Decmber 2009

Volume 2 Issue 12

   Final Sweep 

The NSP Month in Review

NATIONAL SKI PATROL

133 S. Van Gordon St. 100

Lakewood, CO 80228

303.988.1111

fax:800.222.4754

nsp@nsp.org

www.nsp.org

QUICK LINKS

Contact the NSP Staff

IN THIS ISSUE

Executive Director Year End Report

National Office Updates

Committee Updates

Featured Catalog Item

Meet a Staff Member

The Writer's Corner

Year End Report from the Executive Director

As the calendar year comes to an end, it's a good time to reflect on all the good work of the National Ski Patrol and on the many successes we have achieved this year. One of our primary 2009 goals was to lay a foundation for future success. We can point to the recent technology upgrades as one good example. 

For the first time in NSP history the membership has an automated, Web-based registration system. Patrol reps and registrars are utilizing the new system for 2009/10 registrations. As with any new system, there is a learning curve, and there will be improvements based on member input. In addition, we saw the roll out of the new website and completed the conversion of the antiquated iMIS 4 database to iMIS 15. The changes give us a solid platform from which we can build. With the new system we have enhanced security for members, upgraded to an automated catalog ordering system, and improved website aesthetics and functionality. 

Equally important are the steps that have been made to help recruit the next generation of patrollers. In this regard we can point to the beginnings of a strong national recruitment effort. The membership has been very enthusiastic about the "We Are A Different Breed" campaign, and to date we have distributed more than 10,500 posters and 11,000 stickers to patrols (all materials provided free except for shipping). In addition to distribution to local patrols, the materials were also distributed at large consumer ski shows such as the Boston Ski Show.  

In addition, the groundwork has been laid for financial stability. The short-term efforts of the national Fundraising Committee have been nothing short of extraordinary. Numerous fundraising initiatives are underway and showing a good return, including the recent on-line auction, which netted close to $9,000, and plans have been laid for future events such as a 75th Anniversary fundraiser. Behind these efforts is a strategic shift in thinking about how we fund the NSP in coming years, which in the long term will benefit the member and the organization. 

Of course, during the past year education programs have also been a primary area of focus. Without a doubt the development of the OEC 5th edition has been a monumental task. As we close in on the final edits before the book goes to publication, we have a debt of gratitude to the project team and all the volunteer authors and reviewers. It is also important to note the collaborative effort of the leadership and its ability to come to agreement on important issues related to development of the work.       

One additional measure of success this past year has been in the area of relationship building. We can definitively say that our partnership with the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) and ski resort operators is on very firm ground. We can also point to improved relations with key sponsors, such as Patagonia and Subaru, and a growing list of new sponsors that's evidenced by a 10% gain in advertising and sponsorship dollars.

I would also argue that we are doing a good job of winning the hearts and minds of our membership. I believe this is the case because of the growing level of interest in national affairs. While our members may not always agree, there is a growing level of engagement that speaks well to the fact they care. Our job is to ensure the NSP membership receives excellent support services, and we constantly seek ways to improve communications and add value to an NSP membership.

Best wishes for a very happy holiday,
Tim White, Executive Director, National Ski Patrol

Welcome New NSP Members

49 Degrees North, Wash.-Mountain Hosts
3 Rivers, Minn.-Mountain Hosts
Bristol Mountain, N.Y.-Mountain Hosts

705 Backcountry Ski Patrol, Idaho
Bretton Woods, N.Y.-Member Patrol

Arizona Snowbowl, Ariz.-Member Patrol

 Royal Gorge Ski Patrol, CA

Coopervale, CA -Member Patrol

http://www.adventureadvocates.com/NSP 

Administration                                                          

Four Elected to NSP Board of Directors; Revised Bylaws Approved

The NSP membership voted four to its Board of Directors in the 2009 election that ended Dec.1. A total of 2,889 members (10.61%) voted. The four newly-elected members are:

1. Larry Bost: Appalachian Ski Patrol; Southern Division
2. Frank G.F. Davis: Snowy Range Ski Patrol; Rocky Mountain Division
3. Janet Glaeser: Boston Mills/Brandywine Ski Patrol; Central Division
4. John Lawson: Hunt Hollow Ski Patrol; Eastern Division

Eight candidates from six divisions were nominated in this year's election, and 13 NSP members sit on the Board. The new Board members will take office on Jan. 1, 2010. Board members are elected to a three-year term and may serve for no more than six years.

