NSP-C Western Region 2021 Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet - Updated 5.6.21

July 17 – 18, 2021

The Giants Ridge Patrol invites you to join us at the Giants Ridge Resort for this year's Western Region NSP meeting!

 

The weekend promises to be fun and informational!

The Giants Ridge Resort follows current CDC and State of Minnesota guidelines with regards to the pandemic.

 

REGISTRATION

 

Register for Events and the Banquet Dinner HERE or go to https://nspwr.org and navigate to Members -> Events

 

LODGING

 

Country Inn of Hoyt Lakes (11 miles)

99 Kennedy Memorial Dr, Hoyt Lakes, MN 55750

(218) 225-3555

http://www.countryinnofhoytlakes.com/

Note:  A block of rooms has been booked for us.  Reservations for this are required by June 15!

 

The Villas at Giants Ridge (onsite)

·       Studio, 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom Villas

·       Visit https://villasatgiantsridge.com/

 

The Lodge at Giants Ridge (on site)

·       1, 2, and 3 bedroom condos

·       Visit www.lodgeatgiantsridge.com

 

Green Gate Guest Houses (3 miles)

·       5748 County Road 138  Biwabik, MN 55708  218-290-2607

·       Visit https://www.greengateguesthouses.com/  

 

Click this link for a full list of hotels, motels, campgrounds, restaurants and things to do. 

>> More Info Here <<

 

Saturday, July 17

 

Classes and Seminars

There is NO cost for any of these sessions, but we ask that you please sign up so that we can plan appropriately. 

 

9:00 am – noon

·       YAP Summit

Patrollers from age 15-18 are invited to join Judy Hill, Jenny Enich and Molly Casey for a fun morning of team building that will incorporate rescue techniques and OEC skills.  We will be outside, so dress accordingly.  Bike or ski helmet is required!  Meet on the deck outside the South Chalet.

 

·       Lift Evacuation

Learn all the latest tips and techniques from the NSAA/NSP new Aerial Evacuation Resource Guide.  Scott Stanley, from the Three Rivers Patrol, will lead a discussion and demonstration session on the new guidelines for lift evacuation.  Bring your own equipment to show if you wish.  We will have access to an operating chair lift with a lift attendant.  Bike or ski helmet is required! Meet at the bottom of the Calgary Chair Lift.   

 

·       Instructor Development Course

Region ID Advisor, Bob Iverson from the Viking Nordic Patrol, will be holding the in-person portion of the NSP ID course.  The online portion must be completed ahead of time.  South Chalet (Gold Room)

 

·       Recruitment Round Table

Did Covid-19 take a toll on your Patrol numbers? 

Join this round table to share recruitment ideas and brainstorm!

A panel of patrollers will lead this session. 

Location to be announced

 

·       Mesabi Trail Bike Ride

Join local bike enthusiasts and Giants Ridge Patrollers, Debby and Todd Roswald, for a scenic paved trail ride on the Mesabi Trail.  Bring your own bike and helmet or rent from Giants Ridge by calling 218-865-8024 (Thursday through Sunday).  The length of the ride will be tailored to individual desires. Meet outside the South Chalet.

 

12:00 – 1:00 pm

·       Lunch Break – Complimentary sandwiches, chips and drinks will be served in the South Chalet.  There are 4 restaurants on site:  The Burn Onion Kitchen and Brews, the Wacootah Grill, the Bunkers Grill, and the Sleeping Giant.  See the Giants Ridge website for details. 

