WHAT'S NEW:
NATIONAL BOARD ELECTIONS (4.14.10)
The NSP has a 13-member National Board responsible for providing leadership and guidance to this 27,000 member Federally Chartered nonprofit organization.
This year, four Board seats are up for election. A nominating committee made up of one member at large, two division directors, and two current Board members, will develop and post an application and a list of needs by April 28, 2010.
The nominating committee will use this list of needs to select from the applicants not less than eight nor more than 16 candidates. These candidates will be submitted to the membership for a vote in October.
If you are interested in being a candidate for this very important role in the future of the NSP, please see the Call for Candidates page for more information.
GET THE LATEST SAFETY TOOL FOR YOUR PATROL VEST(1.14.10)
As partners in safety, Subaru and NSP, along with the help of the NSP Safety Team, developed a new brochure and sticker entitled “Safety from the Streets to the Slopes.” This 3x3 tri-fold color brochure is trail map size and outlines Defensive Skiing and Riding Skills on one side and Defensive Driving Skills on the other. The brochures are available immediately and will be provided to all patrols free of charge in lots of 100, 250 or 500. The only cost will be shipping. In addition, a selection of PHAT stickers (Protect Your Head At all Times) will be included with your shipment of safety brochures. Click here to preview the brochure.
To order the newest safety tool for your patrol vest, contact the NSP Catalog and Orders Specialist Cathy Boudreau today at 303-988-1111 , Ext. 2626 or cboudreau@nsp.org.
FUND SET UP FOR BIG WALLY(1.13.10)
A fund has been set up for Jackson Hole Patroller Mark Wolling at the Bank of Jackson Hole in Teton Village, Wyo. Please make your donations to the Big Wally Fund, c/o Jackson Hole Ski Patrol, P.O. Box 290, Teton Village WY 83025. An online web-based account will be set up in the near future.
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR JACKSON HOLE PATROLLER SET FOR TONIGHT(1.13.10)
A memorial service for friends and family of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort ski patroller Mark “Big Wally” Wolling is planned for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday outside the Mangy Moose Saloon in Teton Village, on the mountain side of the establishment. On January 6, 2010, Mark was caught in an avalanche while doing control work. He was buried under six feet of snow for 10 minutes and was taken to the intensive care unit of the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls, where he remained in critical condition until he passed away. At this time, the family has not announced where to make donations, but we will post an update as soon as that information is available. For more information regarding this tragic event, go here for details.
NSP LEADERSHIP CHANGES APPROVED AT MID-WINTER BOARD MEETING (1.11.10)
Several key changes to NSP leadership were voted on and approved at the organization’s Mid-Winter Board Meeting, held Jan. 7-9, 2010, in Colorado.
Bela Musits (Eastern Division/Gore Mountain Ski Patrol) was named chair of the NSP Board of Directors. Musits replaces Terry LaLiberte, who served as chair for three years and was not eligible for re-election.
David Ginley (Rocky Mountain Division/Loveland Ski Patrol) was named the assistant national chair.
In addition, new and re-elected committee chairs approved at the meeting include:
- Burt Mitchell: Chair of NSP Finance Committee
- Scott Marland: Chair of NSP Planning Committee
- Clark Noble: To remain chair of NSP Governance Committee
- Larry Bost: To remain chair of NSP Education Committee
In his new capacity as the Chair, Bela Musits and the Board agreed that all of the Program Directors and Advisors and National Volunteer Staff will continue to serve in their current capacities.
In another notable change, 30-year NSP National Historian Dr. Gretchen R. Besser officially stepped down from her position.
Rick Hamlin, Eastern Division director, has been named Besser’s replacement.
Rick's a second-generation patroller whose father, Don, joined the National Ski Patrol in 1943. Don held many leadership roles in the Eastern Division, and Rick's mother, Peg, was also a patroller and First Aid instructor. Rick's wife, Kathleen, and their two daughters, are also patrollers. Rick has been patrolling at Smugglers' Notch since 1965. He is also a skiing history buff and is a member of the International Ski History Association and a Lifetime Member of the New England Ski Museum.
The NSP wishes to thank LaLiberte and Besser for their many years of hard work and dedication to the organization. Watch for other notable Mid-Winter Meeting news to be posted soon.
NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR NSP YOUTH TO DEVELOP LEADERSHIP SKILLS (12.30.09)
Here is an excellent opportunity for NSP youth to develop leadership skills. Through Human Outreach Project (HOP) Leadership Program youth will develop leadership skills and foster global citizenship. HOP is a non-profit charitable organization (501c3) borne out of a commitment to include humanitarian efforts as an integral component of World Wide Trekking expeditions, with a special focus on the health and educational needs of children living in orphanages adjacent to expedition sites.
