Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol

The contributors to the world’s first Ski Patrol Blog live, work and play at Crystal Mountain, Washington, in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest right next to Mount Rainier National Park.

Below:  Most of the 2009-2010 Pro Patrol.  Not pictured are over 100 volunteer ski & snowboard patrollers, safety patrollers, first aid room staff, paramedics and physicians who graciously donate their time to promote safety and help injured guests.

Blog Contributors:

Corey Meador‘s parents met working in the ski business while living at Mt. Baker back before there were lifts when earning-your-turns was the only choice.  After a whole other career in recreation management–while patrolling as a volunteer at Crystal–he finally figured out what he wanted to be when he grew up, and has patrolled full-time at Crystal Mountain since 2001.                         Photo:  Kim Kircher

Kim Kircher has been a ski patroller at Crystal Mountain for twenty-one years.  When not skiing at Crystal, she’s either skiing elsewhere, writing her life story or thinking up new ways to combine skiing and writing.  Her husband, John Kircher, owns and operates Crystal Mountain as the CEO of Boyne Resorts.                                           Photo: Chris Morin

Christina Von Mertens is at home in the mountains.  On her days off from patrolling she can be found ski touring in Crystal Lakes or Bullion Basin with her faithful dog, Kala, at her heels.  She enjoys the uphill travel and time in the backcountry as much as peeling off the skins and  cruising down.  In search of the perfect balance, Christina guides whitewater rafting trips in Idaho over the summer, travels in the fall, skis in the winter, and kayaks in the spring.                       Photo:  Chris Morin

Michele Longstreth, professional ski bum, been on the patrol at Crystal since 1994, or was it 1995?