 

1:00 – 4:00 pm

·       Bike Patrol Summit

Region Bike Advisor, Aaron Hislop from Spirit Mountain, will lead a session on current practices and equipment.  (Meet on the deck outside South Chalet)

 

·       NSP Q&A Session

Region, Division, and National leadership team members will provide updates and take questions from patrollers.  South Chalet (Gold Room)

 

·       How to Write Successful NSP Awards

Region Awards Advisor, Dave Bolstad from Spirit Mountain, will be presenting the best practices of NSP award writing.  (location to be announced)

 

 

AWARDS BANQUET

5:00 – 6:30 pm

·       Social Hour – Main Chalet

·       Region Program Advisor Booths

Interact with Region Program Advisors.  Learn more about their programs and events they have scheduled for 2021/2022. Main Chalet

 

6:30 – 8:30 pm

·       Buffet Dinner

Spend the evening with patrollers from around the Region as we celebrate patroller achievements.  Main Chalet

Buffet Dinner:  $20 per person.  Deadline is July 1!

Note:  The Western Region is using surplus funds to discount the cost of the buffet dinner.    

 

 

Sunday, July 18^th

·       Patrol Representatives Breakfast
Meet with Region Director, Jeff Olsen!

8:00 am - 10:00 am in the Main Chalet
Patrol Representatives and Assistant PRs only (no cost)

 

 

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

 

·       Lift Served Mountain Biking: 

Giants Ridge has the largest lift served mountain bike park in the Midwest. 

o   8 gravity trails

o   10 miles of cross-country trails

Adult tickets are $35 and youth (12 and under) are $30

Full suspension bikes can be rented by calling 218-865-8024 (Thursday through Sunday).  For an introduction or guided tour of the trails, stop by the patrol room and ask for Justin!

 

·       Golf:  Giants Ridge has 2 of the top-rated courses in the state and country – The Legend and The Quarry.  Reserve your tee time by calling 218-865-8030 or book online at www.giantsridge.com/golf

 

·       Climbing Wall: $14 per person

 

·       Disc Golf: Covering over 80 acres and up to 10,000 feet (champion position) of fairway distance, our course is also Minnesota’s longest.  $5 per person.  Rental discs available for $5

 

·       Mesabi Trail: 135 miles of paved trail.  Visit www.mesabitrail.com for more information.  Bring your own bike and helmet or rent from Giants Ridge by calling 218-865-8024 (Thursday through Sunday)

 

 

For additional information, contact Jeannine Mogan:

Cell:  612-710-218

 jeannine.mogan@giantsridge.com

  

 

NSP-C Western Region COVID Survey Results

 This message from Mark Lindquist, MD our Western Region Medical Advisor ...

Good morning,

 

As you know, during the snow sports season I sent out several surveys regarding patroller Covid-19 infections and the problems faced by patrol chapters in following a Covid plan.  Now that the season has ended, the main question of interest was this one, the final survey question:

 

During the snow sports season of 2020-2021, did any of your patrol members develop a Covid-19 infection traceable to an exposure at the ski area?

 

 

I received responses from all nineteen region patrol directors, and the answer was that not one patroller in the Western Region developed a Covid-19 infection as a result of exposure traced back to the ski area.  ZERO.

 

This result is remarkable.  It speaks to the diligence of patrol staff, directors, members and ski area managements in developing and enforcing policies and procedures which allowed us to work safely from Day One to Close of Season.  Congratulations to all of you.

 

Mark Lindquist, MD
Detroit Mountain C202
Western Region Medical Advisor
Email:  mark@mdlindquist.com

NSP-C Western Region 2021 Annual Meeting

No time like the present to start planning our Annual Western Region Meeting and Awards Banquet!  Check back here often for current updates on lodging, activities, registration and other news.

We are planning this date for the meeting believing it can be done safely, mostly outdoors during the best time of Summer in  Northern Minnesota.

The event is being organized by the Giants Ridge Ski Patrol and they would like your input. Please contact Jeannine Mogan if you have any suggestions or ideas for the meeting. Jeannine's email is Jeannine.mogan@giantsridge.com

Activities

• Golf

• Biking (mountain and trail)

• Hiking

• PR Breakfast (July 18)

• Awards Banquet and Celebration

Lodging

We have a block of 20 rooms reserved at the Country Inn in Hoyt Lakes for the nights of 7/16 & 7/17.  Below is the contact info if you’d like to add that to the itinerary when you’re ready.  It’s close to HL’s Water Carnival weekend which is why there is a 30 day in advance requirement.

