Patroller Chats

By Pacific Northwest Division of the National Ski Patrol

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 toget

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FAQs about Patroller Chats:

How many episodes does Patroller Chats have?

The podcast currently has 21 episodes available.

Patroller Chats episodes:

July 09, 2025From Bottle Caps to Rescues: The Evolution of Mount Hood Ski Patrol (Part 2 of 2) -(Click link in description for pictures)
Ski Patrol Has Changed, But Friendship Remains the Heart of Service. Longtime Mt Hood patroller, Gordy Winterrowd shares insights from his 50+ years of service, reflecting on the evolution of rescue equipment and the changing relationship between volunteer and paid patrol staff. Click here to see the pictures he is describing while chatting with us!
Welcome to Patroller Chats. What began as a way to support the history project, led by our own historian- Shirley Cummings has grown into a fun, informative, and definitely inspiring podcast. We're connecting with patroller's, hosts and more from across the Pacific Northwest. Diving into the stories, traditions, and unique histories of our amazing volunteers, all while having a great time, sharing some laughs, and getting into some spirited, heartfelt conversations. This is Patroller Chats.
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!
...more
42min
July 02, 2025From Bottle Caps to Rescues: The Evolution of Mount Hood Ski Patrol (Part 1 of 2) (Click link in description for pictures)
Imagine watching ski patrollers descend a darkened trail with injured skiers on sleds, sometimes hearing their cries of pain. For 9-year-old Gordy Winterrowd, these powerful moments sparked a calling that would lead to 57 years of service with the Mount Hood Ski Patrol. Listen in to learn more about his own and Mt Hood Ski Patrol's History! Click here to see the pictures he is describing while chatting with us! (Part 1:2)
Welcome to Patroller Chats. What began as a way to support the history project, led by our own historian- Shirley Cummings has grown into a fun, informative, and definitely inspiring podcast. We're connecting with patroller's, hosts and more from across the Pacific Northwest. Diving into the stories, traditions, and unique histories of our amazing volunteers, all while having a great time, sharing some laughs, and getting into some spirited, heartfelt conversations. This is Patroller Chats.
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!
...more
44min
June 27, 2025Avalanche Rescues, Red Jackets and Patrol Evolution. Continuing the "Chat" with Gary Burke & Shirley Cummings!
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 takes us back to the early days of avalanche control, search and rescue operations, and the evolution of ski patrol in the Pacific Northwest.
Welcome to Patroller Chats. What began as a way to support the history project, led by our own historian- Shirley Cummings has grown into a fun, informative, and definitely inspiring podcast. We're connecting with patroller's, hosts and more from across the Pacific Northwest. Diving into the stories, traditions, and unique histories of our amazing volunteers, all while having a great time, sharing some laughs, and getting into some spirited, heartfelt conversations. This is Patroller Chats.
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!
...more
58min
June 24, 2025The snow never stopped falling on volunteers...(Part 2:2) Steve, Gary & Shirley on Tobogganing Tales and Transformative Change in NSP
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 historian- Shirley Cummings has grown into a fun, informative, and definitely inspiring podcast. We're connecting with patroller's, hosts and more from across the Pacific Northwest. Diving into the stories, traditions, and unique histories of our amazing volunteers, all while having a great time, sharing some laughs, and getting into some spirited, heartfelt conversations. This is Patroller Chats.
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!
...more
1h 11min
June 22, 2025The snow never stopped falling on a volunteer patroller's four-decade adventure. (Part 1:2)
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 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!
...more
1h 7min
June 04, 2025What Happens When Service Becomes A Way Of Life?
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 extraordinary life of service across multiple domains. (Recorded in 2024)
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!
...more
51min
May 28, 2025From Wilderness Emergency Care to Modern Aid Rooms: One Patroller's Evolution
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. (2023)
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!
...more
41min
May 28, 2025From 1960 to Today: Six Decades on the Slopes
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 Signs: B-E-F-A-S-T method, Balance difficulty, vision changes, facial drooping, arm weakness, speech problems, Time is brain - 911. Call immediately if you suspect someone is having a stroke.
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!
...more
1h 8min
May 26, 2025Nursing the Slopes: A Colonel's Journey Through Ski Patrol, an Amazing Ride!
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: 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!
...more
50min
May 26, 2025Bonus: Volunteers Created America's First Adaptive Ski Program (S2-Skiers2) at Hyak. S1:Bonus...
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, (& 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!
...more
8min

FAQs about Patroller Chats:

How many episodes does Patroller Chats have?

The podcast currently has 21 episodes available.