Tom Kneiss

Nordic/Backcountry Advisor

trkneiss@hotmail.com

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For over three decades, the Nordic/Backcountry program has been an integral part of the National Ski Patrol. The program has provided services to backcountry enthusiasts by interfacing with:

• National Forest Service
  
• Local Park Agencies
  
• Local SAR (Search and Rescue groups)
  
• Alpine and Nordic Ski Resorts

In September 2017, the NSP board of directors changed the name of the program to the Nordic/Backcountry Program, reflecting the program’s expanded scope. 

The diverse nature of the Nordic/Backcountry classification lends itself to be a unique program within the NSP. The variety of equipment types, the extended patient care knowledge required, the needed backcountry survival skills, all contribute to defining Nordic/Backcountry patrollers.