Reservations must be made 30 days prior to the first night.   Call this number to make your reservation.  218-225-3555  countryinnofhoytlakes.com

The Villas at Giants Ridge are right across the street from the ski area. There are larger units with 2, 3, or 4 bedrooms. The phone number for the Villas is 218-865-4155. There are no specific rooms set aside here.

 More info on available hotels, motels, campgrounds, eating, and etc. can be viewed HERE

More details and registration coming soon!

See you this Summer! 😎

NSP-C Western Region Update

    The ski season is well underway at all 21 Western Region ski areas.   In many ways, patrolling in the Western Region is different than normal.   Most importantly, due to safety concerns because of the pandemic, many patrollers have moved to the Temporarily Not Patrolling status.   Patrols report losing up to 25% of their membership for the season.  Some patrols are using active patrollers from other ski areas to assist with coverage.  

    For those who do patrol, this year looks different with COVID guidelines and procedures at each resort.  Leading up to the start of the season, Western Region Patrol Directors/Reps attended Zoom meetings to obtain the latest information on the pandemic and to develop COVID safety plans to protect active patrollers and ski area guests.   Thanks are owed to Western Region Staff, including Medical Advisor Dr. Mark Lindquist, Assistant Medical Advisor Dr. Bjorn Peterson, Legal Advisor Dave Olson, Assistant Region Director Jeannine Mogan and Outdoor Risk Management advisor Ken Liddell.  Thanks also to newly elected National Board Rep Deb Endly.   This team worked together to provide timely and needed information over the course of multiple Region Zoom meetings.  

    When vaccinations became available, Dr. Lindquist, Dr. Peterson and Dave Olson created guidelines and pathways for patrol director/reps to follow.   This effort has led to most of the patrols either getting their first shots or heading in the right direction to obtain vaccinations.

    When faced with not being able to hold in-person training or certification programs this season, Region staff got together and came up with some creative alternatives.   Utilizing our Senior ski and toboggan staff, certified patrollers, and PSIA Level 3 instructors, videos have been added (with more to come) to the Western Region website demonstrating ski and toboggan handling skills.   The region has purchased Coaches Eye and made this movement analysis tool available to current and potential senior candidates.   Using Coaches Eye, patrollers submit videos of themselves performing senior skills.   Once submitted, a member from our Senior training staff is assigned to mentor and coach the patroller by way of video.

    Shown below is a frame from one of the videos demonstrating toboggan skills.  Thanks to Matt Stordahl and David Anderson from the Welch Village Patrol for their participation.  David, at the tail, is a Telemark skier – the videos show patrollers from multiple disciplines working together.  Snowboard examples will be added soon.

  

    The online additions consisting of demonstrations and senior candidate feedback are led by Senior Advisor Terrie Brandt and Assistant Region Director Craig Johnson, who is filming the videos and got Coaches Eye up and running for the region.   While a work in process as content is being added and improved, we expect it to be not only a valued addition to the Senior Program this year, but also in the future.  Check out:   https://www.nspwr.org/programs/senior/senior.php

Be well, stay safe and enjoy patrolling in our great snow conditions! 

 

Jeff Olsen

Western Region Director

Grandma's Marathon Virtual Volunteers

Greetings Grandma’s Marathon Volunteers,

We have several exciting updates to share, so let’s dive in!

Virtual Race Volunteer Support

While we may not be able to come together to support the runners this year, we are inviting volunteers and community to share messages of cheer and motivation to support those striving to complete their Virtual Races. Volunteers participating will also be eligible for prizes for helping spread cheer! Below are a few different ways you can show your support:

• ·        Create a poster cheering on the runners  
• ·        Play an instrument
• ·        Sing a song
• ·        Show off a talent
• ·        Dress up in costume
• ·        Show off your dance moves

Feel free to get creative and have fun with these! Chalk art on the sidewalk instead of posters, pots and pans can be your instruments, using apps like TikTok to add some music and graphics to your videos—we would love to share all of it! #GTeam #GMas20

Runners have from May 4^th until July 31^st to complete their distances virtually, so start sending some cheer and feel free to keep it coming throughout! The runners will appreciate all the support they can get. Please send pictures and videos to Tara@GrandmasMarathon.com

Volunteer Appreciation (cause you all are pretty great!)

