A patroller with an appointment is an individual who has demonstrated leadership, good character, diplomacy, a positive attitude, good judgment, unusual qualities of patrolling ability, a genuine desire to serve the skiing public, and extraordinary service to the NSP. Receiving an appointment is not something for which a patroller—volunteer or paid—can work or plan. A patroller does not apply for an appointment. The appointment should be overdue rather than premature, but tenure alone is never an adequate criterion. To obtain this classification, a patroller must be nominated. An appointment is not intended to be a retirement award (MWM-01-09).

These awards must be sent to the Ohio Region

NSP Appointments Review Board Chairman!

given to members who have performed extraordinary service to the National Ski Patrol at the region level or above. The award is intended to fit between the Yellow Merit Star and the Distinguished Service Award (DSA) in level of importance (AM-99-14).

given to members who have performed extraordinary service to the National Ski Patrol and the skiing public over a long period of time, distinguished by exceptional devotion to duty and outstanding performance. The Distinguished Service Award may be used to recognize members who have made excellent contributions to the system regardless of whether or not they have a or a Leadership Commendation Appointment. A member is normally the recipient of this award only once. The Distinguished Service Award also may be presented to individuals not affiliated with the National Ski Patrol for outstanding contributions to the organization. An example would be to recognize a ski area manager who has strongly supported the NSP for many years and has contributed significantly to the achievement of NSP goals.

Outstanding OEC Instructor

is presented each year to a member who has been an NSP certified OEC instructor.  Recipient must have been a certified OEC instructor for at least three ski seasons and actively instructed for the last two seasons.

may be presented by the national chair, upon the recommendation of a division director, to any NSP patrol that has performed in any outstanding manner in the NSP, the ski industry, winter recreation, or rescue, and when it is not possible to single out specific individuals. 

is for national-level service that does not meet the level of the Yellow Merit Star. Examples would be area managers/owners, retiring ski patrollers, and patrollers who deserve national recognition.  

The Montgomery M. Atwater Award is given periodically to recognize NSP members or non-members who have made outstanding and continuing superlative contributions to the Avalanche Program with national impact. Examples of such contributions might fall under management, curriculum development, publication, scientific discovery, or any combination thereof. Nominations be forwarded to the national avalanche program director, who will select a committee of three nationally respected avalanche specialists (including the avalanche program director) and at least one non-NSP member. The award recommendation goes to the NSP National Chair. 

The Patroller's Cross may be awarded to a member who is seriously injured in one of the following categories:

1. During scheduled on-the-hill duty and/or training.

2. While performing search and rescue activities under the direction of a recognized authority.

3. When performing avalanche control work under the direction of area management.

4. When performing lift evacuation under the direction of area management.

The definition of a serious injury is an injury requiring physician care over a long period of time, surgery, extended rehabilitation and/or lost work time. It is further described as an injury that prevented the member from returning to their normal patrolling duties for the balance of the ski season.  This award is not to be given posthumously. (In the case of a fatal injury it is appropriate to award a Distinguished Service Award to the family.)

The Service Recognition Award may be used to recognize members who have served the NSP for 5 years or longer, in 5 year increments. 

Awarded at rare intervals to individuals who have performed unusual or highly useful service of national significance to the National Ski Patrol. The recipient is not required to meet the skiing, emergency care, or other requirements of registered NSP members, nor is the recipient required or expected to perform the duties of a patroller. The recipients of this award may not wear the official NSP uniform unless they become NSP members. 

Awarded, upon the approval of the division director or designate, to non-members of NSP who have provided valuable contributions to the NSP.