For more than 85 years, National Ski Patrol (NSP) has been at the forefront of ski area safety, rescue, and outdoor emergency care, ensuring that skiers, snowboarders, bicyclists and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy their adventures with confidence. With over 30,000 members across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia, NSP is the leading organization dedicated to safety and service in snow sports and mountain recreation.
Our Mission: Service & Safety in the Outdoors
At NSP, our mission is vital: To promote safety and service in outdoor recreation by educating, training, and leading dedicated patrollers who assist those enjoying mountains, trails, and slopes.
Our highly trained members serve in a variety of roles, from ski patrollers at local resorts to bike patrollers in urban areas. Whether responding to an emergency on the slopes or trails, educating the public on outdoor safety, or assisting outdoor recreation organizations, NSP remains committed to its core values of safety, service, and camaraderie.
Our Members: The Heart of National Ski Patrol
NSP is built on the dedication of its members - ski patrollers, snowboard patrollers, and bike patrollers who work tirelessly to ensure safety on the slopes and on the trails. They undergo rigorous training in:
~ Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC): Advanced first aid and emergency medical response
~ Avalanche Rescue & Mountain Safety: Search and rescue techniques to prevent and respond to avalanches
~ Toboggan Handling & Ski Patrol Techniques: Safety transport of injured individuals off the slopes
~ Risk Management & Public Safety Education: Promoting responsible recreation and injury prevention
Our patrollers come from all walks of life, but they share a common passion: a love for the outdoors and a commitment to helping others.
A Legacy of Leadership in Ski & Snowboard Safety
NSP was founded in 1938 by Charles "Minnie" Dole, a passionate skier who recognized the need for organized first aid and rescue services on the slopes. What began as a small group of dedicated volunteers has since evolved into a national network of professional and volunteer patrollers trained in Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC), avalanche safety, mountain rescue, and risk management.
Our partnerships with ski resorts, outdoor organizations, and government agencies help us set safety standards that protect not only winter sports enthusiast but all who explore the great outdoors.