Safety Transforms Ski Patrol (Part 2:2)

    09/20/2025

    From Flight Decks to Mountain Peaks: How Aviation Safety Transforms Ski Patrol (Part 2:2)

    Part 2: The crossover between aviation and ski patrol safety principles reveals fascinating parallels. Both fields require clear communication during high-stress situations where emotions run high but must be controlled. Perhaps most powerful is Carl's philosophy of continuous mentorship where knowledge flows bidirectionally rather than just from senior to junior members.  The PNWD History Project:  Shirley Cummings, the official history project coordinator, (& all around fabulous lady), has been on a mission: Collect and assemble an archive of stories and pictures from the different ski patrols within the Pacific Northwest Division. Hence, Patroller Chats was born!  Click to share what you thought about this episode & who or what you might like next. Support the show If you enjoyed this episode of Patroller Chats, please follow and subscribe. We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode and if you know a long-time patroller that we should chat with, send us a message. Please share this podcast with those who love the outdoors while learning some insight and history. Consider becoming a supporter and keeping our history alive. Until our next Patroller Chat: Be Safe, Be Seen, Be Aware, and as always - Know Before You Go!….this has been Patroller Chats. Learn more about the Pacific Northwest Ski Patrol and how to join at: https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/info-compass.html Find more about Patroller Chats:https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/patroller-chats-pnwd-the-podcast.html The History Project can be found at:https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/history.html Safety4All is learning about being safe while enjoying the great outdoors:https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/safety-information.html Consider following our Social media links too!

    37 min
  3. From Flight Decks to Mountain Peaks: How Aviation Safety Transforms Ski Patrol (Part 1:2)

    09/10/2025

    From Flight Decks to Mountain Peaks: How Aviation Safety Transforms Ski Patrol (Part 1:2)

    Imagine someone taking the precise, methodical safety systems from commercial aviation and applying them to the dynamic, often unpredictable world of mountain rescue. That's exactly what Carl Peacher has accomplished at Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol, creating a fascinating bridge between two seemingly different environments that share critical safety requirements. The PNWD History Project:  Shirley Cummings, the official history project coordinator, (& all around fabulous lady), has been on a mission: Collect and assemble an archive of stories and pictures from the different ski patrols within the Pacific Northwest Division. Hence, Patroller Chats was born!  Click to share what you thought about this episode & who or what you might like next. Support the show If you enjoyed this episode of Patroller Chats, please follow and subscribe. We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode and if you know a long-time patroller that we should chat with, send us a message. Please share this podcast with those who love the outdoors while learning some insight and history. Consider becoming a supporter and keeping our history alive. Until our next Patroller Chat: Be Safe, Be Seen, Be Aware, and as always - Know Before You Go!….this has been Patroller Chats. Learn more about the Pacific Northwest Ski Patrol and how to join at: https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/info-compass.html Find more about Patroller Chats:https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/patroller-chats-pnwd-the-podcast.html The History Project can be found at:https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/history.html Safety4All is learning about being safe while enjoying the great outdoors:https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/safety-information.html Consider following our Social media links too!

    30 min
  4. Shared Stress, Common Ground: Proven Wellness Lessons from First Responders Beyond the Slopes (Part 2 of 2)

    09/03/2025

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

    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 insights about building resilience in high-stress environments. (2:2 Parts) This Keynote Panel's conversation brought together specialists from crisis response dog teams, fire departments, mountain rescue, police, and the FBI to share their hard-won wisdom about building resilience in high-stress environments. Their insights reveal that while different first responder groups may speak different operational languages, they share common challenges in maintaining mental wellness while performing demanding duties. https://www.hopeaacr.org HOPE Nationwide Canines. Phone: 877-467-3597 Teams - Respond at No Charge Seattle Fire Dept: email Kristin.Cox@seattle.gov  SeattleMountainRescue.org & email: info@seattlemountainrescue.org Bluegritwellness.com & email: ewtung@gmail.com Kristin Cox talked about:  Kevin Gilmartin, Emotional Survivor for Law Enforcement. (“Really for all first responders” per Kristin Cox)https://tendtoolkit.com/emotional-survival-law-enforcement-gilmartin/ Tactical Empathy: an example: https://www.blackswanltd.com/newsletter/when-crisis-strikes-how-to-use-a-tactical-empathy-approachThis concludes the Keynote Panel Discussion. We really appreciate everyone's participation from the panel members, the HOPE Dog teams, and all that attended!  Let’s continue the conversation around wellness, resilience, and innovation within ou Click to share what you thought about this episode & who or what you might like next. Support the show If you enjoyed this episode of Patroller Chats, please follow and subscribe. We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode and if you know a long-time patroller that we should chat with, send us a message. Please share this podcast with those who love the outdoors while learning some insight and history. Consider becoming a supporter and keeping our history alive. Until our next Patroller Chat: Be Safe, Be Seen, Be Aware, and as always - Know Before You Go!….this has been Patroller Chats. Learn more about the Pacific Northwest Ski Patrol and how to join at: https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/info-compass.html Find more about Patroller Chats:https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/patroller-chats-pnwd-the-podcast.html The History Project can be found at:https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/history.html Safety4All is learning about being safe while enjoying the great outdoors:https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/safety-information.html Consider following our Social media links too!

