Pac South Division – note from the president
By Michael Meacher, Division President, Pacific South (mike.meacher@skipatrol.ca)
Pacific South Division, AKA PAC South, consists of the following zones and resorts:
- Rocky Mountain Zone (not to be mistaken with the chocolate factory)- Fernie Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.
- Inter Mountain Zone (between the Rockies, and Coastal Mountains – Sun Peaks Resort, Harper Mountain.
- Blue River Zone – Mike Wiegele Heli Skiing – Don’t ask to patrol here. We train their guides who are full members of CSP.
- Ogopogo Zone (as in the legendary Okanagan Lake monster) – Big White Ski Resort.
South Okanogan Boundary Zone (formerly Apex Zone) – Apex Mountain Resort, Baldy Mountain Resort. - Greater Vancouver Zone (actually spans beyond Greater Vancouver) – Cypress Mountain, Seymour Mountain, Sasquatch Mountain, and Manning Park Resort.
Bergwacht/CSP 40th anniversary
Forty years ago, Doc Swangard (CSP Life Member No. 50), and Dr. Karl-Peter Gotzfried decided it would be great for the CSP and the German Bergwacht (Mountain Watch) to share in their knowledge. And so, it began. A couple CSP members from PAC South would go over to Oberstdorf and Sonthofen in the Bavarian Alps to learn how they do ski patrol. This is followed by a couple of members of Bergwacht Bayern coming to tour the various mountains of southern B.C. Many friendships and memories have been forged over the years of the exchange.
On March 1, 2025, there will be a celebration at the Sasquatch Mountain Resort CSP cabin to commemorate this anniversary. Anyone who participated in the exchange, and has not been contacted, please reach out to Doc Swangard’s widow, Kate, at kateswangard@shaw.ca.
Division on snow training
March 8 and 9, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Rocky Mountain Zone will be hosting our division on snow training for about 40 instructors and instructor trainers. It will be a challenging but rewarding experience. Organized by Don Milner and Ted Van Rhijn.
PAC South zone president ski weekend
South Okanagan Boundary Zone will be hosting the division zone presidents for a weekend of skiing and camaraderie at Apex Mountain Resort. Apex CSP has a beautiful ski-in, ski-out cabin. A great opportunity to get to know each other and share ideas.
Manitoba Division – note from the president
By Lori Natuik, Division President, Manitoba (lori.natuik@skipatrol.ca)
Manitoba Division is off to a good start in 2024-25 season. There’s already more snow coverage than in all the 2023-2024 season, which allowed all our areas to open earlier than last season. Busy areas mean lots of time to patrol, what with regular opening hours, school groups and competitions.
Recruitment and awareness efforts are ongoing in all zones to attract more members and bring them into the CSP family.
AFA training has wrapped up in all zones. A big shout-out to the zone training managers and instructors who put in countless hours of time requalifying returning patrollers and for being on the front line of welcoming new patrollers into the CSP.
A highlight of the fall was the appointment of another life member in Red River Zone-Richard Asselin. This brings the total of life members in that zone to four. A pretty good accomplishment for a small zone in the middle of the flatlands.
We’re looking forward to a good, snow-filled season and lots of slope time over the next few months.
Atlantic East Division update – note from the president
By Meaghan Kells, Division President, Atlantic East (meaghan.kells@skipatrol.ca)
The CSP Atlantic East Division spans two provinces: Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. Our dedicated patrollers show up in all weather, showcasing their commitment and resilience. Our talented instructors and leaders ensure our patrollers feel supported and keep their skills sharp.
We are fortunate to have great partners in our patrolling areas, enhancing our ability to provide top-notch first aid and safety services.
Our division on snow patrol clinic took place in early February, offering valuable training and supporting team building and camaraderie for our members.
Here’s patrollers at a previous clinic.
Looking further ahead, our patrollers will be on hand to support the 2025 Canada Summer Games in Newfoundland and Labrador by providing first-aid services during the events.
Our division, like the whole of the CSP, thrives on the collegial nature of our members. Whether on the slopes, at community events, or during training sessions, the CSP Atlantic East Division proudly exemplifies pride, passion, and professionalism.
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