National Ski Patrol & North American Rescue Dogs Partner To Reinforce Mountain Safety With Canine Support

National Ski Patrol (NSP), one of the largest organizations committed to safety and rescue education for the outdoor industry, is proud to announce a collaborative partnership with North American Rescue Dogs (N.A.R.D.), a nonprofit provider of grants for rescue dog training.

This strategic alliance, formed in December 2023, reflects the growing presence of highly-trained rescue dogs at mountain resorts. These canine companions play a vital role in supporting patrol teams and in enhancing the safety of ski communities.

NSP has more than 30,000 members across 630 patrols in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia. Through this partnership, several ski patrols applied for grants, specifically designated for training and caring for their avalanche rescue dogs. Working together, NSP and N.A.R.D. awarded Avy Dog Grants to the following eight mountain-resort ski patrols (both large and small): Alpine Meadows, Calif.; Aspen Mountain, Colo.; Crystal Mountain, Wash.; Northstar, Calif.; Lost Trail, Mont.; Sugar Bowl, Calif.; Yellowstone Club, Mont.; and Winter Park, Colo. 

Grants varied in amount, from $1,200 to $6,000, based on the needs of each recipient, with a total of $35,700 allocated. Additionally, N.A.R.D. granted $20,000 to NSP for education and programming.

"This partnership is a powerful collaboration. We're linking NSP’s legacy and longstanding dedication to mountain safety and education with N.A.R.D.'s recent mission and financial resources, to help equip patrols with additional tools – canine tools, that is. Both of our organizations share a deep commitment to safety, a love for outdoor recreation, and a passion for the incredible work of rescue dogs," said Stephanie Cox, CEO of National Ski Patrol.

“N.A.R.D.’s grants provide invaluable support for patrollers and ski areas, both on and off the slopes. Seven months later, the grant program has quickly helped patrol teams and dogs achieve a ‘rescue ready’ condition. And, as the popularity of mountain sports continues to rise, this additional support is more critical than ever," she added.

N.A.R.D.'s mission is to streamline search and rescue response times and significantly enhance overall effectiveness. This nonprofit organization is committed to the welfare and training of canine partners and like-minded safety organizations like NSP, as well as the ongoing development and support of volunteer handlers. 

"Our primary goal is to empower ski patrol groups to keep their communities safer and better prepared," explains Hunter Robinson, founder of N.A.R.D. "Rescue dogs are invaluable assets in emergency situations, particularly during avalanches. Their presence can also provide emotional comfort to distressed or injured skiers. By providing these grants, we are ensuring that patrol groups have the necessary resources to train and care for their canine companions."

"Mountain resorts are experiencing unprecedented levels of activity, placing an increased demand on patrollers and resources. We are here to support them. After all, trained dogs make a significant contribution to the safety of our mountain communities; and that's good news for everyone," Robinson added.