Their next trek and leadership program is set for
May 24-June 7, 2010.
Guided by a committed leadership team, students in the HOP Leadership Program will combine the challenge of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro 19,340’ the highest point on the African continent and a week-long service project building new infrastructure for the Kilimanjaro Children’s Orphanage in partnership with the local community. Through these two intensive experiences students will be challenged individually and as a group, gaining an understanding of what constitutes effective leadership in various contexts.
Click here for more information about the program or go to
http://www.HumanOutReachProject.com/Leader.html.
SPECIFICS OF 2009 NSP BOARD ELECTIONS AVAILABLE (12.18.09)
Members have requested that NSP make available the results of the recent NSP Board election, including breakdown of number of votes per candidate, percentage of votes per division, and total voter turnout. Those interested can view the information by signing in to Member Services and going to "Member News".
2010 PATROLLER EDUCATION CONFERENCE A MERE $199 (12.16.09)
For a registration fee of only $199, NSP members attending PEC 2010 will receive eight different education programs to choose from, five meals, a three-day lift ticket for Snowbird, Utah, and a welcome gift! For those who choose to come early or stay late, deals on ski and snowboard lessons and discounted lift tickets will also be available. For information click on PEC 2010.
*DISCOUNTED* LIFETIME NSP MEMBERSHIPS MAKE GREAT GIFTS! (12.10.09)
The NSP's popular Limited Lifetime Membership Drive has been extended until June (or until 200 are purchased). The fundraiser offers a Lifetime NSP Membership to any member for the discounted rate of $550 (vs. the standard $700 rate).
A purchase of a Lifetime Membership means you'll never pay national NSP dues again. This is a great holiday gift! For information or to take advantage of this special offer click HERE.
NSP CATALOG HOLIDAY SALE (12.08.09)
Many logo items on sale. Check under 'logo gear' in the online catalog.
Sale Items of the week for the Holiday Season:
#17192 Dale of Norway Sweater; Was $175 NOW $135
#17249 Denim Shirt; Was $25 NOW $14
#18102 NSP Holiday Ornament; Was $19.95 NOW $17.95
Check close-out section for more deals
Educational sale items of the week:
#500 Outdoor Emergency Transportation; Originally $24.50 NOW $9
#17191 Ski Sentinels: The Story of the National Ski Patrol; Was $18 NOW $15
FOUR ELECTED TO NSP BOARD OF DIRECTORS (12.02.09)
The NSP membership has elected four to its Board of Directors in the 2009 election that ended last night. A total of 2,889 members voted (10.61 percent). The four elected members are:
- Larry Bost: Appalachian Ski Patrol; Southern Division
- Frank G.F Davis: Snowy Range Ski Patrol; Rocky Mountain Division
- Janet Glaeser: Boston Mills/Brandywine Ski Patrol; Central Division
- John Lawson: Hunt Hollow Ski Patrol; Eastern Division
Eight candidates from six divisions were nominated in this year's election, and 13 NSP members sit on the Board. The new Board members will take office on January 1, 2010. NSP Board members are elected for a three year term and Board members may serve for no more than a total of six years.
The Bylaws rewrite ratification was also passed; 2434 members (93 percent) voted Yes. Thanks to all who voted!
NSP TEAMS WITH LEADING HELMET SAFETY PROGRAM (12.01.09)
NSP is working closely with PHAT (Protect Head at All Times) to encourage helmet use among skiers. Click here for details.
ADVENTURE ADVOCATES ACCIDENT INSURANCE PREMIUMS CHANGE (11.25.09)
Adventure Advocates Accident Insurance premiums take sharp increase. Policy holders are encouraged to read the changes carefully. Click here for details.
NEW NSP HOLIDAY ORNAMENT (11.17.09)
Just in time for the holiday season. Get yours before we run out! View it HERE
POLICIES & PROCEDURES UPDATE EFFORT (11.16.09)
The Governance Committee is updating the NSP Policies & Procedures (P&P) manual in an effort to:
- Ensure the P&P is reflective of approved Board motions;
- Correct any inconsistencies between the P&P and the NSP Bylaws;
- Correct any inconsistencies in the P&P;
- Eliminate any confusion surrounding the NSP governance document;
- Create consistent governance documentation that will effectively and uniformly guide NSP leadership into the future.
To assist this effort, the Committee is asking NSP members to review the 2009/2010 P&P and submit any desired changes by completing this form and sending to nationalskipatrol@nsp.org as soon as possible. The P&P can be downloaded by signing in to Member Services and going to: Member Resources/Member Links/My Bookshelf/Policies & Procedures 2009-2010. The first wave of submissions will be reviewed starting Dec. 1, edits will be accepted through August 1, 2010.