Members also passed the Bylaws rewrite ratification, which was on the 2009 ballot, with 2,434 members (93%) casting a "Yes" vote. Specifics of the 2009 election can be found here. Thanks to those who voted!

NSP and PHAT; Plus Helmet Deals for NSP Members

A study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has found that nearly 8,000 head injuries each year could be prevented if all skiers and snowboarders wore helmets. To that end, the NSP and PHAT, a ski helmet advocacy program supported by the Vermont Children's Hospital, have formed a partnership to promote increased use of snowsports helmets. The NSP will assist PHAT (Protect your Head at All Times) by distributing information about the benefits of ski/snowboard helmets and will include information about PHAT on its website, nsp.org. Click here to read more about the PHAT program. You can also go to the NSP website to get more information. 

And, if you are in need of a helmet, please go to the NSP Pro Page. Smith offers excellent discounts to NSP members on great helmets!

National Avalanche School Phase II Offers Hands-On Learning

It's time to take your avalanche training to the next level. The National Avalanche School (NAS) Phase II program gives students an opportunity to put the skills learned in Phase I to use in hands-on field sessions. Phase II field sessions are an important complement to a student's overall avalanche training. The sessions are taught by some of the most experienced avalanche practitioners in the field, including ski patrollers, backcountry avalanche forecasters and mountaineers.  Phase II sessions are open to anyone who has successfully completed a NAS Phase I program. Click here for more information or call 303.987.1111.

Adventure Advocates Policy Changes

A sign of the times, Adventure Advocates Accident Insurance premiums have taken a sharp increase. Policy holders are encouraged to review the changes carefully. Click here for details.

NSP Product Testing Update

NSP knows that having the proper tools and equipment is crucial to patrollers on the mountain.  NSP is striving to carry/supply patrollers with the best gear for their specific job on the hill. Our test patrol (Sugarbush) will be testing a number of products to give insite and suggestions on how the product can be improved from a patrollers point of view.  So far this year we will be field testing our Auclair gloves, Columbia patrol packs and Bolle goggles.

Leadership                                      

December Board Meetings in Review
Two NSP Board teleconferences took place in December. The first occured on Monday, Dec. 7, and was a special meeting to discuss the OEC 5th edition project. The second took place on Wednesday, Dec. 16, and was a regularly-scheduled Board meeting. During the meetings, the Board reviewed and discussed written reports and voted on the following action items:

Dec. 7:  

• Approved the introduction statement in Chapter One of the OEC 5th edition textbook;
• Approved to proceed with the existing contract with Brady Publishing and with the print schedule set forth in that contract;
• Approved the establishment of a task force that will define the OEC 5th edition roll out plan and coordinate with Brady to develop a professional and well-communicated plan.

Dec. 16:

