NSP Awards

NSP appreciates the hard work of members and acknowledges their service and dedication through a variety of awards.

Possibly the most coveted award is the one named after the NSP founder, Charles Minot “Minnie” Dole. Members who win this rare award have been patrollers for at least 30 years, have been in leadership positions for more than 15 years, and have designed or implemented a major program or project.

Other awards include:

Hall of Fame: For individuals whose contributions have had historically significant impacts on NSP. Patrollers and non-members are eligible.

National Appointments and Leadership Commendations: For patrollers who have demonstrated leadership, good character, diplomacy, positive attitudes, good judgment, exemplary patrolling abilities, and extraordinary service.

Distinguished Service: For those who have performed extraordinary service to NSP and the skiing public for at least 20 years.

Meritorious Service Award: For active patrollers who have completed extraordinary and outstanding service and leadership as a region or division staff member.

Purple Merit Star: For saving a life through emergency care and use of ski patrol skills.

Blue Merit Star: For outstanding or crucial support roles using emergency care and ski patrol skills in an attempt to save a life.

Green Merit Star: For an outstanding act of heroism for arduous or hazardous rescue work in which the recipient uses ski patrol training.

Yellow Merit Star: For any outstanding service.

Patroller’s Cross: For a patroller seriously injured during training or active duty.

Unit Citations: For a patrol with outstanding performance.

National Ski Patrol Memorial: For the family of a patroller who died in the line of ski patrol duties.

National Outstanding Awards: For patrols or individual patrollers who have provided outstanding service and have been nominated by their division.