Frequently Asked Questions

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:

NSAA National Convention
 NSAA Western Winter Conference
 NSAA Eastern Winter Conference
 NSAA Downhill Bike Park Summit
 NSAA Fall Education Seminars
 NSAA Mountain Technology Symposium
National Avalanche School
 Lift Maintenance Seminar
 MSAA Annual Conference  
 PNSAA Annual Conference
 RMLA Annual Conference
 SAVMI Annual Conference

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
March 15
$2,500
NSAA Western Winter Conference
Dec. 1
$1,500
NSAA Eastern Winter Conference
Dec. 1
$1,000
NSAA Downhill Bike Park Summit
May 1
$1,500
NSAA Fall Education Seminars
Aug. 1
$400
NSAA Mountain Tech Symposium
Aug. 1
$1,500
National Avalanche School
Aug. 1
$1000
Lift Maintenance Seminar
March 15
$750
MSAA Annual Conference
July 15
$500
PNSAA Annual Conference
March 15
$750
RMLA Annual Conference
April 1
$750
SAVMI Annual Conference
April 1
$750

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:

  1. Attend the event for which they applied
  2. Reply to a survey sent by NSAA after the event
  3. Accompany the survey with a photo from the event
  4. Permit NSAA to use your statement and/or photo to help promote the benefits of the Mountain Foundation

Can supplier member employees apply?

Not at this time.

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.

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Updated February 2024