By Wyn Smith, National Recognition Committee Chair (wyn.smith@skipatrol.ca)
Nominations are being accepted for the 2026 CSP National Recognition Awards Program. The awards program honours patrollers who have gone above and beyond in their service to the organization and the skiing community.
Program overview
The CSP offers a wide range of awards to recognize excellence in various aspects of patrolling by the national organization:
National Appreciation Award
This award acknowledges patrollers who have contributed significantly more time and effort than expected in performing their duties over a minimum of five years. Recipients receive a numbered certificate and special national appreciation award pin.
Canadian Ski Patroller Award
Honouring extraordinary leadership and dedication, this award is given to patrollers who have made significant contributions in any aspect of patrolling after receiving a National Appreciation Award. Recipients receive a numbered award certificate, special pin, and a specially designed jacket nametag.
Life Member Award
The highest honour bestowed by the CSP, this award recognizes members who have made meaningful contributions to enhance, grow, or improve programs and practices across multiple dimensions of the organization. Recipients receive lifetime membership, a numbered certificate, a recognition pin, and a specially designed jacket nametag.
Other notable awards
John D. Harper Lifesaving Award: Recognizes extraordinary first aid performance.
Bravery Award: Honours patrollers who have risked their lives to rescue others.
Public Relations Award: Acknowledges efforts in promoting the CSP's image.
Safety Award: Recognizes contributions to safety promotion.
Excellence in Education Award: Honours significant impact on CSP educational programs.
The CSP also offers awards for outstanding zones, executives, and long-term service milestones.
Nomination process
The nomination portal will be open from January 2026 and close on April 28, 2026*.
*Use the same username and password for the awards site as you do for your Yeti profile.
About the CSP National Recognition Program Committee
The committee is comprised of experienced members from across the country, and carefully evaluates each nomination based on the specific criteria for that award.
Why nominate?
Patrollers are encouraged to nominate deserving colleagues who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and service to the CSP. By recognizing these individuals, the CSP aims to inspire and motivate all members to strive for excellence in their patrolling duties.
Awards are issued at all three levels of the CSP: national (which this article is referencing), division, and zone. Every division and zone has its own nomination requirements and award categories. To learn more about the awards available in your division and zone, please reach out to your division president or zone president.
First time writing a nomination? Past nominations submitted weren’t awarded?
We have a series of newsletter articles that may assist you in drafting your award nomination for your fellow patrollers:
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