    41 min
  5. Shared Stress, Common Ground: Proven Wellness Lessons from First Responders Beyond the Slopes (Part 1 of 2)

    09/01/2025

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

    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 insights about building resilience in high-stress environments. (Part 1:2)   This Keynote Panel's conversation brings together specialists from crisis response dog teams, fire departments, mountain rescue, police, and the FBI to share their hard-won wisdom about building resilience in high-stress environments. Their insights reveal that while different first responder groups may speak different operational languages, they share common challenges in maintaining mental wellness while performing demanding duties. https://www.hopeaacr.org HOPE Nationwide Canines.  Phone: 877-467-3597 Teams - Respond at No Charge Seattle Fire Dept: email Kristin.Cox@seattle.gov  SeattleMountainRescue.org & email: info@seattlemountainrescue.org Bluegritwellness.com & email: ewtung@gmail.com That wraps up Part 1 of our special convention edition of Patroller Chats. We hope you found inspiration in the stories and strategies shared by our incredible panelists — real-world wisdom from those who know what it means to lead and serve under pressure. As we continue the conversation around wellness, resilience, and innovation in our patrol communities, remember: taking care of others starts with taking care of ourselves and each other. Stay tuned for Part 2, the last half of the Keynote Session where we continue with the amazing Q&A.   Click to share what you thought about this episode & who or what you might like next. Support the show If you enjoyed this episode of Patroller Chats, please follow and subscribe. We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode and if you know a long-time patroller that we should chat with, send us a message. Please share this podcast with those who love the outdoors while learning some insight and history. Consider becoming a supporter and keeping our history alive. Until our next Patroller Chat: Be Safe, Be Seen, Be Aware, and as always - Know Before You Go!….this has been Patroller Chats. Learn more about the Pacific Northwest Ski Patrol and how to join at: https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/info-compass.html Find more about Patroller Chats:https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/patroller-chats-pnwd-the-podcast.html The History Project can be found at:https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/history.html Safety4All is learning about being safe while enjoying the great outdoors:https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/safety-information.html Consider following our Social media links too!

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

    08/20/2025

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

    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 coordinator, (& all around fabulous lady), has been on a mission: Collect and assemble an archive of stories and pictures from the different ski patrols within the Pacific Northwest Division. Hence, Patroller Chats was born!  Click to share what you thought about this episode & who or what you might like next. Support the show If you enjoyed this episode of Patroller Chats, please follow and subscribe. We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode and if you know a long-time patroller that we should chat with, send us a message. Please share this podcast with those who love the outdoors while learning some insight and history. Consider becoming a supporter and keeping our history alive. Until our next Patroller Chat: Be Safe, Be Seen, Be Aware, and as always - Know Before You Go!….this has been Patroller Chats. Learn more about the Pacific Northwest Ski Patrol and how to join at: https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/info-compass.html Find more about Patroller Chats:https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/patroller-chats-pnwd-the-podcast.html The History Project can be found at:https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/history.html Safety4All is learning about being safe while enjoying the great outdoors:https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/safety-information.html Consider following our Social media links too!

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

    08/14/2025

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

    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 mission: Collect and assemble an archive of stories and pictures from the different ski patrols within the Pacific Northwest Division. Hence, Patroller Chats was born!  Click to share what you thought about this episode & who or what you might like next. Support the show If you enjoyed this episode of Patroller Chats, please follow and subscribe. We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode and if you know a long-time patroller that we should chat with, send us a message. Please share this podcast with those who love the outdoors while learning some insight and history. Consider becoming a supporter and keeping our history alive. Until our next Patroller Chat: Be Safe, Be Seen, Be Aware, and as always - Know Before You Go!….this has been Patroller Chats. Learn more about the Pacific Northwest Ski Patrol and how to join at: https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/info-compass.html Find more about Patroller Chats:https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/patroller-chats-pnwd-the-podcast.html The History Project can be found at:https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/history.html Safety4All is learning about being safe while enjoying the great outdoors:https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/safety-information.html Consider following our Social media links too!

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

    07/30/2025

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

    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 foundation that supported five decades of water safety instruction alongside her snow-based rescue work. Even after retiring from Bend Fire after 29 years of service, she continues volunteering there and also patrolling at Santiam Pass Ski Patrol. The PNWD History Project:  Shirley Cummings, the official history project coordinator, (& all around fabulous lady), has been on a mission: Collect and assemble an archive of stories and pictures from the different ski patrols within the Pacific Northwest Division. Hence, Patroller Chats was born!  Click to share what you thought about this episode & who or what you might like next. Support the show If you enjoyed this episode of Patroller Chats, please follow and subscribe. We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode and if you know a long-time patroller that we should chat with, send us a message. Please share this podcast with those who love the outdoors while learning some insight and history. Consider becoming a supporter and keeping our history alive. Until our next Patroller Chat: Be Safe, Be Seen, Be Aware, and as always - Know Before You Go!….this has been Patroller Chats. Learn more about the Pacific Northwest Ski Patrol and how to join at: https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/info-compass.html Find more about Patroller Chats:https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/patroller-chats-pnwd-the-podcast.html The History Project can be found at:https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/history.html Safety4All is learning about being safe while enjoying the great outdoors:https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/safety-information.html Consider following our Social media links too!

    26 min
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About

Join us as we sit down with past and present patrollers, hosts, and friends of the Pacific Northwest Division of the National Ski Patrol to preserve their stories and grow our History Project together. Patroller Chats was started in 2023 for the History Project by Shirley Cummings. Tune in for fun, informative, inspirational, and occasionally spirited conversations, where we explore traditions deeply rooted in history and full of heart. Honoring the NSP Creed: Service and Safety since 1938, we’re preserving our legacy and building lasting connections for the future. Join us on Patroller Chats!

Information

  • Creator
    Pacific Northwest Division of the National Ski Patrol
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Patroller Chats
  • Show Website
    Patroller Chats