The Central Division

Mountain Travel & Rescue

Beyond the Slopes: Essential Skills for Mountain Safety

The Mountain Travel and Rescue (MTR) Program is designed to equip ski patrollers, search and rescue responders, and outdoor enthusiasts with the critical skills necessary for safe travel, group management, and participation in search-and-rescue operations in mountainous, backcountry, and off-piste settings. This program is a cornerstone of the National Ski Patrol’s (NSP) mission to provide comprehensive education and training that enhances safety during outdoor activities, particularly in challenging environments.

Mountain Ready: Train for the Unexpected

The Mountain Travel and Rescue (MTR) Program prepares participants to operate safely and effectively in rugged, mountainous environments. The course builds essential skills in survival, navigation, safe travel, hazard awareness, group leadership, and mountain-specific search and rescue. Whether you’re a patroller, rescuer, or outdoor enthusiast, MTR provides the foundation for confident decision-making and safety in the backcountry.

Cute gnome figurine skiing in snowy landscape, adding charm to winter decorations.

Randy Tufts

Central Division
MTR Advisor

Region MTR Advisors

Dave Boboltz

Eastern Michigan Region

OPEN

Northern Michigan Region

email address

Open

Southern Region

email address

Todd Haggestad

Western Region

Randy Tufts

North Central Region

Tim Durbin

Ohio Region

Dave Zoromiski

South Central Region

Michael Walenta

Western Michigan Region

Upcoming MTR Events

EventDescriptionDate
First Tracks Patroller Conference1757030400 Sep 5, 2025 - Sep 8, 2025
Women in Wilderness - Women's Program MTR 1 CourseWHAT WE'LL LEARN:Essentials for Overnight and Day HikesBuild Emergency Shelters & Fire BuildingNight NavigationExtrication & Rescue TechniquesFemale-Specific Needs in the ... see more1758326400 Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025
Central Division Patroller Festival - WEST1764979200 Dec 6, 2025 - Dec 8, 2025
Central Division Patroller Festival - EAST1765584000 Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 15, 2025
Central Division Women's Clinic1769205600 Jan 23, 2026 - Jan 25, 2026
Women's Advisor Team Meetinghttps://zoom.us/j/94056418898?pwd=AcnD7Q3wCdnkqogTtTd1WA5RhFceWO.11758067200 Sep 16, 2025
Women's Advisor Team Meetinghttps://zoom.us/j/93516586324?pwd=3GWpwy1HCU2RajFIji9cv6VjUeOZ1m.11761091200 Oct 21, 2025

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Resources

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