National Ski Patrol System Inc.
National Ski Patrol System is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1938 that delivers standardized outdoor emergency care training, credentialing, and risk management programs to 30,000+ volunteer patrollers serving nearly 500 U.S. recreation areas through 650+ local patrols and its Center for Learning platform.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1938
- HeadquartersDenver, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What National Ski Patrol System Inc. does
National Ski Patrol System, Inc. (NSP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1938 by Charles Minot "Minnie" Dole, headquartered in Lakewood, Colorado, and operating with 51-100 national-office employees. NSP delivers standardized outdoor emergency response training, credentialing, and risk management education to a volunteer network of more than 30,000 patrollers and hosts organized into divisions, regions, and 650+ local patrols that serve nearly 500 outdoor recreation areas across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia. The organization received a federal Congressional charter in 1980 and maintains a U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division Education Partner designation, underpinning its institutional standing in the U.S. outdoor safety ecosystem.
NSP's product architecture is a platform-plus-programs model. The Center for Learning (built on the topclass LMS) delivers nearly 100 online courses, clinics, and skills offerings, while iMIS provides membership management, credential tracking, and renewals. Core programs include the mandatory Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) certification, the Outdoor First Care (OFC) course for mountain hosts, Outdoor Emergency Transportation, Avalanche, Bike Patrol, Nordic/Backcountry, Instructor Development, Outdoor Risk Management, and Mountain Travel and Rescue. The flagship OEC curriculum was modernized in June 2024 via the new OEC Hybrid Course, which combines 14 interactive online modules with in-person skills training. Credentialing is segmented across Alpine, Bike, and Nordic/Backcountry disciplines, with progression pathways to Senior, Nordic Master, and Certified designations.
NSP's revenue mechanics blend individual membership dues, education and training fees, store sales, donations, and corporate sponsorships. Membership tiers are priced at $102.90 annually across Patroller, Patroller Candidate, Young Adult Patroller Candidate, Physician Partner, Host, and Associate categories, with Alumni membership at $61.74 annually. Distribution is community-led and field-based: prospective members contact a local patrol or host unit, create a national account, get rostered by patrol leadership, and pay annual dues. Adjacent monetization includes a Pro Deals program with brands such as Mammut, ARCTERYX, Twiceme, and Kahtoola, plus partnerships with NSAA, PSIA-AASI, A3, FIPS, ICAR, CAPCE, USFS, NICA, Warren Miller, and others.
National Ski Patrol System Inc. firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- National Ski Patrol System Inc.
- Legal name
- National Ski Patrol System, Inc.
- Website
- http://www.nsp.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1938
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- National Ski Patrol System is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1938 that delivers standardized outdoor emergency care training, credentialing, and risk management programs to 30,000+ volunteer patrollers serving nearly 500 U.S. recreation areas through 650+ local patrols and its Center for Learning platform.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
National Ski Patrol System Inc. industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Outdoor Safety Education and Training
- NAICS
- Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Mountain Safety & Patrol Services (Avalanche Training, Rescue, Medical) (THAAAJAI)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Winter Sports & Snow Training Schools (Ski, Snowboard, Ice Sports) (MPAKAJAI)
Keywords
Where National Ski Patrol System Inc. is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Denver
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
National Ski Patrol System Inc. business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Membership Dues: Annual membership dues from over 30,000 members across multiple membership types (Patroller, Patroller Candidate, Young Adult Patroller Candidate, Physician Partner, Host, Associate, Alumni). National, division, and patrol dues are largely tax deductible.
- Education and Training Fees: Revenue from Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) and Outdoor First Care (OFC) certification courses, refresher courses, and professional development programs. Includes fees for certifications such as Senior, Nordic Master, and Certified programs.
- NSP Online Store: Sale of patrol uniforms at discounted member rates, NSP branded exclusive apparel and goods, and partner products. OEC students receive one-time 20% coupon from partner Mammut.
- Donations and Corporate Sponsorships: NSP operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Primary financial support derives from membership dues, donations, user fees, and corporate sponsorships.
- Pro Deals Program: Access to limited offers and special deals on products and services including skis, boots, computers, sports apparel, insurance products and avalanche gear. Includes exclusive pro deals from brands like Mammut, ARCTERYX, Twiceme, and Kahtoola (up to 40% off).
