Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Course Sponsorship Program

This fall, SAA sponsored a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification course for MESA volunteers interested in serving on the ski patrol. The training was conducted by Alaska Wilderness Medicine’s Dorothy Adler, whose instruction guided participants through rigorous classroom and field exercises over several weeks.

This initiative came in response to the National Ski Patrol’s (NSP) membership policy change in August 2024, expanding eligibility to include working ski patrollers who hold first responder credentials such as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certifications. This shift opened NSP membership to individuals not certified through its traditional Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) program, recognizing the substantial training and real-world experience that EMTs and WFRs bring to mountain safety. Following that change, the SAA Board voted in October 2025 to align Mt. Eyak’s ski patrol program with this new NSP standard.

The result? All 12 SAA-sponsored participants passed their written and practical exams, earning their WFR certifications and becoming eligible to serve on the Mt. Eyak Ski Patrol. Congratulations to the newly certified patrollers: Krimson Anderson, Reuben Brown, Jamie Foode, Brooks Fry, Peter Heid, Taylor Kimbarow, Tom LeVeen, Tyee Lohse, Lauren Padawer, Seth Roseberry, Aaron Sayles, and Sherman Powell. Additionally, Jasmine Kealy completed the course as a self-pay participant and plans to join the Mt. Eyak ski patrol team this winter.

With several returning members, Mt. Eyak will field 16 certified volunteer ski patrollers this season—one of the strongest teams the hill has ever had. Their dedication and training ensure that Mt. Eyak continues to provide a safe, welcoming, and fun experience for everyone on the mountain.

Check out our 2025-26 Ski Hill News & Season Outlook.
It's our second annual newsletter with updates and news for the coming ski season.

Confirmed Ski Area List for 2025-26 Reciprocal Pass

• Arctic Valley Ski Area, Anchorage, AK

• Bald Mountain (Clearwater Ski Club), Pierce, ID

• Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, Boise, ID

• Cochran’s Ski Area, Richmond, VT

• Eagle Crest Ski Area, Juneau, AK

• Eco Valley Ski and Tubing Area, Chelan, WA

• Hilltop Ski Area and Bike Park, Anchorage, AK

• Hurricane Ridge Ski & Snowboard Area, Port Angeles, WA

• Leavenworth Winter Sports Club, Leavenworth, WA

• Loup Loup Ski Bowl, Okanogan, WA

• Mt. Ashland Ski Area, Ashland, OR

• Mt. Eyak Ski Area, Cordova, AK

• Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, Mead, WA

• Skeetawk Ski Area, Hatcher Pass, AK

• Ski Land, Fairbanks, AK