Who can apply?
Currently, Mountain Foundation scholarships are available for employees of NSAA’s member ski areas, as well as affiliated and associated members. All applicants must submit complete applications and be endorsed by their manager or a member of ski area leadership.
What kinds of educational opportunities can I apply for?
Scholarships are disbursed for educational events with sessions on all aspects of ski area operations, covering topics like risk management, lift operations and maintenance, marketing, and sustainability.
Applicable education events include:
When is the application deadline? How much is the grant for?
Application deadlines and grant amounts are determined by the education event you would like to attend:
Event
Deadline
Grant Amount
NSAA National Convention
April 1
$2,000
NSAA Western Winter Conference
Dec. 1
$1,000
NSAA Eastern Winter Conference
Dec. 1
$1,000
NSAA Downhill Bike Park Summit
May 1
$1,000
NSAA Fall Education Seminars
Aug. 1
$400
NSAA Mountain Tech Symposium
Sept. 1
$1,000
National Avalanche School
Sept. 1
$500
Lift Maintenance Seminar
March 15
$500
MSAA Annual Conference
July 15
$500
PNSAA Annual Conference
March 15
$500
RMLA Annual Conference
April 1
$500
SAVMI Annual Conference
April 1
$500
How are funds distributed?
Scholarship funds are disbursed within 30 days after you have attended the event. The attendee pays for all of their expenses up front and is then reimbursed the grant amount after attending the event.
Do I need to keep receipts?
No. Funds are distributed in set amounts, and can be put toward any part of the event expenses.
Do I have to return unused money?
No, you will be awarded a set amount and it is up to you to make the travel arrangements to best suit your budget. If you come in under budget, you do not have to return the unused amount.
Do I have to register for the event?
Yes, you will have to register for the event of your choice.
What are my responsibilities as a Mountain Foundation scholarship recipient?
Mountain Foundation scholarship recipients are required to do the following:
- Attend the event for which they applied
- Reply to a survey sent by NSAA after the event
- Accompany the survey with a photo from the event
- Permit NSAA to use your statement and/or photo to help promote the benefits of the Mountain Foundation
I’ve been to some of these NSAA events before. Can I apply?
Yes, you may. However, the intent of these grants is to expose a broader group of NSAA members to available education opportunities. Preference will be given to applicants who have not attended and/or those who state a compelling reason why this event will help them with career advancement.