Featured News

We are excited to announce that 12 ski patrols have been awarded grants from the 2025 National Ski Patrol + NARD Avalanche Dog Grant Program! With over $45,000 in funding, these grants support avalanche dog programs, enhancing mountain safety and rescue capabilities.

Thank you to North American Rescue Dogs (NARD) for their ongoing support and commitment to avalanche safety and the invaluable role of avy dogs.

Stay tuned for more on social media, and check the Avalanche page soon for profiles of this year’s grant recipients! 

A few insights to the program and the previous year recipients:

The National Ski Patrol (NSP) has partnered with North American Rescue Dogs (N.A.R.D.) to enhance mountain safety with trained rescue dogs. The partnership, which began in December 2023, focuses on providing grants for the training and care of avalanche rescue dogs at mountain resorts. These highly-trained canines play a crucial role in supporting ski patrols and improving safety for ski communities.

In 2024 N.A.R.D. awarded $35,700 in grants to eight ski patrols, including Alpine Meadows, Aspen Mountain, Crystal Mountain, Lost Trail, Northstar, Sugar Bowl, Winter Park, and Yellowstone. An additional $20,000 was allocated to NSP for educational programs. The collaboration strengthens the rescue readiness of patrol teams and the effectiveness of rescue operations, particularly in avalanche situations, while also supporting the welfare of the dogs and their handlers.

Both share a commitment to safety, education, and community support, with N.A.R.D. focusing on streamlining search and rescue operations through financial support for rescue dogs and their handlers. As mountain sports gain popularity, the partnership's impact on safety becomes increasingly important.

NSP and N.A.R.D are pleased to announce 2024-25 Season Grants for avalanche rescue dogs. These grants are designed to support ski patrols and rescue teams with the training, care, and resources needed to enhance mountain safety through their canine partners. Grants are available to ski patrols across North America. We encourage patrol teams to apply to ensure their avy dogs are ready for the upcoming season and beyond.