Since 1938: Seventy Years

Mont Ripley Ski Patrol

Houghton, MI, FEB 5 2008 - Mont Ripley Ski Patrol and the National Ski Patrol are celebrating 70 years of service to the skiing public. Each has a rich and colorful history.

Way back in the "olden days" of the early Thirties, the face of Mont Ripley looked much different than today. Mining operations had already altered the landscape, and new trees grew, while others came down. Over the next seventy years, it underwent even more changes, giving Old Mont Riplus (as some of us called it), a more distinctive "ski hill" appearance, but the impressive vertical drop and challenging runs still remain to this day.

In 1934 a tow rope was installed, and, already then – so the legend has it – injured skiers were helped somehow by "them guys who hauled you down" in those weird-looking baskets on the snow. Then, in 1938, Charles "Minnie" Dole of Greenwich, Connecticut, founded the National Ski Patrol (NSP), and Mont Ripley became one of the first patrols to join the National System.

Minnie was probably familiar with Mont Ripley in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. He was acquainted with Fred Lonsdorf, member of the renowned 10th Mountain Division. Fred became Michigan Tech's legendary alpine team coach and Mont Ripley manager.

In 1962, Mont Ripley added a T-Bar, and by 1972, a chair lift took skiers to the top of the hill. Today, Mont Ripley's snowmaking system boasts eighteen snow guns to augment the Keweenaw's natural snow, and this season marked the addition of the Copper Hoist Chair Lift, continuing to change the face of Mont Ripley.

Michigan Tech offered the American Red Cross Advanced First Aid Course for credit for many years. In 1984, Mont Ripley's Jeff Olsen, Judy Over of the National Office, along with a contingent of patrollers, developed the Winter Emergency Care (WEC) course, which was piloted at Michigan Tech. WEC was renamed the Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) training course. Jeff later became Assistant National Director.

Mont Ripley patrollers have had a profound influence on various training programs through the years by serving in important leadership positions on Region, Division, and National Boards. In 1984 Mont Ripley Ski Patrol received the Runner-Up Award for Outstanding Patrol of the Nation. Mont Ripley is in the North Central Region of Central Division.

Yes, the physical features of the mountain have changed, but the spirit of Mont Ripley Ski Patrol has remained constant through the years. We, along with other patrollers throughout the nation, continue to ask the time-honored question, "Hi! May I help you?"

Today's Patrol has 48 members who help injured guests, promote ski safety, and are an integral part of campus and community. According to Nick Serdenis, Hill Manager and veteran of the ski industry, Mont Ripley Patrol is one of the best–anywhere. Mont Ripley is owned and operated by Michigan Technological University, and the Ski Patrol is a University Student Organization. Students and members of the community take the Ski Patrol classes together, including a Mid Term and a Final Exam. Students receive academic credit for these courses.

While the turn-over rate is quite high, with as many as 15 new patrollers each year and others graduating and leaving our area, there is a strong bond that cements the relationship between all Ripley patrollers, students and community, present and past. Nowhere is this camaraderie more apparent than in the song that they learn when they become full members. They will sing it for you, no matter where they are:

We're Patrollers at Mont Ripley and pride's our middle name,
'Cause we can out ski anyone, and that's our claim to fame!
We're Mont Ripley's famous Ski Patrol,
Ready to bring you down.

Happy 70th Birthday to Mont Ripley Ski Patrol and the National Ski Patrol.

For information about joining the Mont Ripley Ski Patrol, visit the 'How to Join' page.

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