Eastern Division 2013 NordicFest was hosted in Western App. Region by Laurel Highlands Nordic Ski Patrol coordinated by Diane Murray on March 1st thru the 3rd, 2013. There were 26 people which attended the event over the weekend. Patrollers came from as far as upstate New York to northern West Virginia and as far east as western New Jersey.

Guy Lombardo (assistance Western App. Region Director) welcomes everyone to the region on Saturday morning.

Low angle rescue was taught by John Boburchuk from Wilderness Emergency Rescue Institute. They practiced on knot skills that will be incorporated later in to low angle rescue rigging exercise.

Afternoon activities were a Ski Enhancement seminar by Nordic Advisor Jerry Timcik. Patrollers also had the chance to practice femur traction splint and emergency toboggan building on the ski trail.

In the evening Laurel Hill State Park Manager Mike Mumau had a slide show presentation. The slide show consisted of Laurel Hill, Laurel Ridge, Laurel Highlands Trail and Kooser State Parks which makes up the Laurel Hill State Park Complex. Kooser and Laurel Ridge State Park promote groomed cross-country ski trails. While Laurel Hill State Park has many multi-use trails non-groomed. It was a very informative presentation.

I want to Thanks all the helpers that cooked, set and cleaned up during the event.  Also Thanks to all instructors for their time and skills. With your help the event was a success.

Thanks everyone!!

Diane L. Murray

For more information about the Nordic program or becoming a Nordic Ski Patroller visit www.war-nordic.org or contact region Nordic Advisor John Majhan.