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James Chen

James "Jim" Chen" is a member of the National Ski Patrol and Assistant Patrol Director at Liberty Mountain ski area in Carroll Valley, Pennsylvania. Jim has been a member of the Liberty Patrol since the 1995-1996 season. Off the slopes, Jim is an attorney in Washington, D.C. where he counsels clients on transportation, innovation, safety and environmental areas

Jim has written 27 stories for DCSki since 1999.

Going Further Afield: Fun at Steamboat Springs

DCSki Columnist and Liberty Patroller James Chen joined a group of other ski patrollers for a January trip to Colorado's Steamboat Springs. Jim provides a detailed trip report.

By James Chen | February 5, 2017 1

Trying Something New: Telemark Skiing, the Original Ski Method

Liberty Mountain Ski Patroller James Chen was looking for new challenges at local resorts, and found what he was looking for in a new-to-him snowsport: telemark skiing. He provides an introduction to the "original" ski technique in this story.

By James Chen | February 16, 2015 2

When the Weather Outside Stays Frightful: Signs and Symptoms of Cold Injuries

As the Mid-Atlantic deep freeze continues, Jim Chen, a National Ski Patroller, provides tips on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of cold weather injuries, and how to treat them.

By James Chen | February 7, 2014

Firsthand Report: Early Season Trip to Utah

DCSki Columnist Jim Chen recently returned from a trip to Utah's Park City Mountain Resort. He provides this Firsthand Report.

By James Chen | January 12, 2014 1

Firsthand Report: Surprise Weekend Getaway at Northstar-at-Tahoe

An unexpected trip to the west coast gave DCSki Columnist Jim Chen a chance to ski someplace he had never skied before: Northstar-at-Tahoe. Jim provides this Firsthand Report.

By James Chen | January 30, 2011 5

Firsthand Report: Wonderful Weekend at Liberty

As a patroller at Liberty Mountain Resort, DCSki Columnist Jim Chen had to work over the weekend. But don't feel too sorry for him; Liberty received 20 inches of fresh powder in the recent storm, and Jim was one of the first to make runs down powder slopes. Jim provides this Firsthand Report from a weekend that can only be described as "epic."

By James Chen | December 21, 2009 8

Firsthand Report: Spring Skiing in February at Liberty, February 8, 2009

With temperatures approaching 70 last week, DCSki Columnist Jim Chen headed to the mountains for a day mid-winter "spring skiing"at Liberty Mountain Resort on Sunday, February 8. Jim provides this Firsthand Report.

By James Chen | February 14, 2009 2

Firsthand Report: Powder on Super Tuesday Weekend at WIsp

DCSki Columnist Jim Chen spent the Inaugural Weekend on the slopes of Maryland's Wisp Resort, with a crew consisting of a snowboarder, a telemark skier, two alpiners and a seven year old sold determined to make it down the mountain with turning. Jim provides this Firsthand Report.

By James Chen | January 24, 2009

Liberty Mountain Patrol Gears Up for Ski Season

With the ski season rapidly approaching, DCSki Columnist (and volunteer ski patroller) Jim Chen provides a look at the preparations Liberty Mountain ski patrollers go through before the lifts start running. This past weekend, Liberty patrollers met for their annual "On-The-Hill" refresher, the first of many training sessions designed to ready patrollers for any emergency that might arise on the slopes. Jim also reports that Liberty was recently awarded with a prestigious award for their "National Safety Week Program."

By James Chen | November 18, 2008 1

Liberty Mountain to Purchase Carroll Valley Golf Course and Resort

In early November, Pennsylvania's Liberty Mountain ski resort announced its plans to purchase the Carroll Valley Golf Course and Resort, located just next door to the ski area. DCSki Columnist (and Liberty volunteer ski patroller) Jim Chen provides an update on the purchase, as well as his thoughts on how it may affect the ski area in the future.

By James Chen | November 11, 2008 1

Firsthand Report: Wisp

DCSki Columnist and ski patroller James Chen spent the weekend at Maryland's Wisp Resort with many of his fellow ski patrollers. He provides this Firsthand Report.

