National Award for Crater Lake Ski Patrol

National Park Service
Date: April 29, 2003
Contact: Martha Hess, (541)594-3092

The National Park Service and the National Park Foundation recently announced the winners of the first annual George B. Hartzog, Jr. Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service. The award for outstanding volunteer service by a group went to the Crater Lake National Park Volunteer Ski Patrol. The patrol not only contributes to the day-to-day activities that keep the park looking pristine during the winter months; they are also essential to visitor safety. Although the park spans nearly 200,000 acres, its Visitor and Resource Protection Staff consists of only three field rangers, so the support provided by the ski patrol is invaluable.

“I have worked, trained, and socialized with all members of the patrol both on a personal level and on a professional level. My four children have been mentored on the patrol by the senior officers. This group of individuals is exceptional,” said Pete Reinhart, Annie Springs District Ranger. “This is a group of individuals that are firmly committed to protecting both the cultural and natural resources found within Crater Lake National Park. They assist the park ranger staff throughout the winter months on resource snow pack surveys, recording avalanche data, and monitoring snowmobile use.” Many patrol members volunteer year-round, assisting with trail work, search and rescue training and more during the warmer months.