Avalanche Rescue Dogs Receive $50k+ in Grants

Ski resorts rely on ski patrollers and, often, ski patrol dogs, to keep skiers and riders safe in the event of an avalanche. Recently, two non-profit groups teamed up to collaborate their efforts and better the care and training of these rescue dogs.

According to a press release from National Ski Patrol , otherwise known as NSP, the organization partnered with North American Rescue Dogs , or N.A.R.D., a nonprofit providing grants enabling rescue dog training, to award grant money for ski patrol teams to use for the betterment of these rescue dogs. See below.

NSP currently has over 30,000 members across 630 patrol teams around the world, is a federally-chartered 501(c)(3) nonprofit education and membership association, and was founded in 1938, almost an entire century ago.

N.A.R.D. is also a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a goal of providing financial resources to search-and-rescue services and communities in need through financially supporting trained and certified rescue dogs.

This partnership, between NSP and N.A.R.D., was actually formed almost half a year ago in December 2023. It is designed to allow ski patrol teams to apply for grants to train and care for their rescue dogs.

Avalanche Dog Grants were awarded to ski patrol teams from Alpine Meadows, CA; Aspen Mountain, CO; Crystal Mountain, WA.; Northstar, CA.; Lost Trail, MT.; Sugar Bowl, CA; Yellowstone Club, MT; and Winter Park, CO.

These grant awards ranged from $1,200 to $6,000 based on the needs of each recipient. The program issued a total amount of $35,700 in grants. N.A.R.D. also awarded an additional $20,000 to National Ski Patrol for education and programming.

Stephanie Cox, CEO of National Ski Patrol, said, "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."

Cox also commented on how useful the assets are that were donated by North American Rescue Dogs, saying, “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."

Hunter Robinson, founder of N.A.R.D, said the organization's "primary goal is to empower ski patrol groups to keep their communities safer and better prepared."  Rescue dogs are extremely valuable during dangerous situations on the mountain, including avalanches. Robinson said, rescue dogs' "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."

Now, more than ever, safety is of utmost importance. Robinson pointed out that resorts are experiencing higher numbers of guests than ever, but Ski Patrol and rescue dogs alike are here to support these rising numbers.

Robinson said, "trained dogs make a significant contribution to the safety of our mountain communities; and that's good news for everyone."

Related: Mount Bohemia, Michigan, is Expanding Their Terrain

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