By James Chen | February 28, 2007

Liberty Mountain Enhances Safety Efforts

Ski patroller James Chen describes recent efforts at Liberty Mountain Resort to raise awareness of skier and snowboarder safety.

By James Chen | February 19, 2007 17

Winter Highs, Lows, and Highs Again: A Wisp Firsthand Report

DCSki Columnist Jim Chen spent the past weekend skiing at Maryland's Wisp Resort with his family and friends. He provides this Firsthand Report.

By James Chen | February 23, 2006 3

Winter's Return: A Firsthand Report from Liberty Mountain, Feb. 13

After suffering through a warm January, DCSki Columnist Jim Chen hit the slopes of Liberty Mountain on February 13, right after the return of cold temperatures and a dumping of natural snow.

By James Chen | February 18, 2006 1

Spring Skiing in February - Liberty Mountain Firsthand Report

DCSki Columnist James Chen spent Superbowl Sunday skiing with his family at Pennsylvania's Liberty Mountain Resort. He didn't make it home in time to catch kickoff, but that's because his family had so much fun on the slopes, as he describes in this Firsthand Report.

By James Chen | February 7, 2005 1

The ABC's of First Aid - Or How to Help Before Help Arrives

James Chen, a patroller at Liberty Mountain, provides a detailed look at what you should do if you encounter an injured skier or boarder on the slopes. These tips could save a life.

By James Chen | December 12, 2004 15

Common Snow Sports Injuries and How to Avoid Them

It's the ski season again, and a good time to reflect on ways to make sure this season is fun-filled and injury free. DCSki Columnist and ski patroller James Chen takes a look at some of the most common ski and snowboarding injuries, and how to avoid them.

By James Chen | December 15, 2003 4

Firsthand Report: Wisp

DCSki Columnist James Chen headed to Wisp this past weekend, hoping he wouldn't share the slopes with forecasted rain storms. Find out how his trip went in this firsthand report.

By James Chen | February 24, 2003 2

Helicopter Skiing: Man, You Have Got to Try This!

James Chen recently tried out heli-skiing for his first time at Whistler-Blackcomb. His verdict? Everyone ought to try it. Read more in his firsthand account.

By James Chen | February 6, 2003 6

Firsthand Report: Wisp

DCSki Columnist Jim Chen headed up to Maryland's Wisp for a weekend of skiing. Read more in his firsthand report.

By James Chen | February 19, 2002 4

Liberty Seeking Patrollers for Next Year

Want to become a ski patroller? DCSki Columnist Jim Chen describes how to join Liberty Mountain Resort as a patroller.

By James Chen | January 30, 2001

Firsthand Report: Liberty

DCSki Columnist Jim Chen was recently at Liberty Mountain, and provides an update on the conditions.

By James Chen | January 16, 2001 4

The Most Important Safety Equipment on the Slopes

What's the most important piece of safety gear on the slopes? DCSki Columnist and ski patroller Jim Chen offers some advice on how to improve safety on the slopes.

By James Chen | November 28, 2000

Firsthand Report: Liberty Mountain Resort

DCSki Columnist Jim Chen provides a firsthand report from Liberty's opening day. (Updated with Editor's Note.)

By James Chen | November 25, 2000

Safety on the Slopes: The Skier/Boarder Responsibility Code

Although skiing and snowboarding will always carry a degree of risk, following a few simple guidelines can help reduce the risk of injury - particularly on crowded slopes. DCSki Columnist and ski patroller James Chen explains the popular Skier/Boarder Responsibility Code.

By James Chen | January 6, 2000

Firsthand Account: Ski Liberty

DCSki Columnist James Chen spent Sunday on the slopes of Ski Liberty, and reports on the fantastic early-season conditions.

By James Chen | December 27, 1999

Ski Patrol: Who and What They Are

DCSki Columnist and National Ski Patrol member James Chen provides a detailed look into the life of a ski patroller.

By James Chen | December 19, 1999 1

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