To extend our gratitude for all your support, we are pleased to share that we be giving out the 2020 Volunteer shirts! So, if you haven’t received a call from me yet checking your shirt size (and to see how you’re doing, cause times are tough!), you can also fill out our Volunteer Appreciation Program form found on our website.

Distribution of the shirts will certainly will be a process, as we still need to follow recommended public health and safety guidelines and will have to approach the distribution in a thoughtful manner. We will be sending details and information via email and the G-Team Volunteer Facebook page as updates are available.

In addition to the volunteer shirts, and when we can responsibly gather again, Grandma’s Marathon will be throwing a Volunteer Appreciation event! We can’t say it enough, we have THE BEST community of volunteers and each of you inspire goodwill of the human spirit. So when we return for our 45th, we are looking forward to our community coming together to prove we are stronger together and we will get through this with more heart and compassion than ever.

What is the Volunteer Appreciation Program?

Who would have known that summer day in June of 1977 that after 44 years the celebration of the human spirit would continue strong? We hope to gather the history of all those who have volunteered to make Grandma’s Marathon the world-class event with small-town charm and reward them for their years of service.

If you have volunteered with Grandma’s Marathon in the past, or know of someone who has, please fill out this form to enter our volunteer appreciation program where we look forward to celebrating all our big-hearted and devoted volunteers. Form

G-Team Volunteer Facebook Group

Volunteers are invited to join our official volunteer Facebook group where they can see updates from Grandma’s Marathon, share stories, ask questions, post pictures, and celebrate being part of this community of big-hearted people like yourself! You can join the Grandma's Marathon G-Team Volunteer group by clicking HERE. 

Again, THANK YOU all for being a part of the Grandma’s Marathon community of volunteers and sharing compassion for the runners from all over the globe. Your acts of kindness for the runners (and our greater community) are bar none. Truly.

From all of us at Grandma’s Marathon—Thank you.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach me at Tara@GrandmasMarathon.com

Western Region 2020 Spring Meeting

The Western Region 2020 Spring Meeting is Friday through Sunday, May 1st - 3rd hosted by the Wild Mountain Ski Patrol.  This event is just around the corner and will be a great chance to celebrate the end of season with fellow patrollers!

Plans are underway and will be finalized soon, but here is what is planned so far:

• a social get-together on Friday night;
• a day full of events and activities on Saturday plans including:
• Instructor Development Course, 
• OEC Instructor Recertification/Update, 
• OEC Instructor Candidate Sign-Off Event
• Workshops on Patrol Recruitment,  the Young Adult Program (YAP)
• Presentations on OEC 6
•  More ideas are being explored. thanks to your input on what you want at the meeting!  
• Saturday also includes the Region Board of Governor Meeting and the Region Award Banquet.  
• Sunday morning is the Patrol Director breakfast.

IMPORTANT NEWS -  We just confirmed a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn Express St. Croix Valley for $99 a night.   Rooms are available on a first come basis.

The Holiday Inn Express St. Croix Valley wants you to know that the hotel does include a complimentary breakfast with both hot and cold food items, high speed wireless internet, the areas largest indoor swimming pool and whirlpool, and a 24 hour work out facility. 

Here is a link to make online reservations easy:

National Ski Patrol Block

https://www.hiexpress.com/redirect?path=hd&brandCode=EX&localeCode=en&regionCode=1&hotelCode=scfwi&_PMID=99801505&GPC=NSP&cn=no&viewfullsite=true

Reserve now!   

See you soon at Wild Mountain!

Wild Mountain Ski Patrol