• The rewritten Bylaws were approved by the Board at the June 2009 Board meeting.  The Bylaws were then sent to the members for ratification.  The members approved the rewrite with 93% of voters voting 'Yes."  The Board voted to do a final approval on the Bylaws based on member guidance.  The rewritten Bylaws go in effect immediately.  A copy can be found at this link. 
• RFBA 19-09: Amend P&P for Distribution of Membership Lists Consistent with Law -- The RFBA was rejected by the Governance Committee and was not brought before the Board
• RFBA 20-09: Remove or Correct Federal Charter in the P&P -- The Governance Committee brought a seconded motion to the Board to  replace the out-of-date Federal Charter in the P&P with the most recent version.  The Board approved this change.
• RFBA 21-09: Candidate Qualifications for the National Board of Directors -- The Board voted against the RFBA
• The Board voted to allow the National Chair to stay in office until he/she can no longer serve or until his/her successor is elected.
• The Board approved Jun 25 & 26, 2009 for the Annual Meeting in Lakewood, CO.
• RFBA 24-09: External Fundraising Incentive -- The RFBA was rejected by the Finance Committee and was not brought before the Board.  The Fundraising Committee will be working on a 3-year comprehensive Fundaising Plan and will present their ideas to the Board at the Mid-Winter Meeting in Jan.

Complete minutes from the Board of Directors meetings are available on nsp.org under "Member Services," "My Bookshelf" then "Downloads." Draft Board minutes are available in the "Board News" section of the "Member News" area at nsp.org until they're approved. The NSP Board meets via teleconference at 5 p.m. Mountain Time approximately every other month. A schedule of the Board meetings can be found by logging into member services and going to "Member News" then "Board News." All members are invited to listen in on the calls. Please contact Joyce Harrington to request call codes.

Marketing/Communication/Events                                           

Pre-PEC Avalanche Instructor Continuing Ed Clinic
This *new* full-day clinic on Wednesday, April 14 preceding the 2010 Patroller Education Conference in Snowbird, Utah, will provide avalanche instructors the opportunity to share their experiences and gain new instruction tools. Participating instructors will demonstrate and evaluate effective teaching techniques and leave with take-home ideas that can be applied in the classroom and the field. The clinic is also designed to provide continuing education (CE) credit required for avalanche instructor recertification. If you are an avalanche instructor this course is not to be missed. The clinic will be put on by Mike Laney, NSP Avalanche Program director, and his crew.  For more information contact Chris Bourne at 303.988.1111.
 

2010 PEC Women's Clinic Update 
Due to limited space for the Wednesday Women's Clinic with Mermer Blakeslee, registration will be taken on a first come, first served basis.  Please keep in mind you must be a minimum of an intermediate skier for this clinic and active Patrollers will be given first priority.  In addition, there will be a nominal fee of $25 to participate in this full day clinic.

NSP, Subaru Create Safety Week Handout

The NSP Safety Team and Subaru have teamed up to create a National Safety Awareness Week handout available to all member patrols. The 3x3 (trail map size) piece includes info on defensive skiing and riding, as well as defensive driving. A safety-related sticker that patrollers can pass out on the mountain will be included with each handout. National Safety Awareness Week, an annual event at ski areas nationwide, January 16-22, 2010. To have the handout and stickers mailed to your patrol contact Jeri Boswell at the NSP at 303.988.1111. There will be a small shipping charge.

Sponsor Spotlight: Highgear Axio Max Steel 

The new Axio Max Steel is Highgear's latest altimeter watch featuring a rugged stainless steel casing that can stand up to any amount of abuse on any outdoor adventure. Built on a user-friendly module, the Axio Max Steel features triple-sensor technology including a Swiss air pressure sensor, altimeter and compass. It's equipped with a 100-hour chronograph, a multitude of alarms for use in monitoring hydration, altitude and rest, and a mineral-glass lens that is water-resistant up to 50 meters. www.highgear.com. Go to the NSP Pro Page to find great discounts on all Highgear watches including this one.

NSP at the Boston Ski & Snowboard Expo

Eastern Division Director Rick Hamlin and his team of volunteer members represented NSP at the 28th Annual Boston Globe Ski & Snowboard Expo on November 19 - 22, 2009.  PHAT stickers, NSP recruiting posters and lip balm were distributed to consumers at the event. (The new recruitment posters were very popular, with 1,000 distributed.)

