Interest Groups
Alumni
The Alumni membership program is designed to honor the invaluable experience, knowledge, and dedication of individuals who wish to transition away from active patrolling while still contributing to the National Ski Patrol (NSP) community.
Alumni membership is tailored for NSP members who have served as Patrollers for at least a year but find themselves needing to step back from providing emergency care or rescue services for any reason. This classification ensures that these individuals can maintain their ties with the NSP and enjoy the benefits of membership.
By becoming an Alumni member, individuals can continue their involvement with the NSP at a reduced cost and without sacrificing their accumulated service time. Unlike active patrollers, Alumni members are not required to fulfill refresher requirements, except for maintaining OEC technician or discipline instructor certifications.
Furthermore, Alumni members are still eligible to teach in areas where they hold instructor status, such as OEC, Avalanche, MTR, Instructor Development, and OET (Toboggan instruction only). This allows them to continue sharing their expertise and contributing to the education and training of future NSP members.
Awards & Recognition
At the National Ski Patrol, we take great pride in recognizing and rewarding the exceptional dedication and service of our members. Our Awards and Recognition Program is designed to honor individuals who have displayed outstanding commitment, skill, and leadership in their roles as ski patrollers.
Our awards encompass various categories, including recognition for exceptional service in individual events and extended service to the association. Whether it’s a patroller who has gone above and beyond during a rescue mission or someone who has demonstrated unwavering dedication over many years, we believe in celebrating these remarkable achievements.
To learn more about the different types of awards and the nominating process, we encourage you to refer to Chapter 12 of the NSP Policies and Procedures. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on eligibility criteria, nomination procedures, and the selection process.
To access Chapter 12 and explore further details about our Awards and Recognition Program, simply log in to our website at http://www.nsp.org. Once logged in, navigate to the “Awards” section, where you’ll find all the information you need to nominate deserving individuals and celebrate their contributions to the National Ski Patrol.
Introduction To Patrolling (Patroller 101)
The Introduction to Ski Patrolling course outlines seven essential modules to be covered in the initial training phase for patrollers. While these modules serve as a foundational training framework, it’s acknowledged that they may not encompass all the necessary training components for every ski area across the country.
- Module 1 Risk Management
- Module 2 Adapting to the Outdoor Environment
- Module 3 Toboggan Handling
- Module 4 Scene Management/Incident Command System
- Module 5 Rope and Belay Skills
- Module 6 The National Ski Patrol, Ski Area Management, and the Role of the Volunteer Patroller
- Module 7 Guest Service
Women's Program
The Women’s Program in the Western Michigan Region is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where NSP women can connect, share their passions, and offer mutual support. Through this initiative, we aim to empower participants by boosting their confidence to pursue leadership roles and enhance their skill sets. Additionally, we actively encourage the recruitment of women within the NSP community.
The women of the Western Michigan Region are committed to upholding this mission, fostering the growth of more leaders, and championing the recruitment of new female members in the NSP community.
Young Adult Program (Y.A.P.)
The NSP Young Adult Program (Y.A.P.) introduces teenagers to ski patrolling and the NSP. The YAP program often serves as a training ground for future patrollers. NSP young adult members and candidates must be 15 years old by December 31 of the year in which they begin patrolling, so YAPs are generally 15 years old through 17 (or through their senior year in high school). Young adult patrollers must meet the same patroller training and responsibilities as any other member of the patrol with the same skill set.
