The ski patrol at Elk Mountain recently received accolades from the National Ski Patrol and was voted Eastern Division “Outstanding Large Alpine Patrol.” This is an honor bestowed upon the patrol covering not only Pennsylvania but also all of the 10 states from West Virginia to Maine with over 8,000 ski patrol members in the Eastern Division.
The patrol has over 90 members and has 42 members who have reached senior status in the national system. The ski patrol at Elk Mountain is under the tutelage of Bob Bluff for the past seven years. Additionally, six are certified patrol members, six are officers or advisors within the national system, and three are division officers or advisors.
The Elk Mountain ski patrol was activated in 1959 when Elk Mountain Ski Resort first opened. In addition to the “Eastern Outstanding” award, Chrissy Ludka was awarded Eastern Division’s “Outstanding Instructor,” and Matt Nebzydoski was honored with the individual “Patroller for Patrollers” award. These are highly regarded awards for individuals who give countless hours helping, training, and being a role model patroller. Matt also oversees the training and implementation of the lift evacuation program at Elk Mountain as one his roles as assistant patrol leader. Additional patrol leaders at Elk Mountain are Alan Fortuner and Jack Shinn.