The Blue Hill Adventure & Quarry Museum also participated in the expo, and David Hodgdon, founder and executive director of the museum, was on hand at the NSP booth to talk about the Nordic Ski Patrol and his experiences at various Olympics, and to show a display of Olympic patrol photographs. Hodgdon and museum Board member Kumu Gupta were interviewed by Donna Weinbrecht, 1992 Olympic moguls skiing gold medalist and U.S. Ski Hall of Famer, who was a guest speaker at the Expo, about the museum.

NSP Committee Updates

Fundraising                                             

Support Patrolling and NSP's Commitment to "Service and Safety"

Because the NSP is a 501(c)(3) federally chartered nonprofit organization, there are numerous (tax advantage) ways to support the work of the organization in addition to tax-deductible cash donations. For example, do you own stock that has appreciated in value over the years? Are you concerned about paying a large capital gain should you sell that stock? Gifts of appreciated stock can yield tax benefits, as they're deductible from your income tax at fair market value. This kind of gift avoids the capital gains tax that would result from selling the stock and using the cash to make your gift. Gifts of appreciated assets are deductible in amounts up to 30% of adjusted gross income, and any excess deduction may be carried over for use in future years. If you own stock that has depreciated in value, you also have ways to save on taxes: 1) Sell the stock and declare the full loss on your taxes; 2) Give the cash proceeds to NSP as a fully tax deductible charitable donation. Please contact Tim White at the NSP with questions: 303.988.1111.

Earn $50 Cash Before December 31!
Get approved for an NSP Rewards Visa and receive $50 cash back when you spend $100 within 60 days of your account open date*. That's money you can put toward annual dues, ski equipment, travel--whatever you want. And for officers and instructors, the card is a great way to pay for and track your NSP-related expenses. The NSP rewards card earns valuable points on all purchases. You can redeem points for a full 1% cash back, travel on any airline with no blackout dates or valuable merchandise. Sign up for the NSP Rewards card today...apply HERE. Or apply on your division website so your division can share in revenue from this program, which benefits all of us.

*$50 Cash Back is awarded via Statement Credit on your account. Offer valid for new cardholders who apply through this promotion only. This promotion is offered and administered by PartnersFirst. Offer to apply expires on Dec. 31, 2009.

NSP Winter Catalog Item of the Month (available at nsp.org)

Highgear Alterra
The Highgear Alterra is the ultimate high-altitude digital altimeter and compass in one. With a range of -2,303 ft to 30,058 ft, the Alterra measures speed of ascent and descent, real-time accumulated descent values, and changing environmental conditions. Stores up to 15 altitude log book memories with log date, average as well as total ascent/descent, number of hills, and total time. The digital compass contains dot-matrix navigational graphics with a 360° compass bearing and 1° resolution. Also contains features designed specifically for snowsports enthusiasts, including an automatic ski/snowboard chronograph, auto stop at base altitude, and speed-of-descent calculator. Additional highlights include a barometer, time/date function with dual time zone and dual daily alarm, three altitude presets and even a weather forecast function. Water resistant up to 50 meters, EL backlight, and mineral glass lens. 2 oz.
SKU #17133               $113

PowerGrip

The ultimate universal rack for all sorts of gear. Just flip it open and secure your skis, snowboards, tools or anything  else you want to stash out of the way. Holds up to 22 lbs  with a maximum opening of 1¾". Easy to install. Sold individually.

SKU #863               $9
.

Meet an NSP Staff Member

Joyce Harrington

720.963.2623

jharrington@nsp.org

We are pleased to announce that Joyce Harrington has taken the position of Administrative Assistant.  Joyce has many years of administrative experience, exceptional office skills and a great sense of humor.  In her role, she will assist the Executive Director in administrative operations and serve as primary support staff for the Board of Directors.  Please feel free to send a note to Joyce at jharrington@nsp.org and give her a warm NSP welcome.

Final Sweep was created to keep NSP members informed about national news. If you have news that's relevant to the national ski patrol audience, we invite you to submit it for consideration for Final Sweep. Please send it to Joyce Harrington by the 15th of each month.