SKI PATROL LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE REGISTRATION SYSTEM (11.06.09)
This past week the National Ski Patrol (NSP) announced a new online registration system accessible from the NSP website. The web-based system replaces the previous manual registration process and provides more timely processing of annual dues. Get more information here.
SKI PATROL LAUNCHES RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN (09.29.09)
In an effort to attract more ski patrollers nationwide, the National Ski Patrol (NSP) has launched a new, multi-faceted recruitment campaign available to ski patrols and ski areas across the country. The campaign includes a variety of collateral materials that all utilize the theme “We’re a Different Breed.” Get more information here.
2009/2010 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD (09.04.09)
The 2009/2010 Policies and Procedures Manual has been posted and is available for download. The 2009/2010 version of the P&P includes all changes that the Board approved between September 1, 2008 - August 31, 2009. Sign-in to member services and go to My Bookshelf to download the PDF document.
MEMBERS: NEED HELP LOGGING IN TO MEMBER SERVICES? (09.03.09)
If you are having problems logging into the member services site, please see these helpful hints.
MEMBERS SPEAK: BOARD RESCINDS $10 NATIONAL COURSE FEE (07.27.09)
At the annual Board meeting in June the National Board of Directors passed a measure to charge a $10 fee for elective courses. The fee was implemented in an effort to bring in needed revenue for operations and programs and replenish depleted cash reserves. Following the announcement of the new course fee, many members voiced disapproval stating the added costs could deter patrollers from taking elective courses especially those members feeling the pinch of the poor economy. In light of the member response, the Board called a special meeting on July 23 to review the course fee decision and by unanimous vote decided to rescind the fee.
BARTHEL AND CHENEY TAPPED TO LEAD NEW NATIONAL WOMEN'S PROGRAM (07.23.09)
The NSP Board unanimously approved the appointment of the Central Division's Linda Barthel as advisor to the organization's new National Women's Program. Denise Cheney of the Rocky Mountain Division will serve as program assistant. Read the press release here.
BOARD APPROVES NEW AND INCREASED SOURCES OF REVENUE (7.15.09)
At the June Board of Directors meeting a new source of revenue for the NSP and an increase in fees for the Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) course were both approved. The new revenue source is the addition of a $10 processing fee for all NSP elective courses. The minutes from the Annual Meeting in June can be downloaded by clicking this link.
BACKCOUNTY ACCESS SIGNS SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT WITH NSP (7.8.09)
Backcountry Access, a prominent company in snow safety equipment, has partnered with the National Ski Patrol to help promote avalanche safety and awareness. Get more information here.
KEY MEASURES PASSED AT ANNUAL BOARD MEETING (7.7.09)
At its Annual Meeting on June 26-27, the NSP Board voted on a variety of items, including the 2009/10 budget, new sources of revenue for the organization, the 2010 Patroller Education Conference, and national recruitment and safety campaigns. For the details, click here.
NSP ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER (7.7.09) 
NSP has joined the social networking scene. With the help of Matt Abbadessa, national Young Adult Program coordinator, NSP now has an official Facebook page. Watch for weekly updates, get connected with national happenings, and stay in touch with other NSP members and friends. Also check for national updates on the NSP Twitter page.
ORTOVOX SIGNS PARTNERSHIP WITH NSP (6.9.09)
Ortovox, a leader in backcountry safety equipment including transceivers, shovels, bivy sacks and probes, has renewed its commitment to the NSP by signing as an Official Supplier to the organization. Get more information here.
OEC 2009 CYCLE B REFRESHER STUDY GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE (6.8.09)
The 2009 OEC Refresher Study Guide is now available for download or review. The RSG can be downloaded by clicking on the cover icon (at right) or via the OEC/Refresher information area. A hard copy of the RSG will also be inserted in the summer 2009 issue of Ski Patrol Magazine.
ATTENTION OEC INSTRUCTORS! (6.3.09)
An electronic version of the 2009 Cycle B Refresher Instructor's Guide is now available in instructor resources area. To access the instructor resources area, log in to your member page and scroll down the left navigation links to "Instructor Resources". There will be a link for each of the NSP education programs for which you are certified to teach. Click on the desired link. You will be connected to the discipline-specific instructor resources. A hard copy of the 2009 Instructor's Guide was also mailed to all instructors on June 12. Contact NSP if you have not received it within 10 business days.
SUCCESSFUL PATROLLER EDUCATION CONFERENCE PAVES THE WAY FOR FUTURE EVENTS (4.22.09)
The NSP Patroller Education Conference took place in Snowbird, Utah, from April 15-17. The sold-out event brought together hundreds of patrollers representing all divisions of the NSP for three days of on- and off-snow education programs. For more information, click here.