Who We Are
- A search and rescue community of over 1,900 members
- One of 11 Geograhic Divisions across the United States including Colorado, Iowa, Oklahoma, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Wyoming
What We Do
- Provide search and rescue services for more than 34 ski, back country nordic, and mountain biking areas
- Conduct education courses for our members, area volunteers and the public including Avalanche, Bike, Instructor Development, Mountain Travel and Rescue, Nordic/Backcountry, Outdoor Emergency Care, Outdoor Emergency Transportation, and Outdoor Risk Management
Our History
The National Ski Patrol (NSP) was originally organized and directed by Charles Minot “Minnie” Dole as a committee of the National Ski Association. Through Dole’s efforts as the first national director of the NSP, the organization spread its esprit de corps across the country’s emerging ski community. Upon his retirement in 1950, Dole had built the NSP into an organization of 4,000 members serving 300 ski patrols.
During World War II, Dole was responsible for establishing the famed 10th Mountain Division of the U.S. Army located at Camp Hale, Colorado. Applicants for this remarkable military unit, which saw much of its fighting activity in Italy, were screened by NSP. Many individuals who were responsible for the establishment of ski areas in the United States served in the 10th Mountain Division and contributed significantly to the sport. Thanks to this distinguished legacy of altruistic service, the NSP was recognized with a federal charter by the United States Congress in 1980.
Questions? Interested in membership?
Send an email to patroller@nsprmd.org with your questions and contact information.