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Patroller - Full member with OEC certification |
| Subscription | Annual | Patroller Candidate - Pre-certification member |
| Subscription | Annual | Young Adult Patroller Candidate - Ages 15-17 |
| Subscription | Annual | Physician Partner - Medical advisory role |
| Subscription | Annual | Host - Mountain host with OFC certification |
| Subscription | Annual | Associate - Course taker without patroller role |
| Subscription | Annual | Alumni - Retired or inactive member |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
National Ski Patrol System Inc. product offering
Product offeringCore offering
National Ski Patrol delivers credentialed outdoor safety and emergency response education programs (most notably Outdoor Emergency Care, Outdoor First Care, and discipline-specific Alpine, Bike, and Nordic/Backcountry patroller training) combined with year-round continuing education and standards infrastructure, so that outdoor recreation providers can rely on a network of trained, certified patrollers serving nearly 500 ski areas and recreation areas across the U.S.
Product overview
National Ski Patrol offers a comprehensive suite of education, training, and credentialing programs for outdoor safety and emergency response. The organization operates a platform-plus-programs architecture centered on its flagship Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) certification, which is mandatory for all patrollers, alongside the Outdoor First Care (OFC) program for mountain hosts. Training is delivered through eight distinct education programs (Avalanche, Bike, Instructor Development, Mountain Travel and Rescue, Nordic/Backcountry, Outdoor Emergency Care, Outdoor Emergency Transportation, and Outdoor Risk Management) via a digital platform called the Center for Learning, combining online courses with in-person skills training. The programs cover three primary disciplines: Alpine, Bike, and Nordic/Backcountry patrolling, serving nearly 500 outdoor recreation areas nationwide.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) Certification NSP's signature training program equipping patrollers with skills to respond in dynamic outdoor environments. Mandatory for all patrollers across Alpine, Bike, and Nordic/Backcountry disciplines.
- Outdoor First Care (OFC) Course Foundational outdoor first aid, patient care training, and assessment program for mountain hosts serving in NSP Host Units.
- OEC Hybrid Course New hybrid delivery format for the OEC certification combining 14 interactive online modules with in-person skills training, launched in June 2024.
- Center for Learning Platform Digital education platform providing nearly 100 online courses, clinics, and continuing education offerings including OEC refresher courses for patrollers and hosts.
- NSP Membership Annual membership program with tiers including Patroller, Patroller Candidate, Young Adult Patroller Candidate, Physician Partner, Host, Associate, and Alumni. Includes access to training, credentialing, Center for Learning, Pro Deals, and patrol network.
Quantifiable outcome
- Supports nearly 500 outdoor recreation areas nationwide
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use National Ski Patrol System Inc.
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
National Ski Patrol System Inc. technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
National Ski Patrol System Inc. partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, major and core.
- burndminorHigh-performance sun and skincare brand that has partnered with National Ski Patrol along with AIM at Melanoma, Veteran Golfers Association, and Honcho Pickleball. These collaborations aim to support health initiatives, athletic activities, and community well-being, aligning with burnd's focus on evidence-based, high-performance products.
- Snow Angel FoundationminorFounded in 2023 by Chauncy and Kelli Johnson following a tragic ski collision. Partners with NSAA to promote ski collision awareness through the Ride Another Day safety campaign. Focuses on safety education and awareness while promoting benefits of skiing and snowboarding.
- National Avalanche Foundation (NAF)majorThe National Avalanche Foundation, formed in 1982, ensures the continued success of the National Avalanche School—a leading program for avalanche education. NAF provides consistent, professional training critical for US avalanche programs.
- 10th Mountain DivisioncoreThe 10th Mountain Division is a joint team of Soldiers, airmen, civilians, and partners trained to deploy rapidly and execute global land operations. Established by NSP Founder Minnie Dole during WWII, the National Ski Patrol helped screen applicants for this elite division. Many 10th Mountain Division veterans went on to establish U.S. ski areas and shape the sport's future, leading Congress to grant NSP a federal charter in 1980.
- United States Forest Service (USFS)coreSince 1905, the U.S. Forest Service has led sustainable management, conservation, and stewardship of national forests and grasslands. Overseeing 193 million acres across 43 states, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Partners with local, state, and tribal governments, forest industries, and private landowners.
- American Avalanche Association (A3)coreA3 is dedicated to advancing professional standards in avalanche safety, education, and research across the US. Supports a wide range of avalanche professionals—including researchers, forecasters, search and rescue experts, and snow safety officers—by providing critical education, training, and resources.
- Canadian Ski PatrolmajorThe Canadian Ski Patrol (CSP) has over 4,500 volunteers across Canada's 56 zones and nine divisions, dedicated to public safety on the slopes. CSP patrollers complete a rigorous 60-hour advanced first-aid course, including CPR, AED, and WHMIS training, recognized by most provinces.
- Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE)coreCAPCE is an accreditation body that reviews and accredits EMS continuing education courses. NSP is proud to be recognized as a CAPCE accredited organization providing continuing education credit hours via courses to emergency first responder membership.
- Fédération Internationale des Patrouilles de Ski (FIPS)coreFIPS is the international organization representing ski patrol and associated ski safety organizations with membership from throughout the world. Comprises ski patrollers, physicians, lawyers, engineers, technicians, ski equipment manufacturers, snow sport instructors, ski area managers, and other volunteers and professionals involved in ski patrolling.
- International Commission for Alpine Rescue (ICAR)majorICAR provides a platform for mountain rescue and related organizations to disseminate knowledge with the goal of improving mountain rescue services and safety. Independent, worldwide organization promoting international cooperation.
- National Ski Areas Association (NSAA)coreThe longstanding partnership between NSP and NSAA is vital to promoting safety, education, and operational excellence. Collaborations include Ariel Lift Evacuation Guide, Your Responsibility Code, and Outdoor Risk Management initiatives.
- Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI)majorWith over 33,000 members, PSIA-AASI is the world's largest organization for ski and snowboard instructors. Sets high certification standards and develops educational resources to help members achieve their goals. Based in Lakewood, Colorado.
- Responder AllianceminorResponder Alliance is a leader in stress resilience education for outdoor first responders, offering professional training designed to prevent burnout and help mitigate and manage traumatic stress injuries.
- Cody St. John FoundationminorA 501(c)(3) nonprofit established to honor the inspirational life and legacy of Cody St. John. Supports professional ski patrollers nationwide by awarding annual scholarships for medical education and by promoting organ donation. The only nonprofit dedicated exclusively to advancing professional ski patroller work.
- National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA)majorNICA, founded in 2009, develops mountain-biking programs for student-athletes and coaching education for team leaders. NSP is recognized as a medical training provider for NICA coaches with NSP Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) and Outdoor First Care (OFC).
- Warren MillerminorFor over 70 years, Warren Miller has been the leader in ski and snowboard filmmaking. Each fall, their iconic film tour brings together a passionate community of winter sports enthusiasts. Through this national tour, Warren Miller provides NSP with a platform to connect with skiers, share the mission of mountain safety, and inspire new generations.
- North American Avalanche Dog FoundationminorNSP provides annual grant funding for patrols with avalanche dogs through this partner foundation.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights6 records
National Ski Patrol System Inc. competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Canadian Ski Patrol: Direct peer with 4,500+ volunteers across Canada's 56 zones delivering ski patroller training, first aid, and CPR/AED certification. Closely comparable mission, volunteer model, and product (advanced first-aid courses) to NSP, but operating exclusively in Canada.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
National Ski Patrol System Inc. social profiles
Digital presenceNational Ski Patrol System Inc. financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
National Ski Patrol System Inc. leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
National Ski Patrol System Inc. funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
National Ski Patrol System Inc. M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about National Ski Patrol System Inc.
What does National Ski Patrol System Inc. do?
National Ski Patrol delivers credentialed outdoor safety and emergency response education programs (most notably Outdoor Emergency Care, Outdoor First Care, and discipline-specific Alpine, Bike, and Nordic/Backcountry patroller training) combined with year-round continuing education and standards infrastructure, so that outdoor recreation providers can rely on a network of trained, certified patrollers serving nearly 500 ski areas and recreation areas across the U.S.
Is National Ski Patrol System Inc. a public or private company?
National Ski Patrol System Inc. is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was National Ski Patrol System Inc. founded?
National Ski Patrol System Inc. was founded in 1938. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is National Ski Patrol System Inc. based?
National Ski Patrol System Inc. is headquartered in Denver, United States, in the North America region.
How does National Ski Patrol System Inc. make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Membership Dues are the primary driver. The others are education and Training Fees, NSP Online Store, donations and Corporate Sponsorships and pro Deals Program.
Who are National Ski Patrol System Inc.'s main competitors?
Canadian Ski Patrol is listed as a direct peer.
Does National Ski Patrol System Inc. have an API?
No public API is recorded for National Ski Patrol System Inc..
What industry is National Ski Patrol System Inc. in?
National Ski Patrol System Inc.'s product category is Outdoor Safety Education and Training. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAAAJAI, Mountain Safety & Patrol Services (Avalanche Training, Rescue, Medical), with a secondary code of MPAKAJAI, Winter Sports & Snow Training Schools (Ski, Snowboard, Ice Sports). Its NAICS code is 61162 and its SIC code is 7997.