We support dedicated professional ski patrollers advance their avalanche education and management skills by providing scholarships to help offset the costs of courses, travel, room and board. Patrollers attend intensive classroom sessions and field workshops. The field sessions provide the critical opportunity to put newly learned skills to the test in a practical, hands-on environment.
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A friend and seasoned fellow ski patroller, Darren Johnson, died in an avalanche whilst on duty helping graduate students collect snowpack data. In our business accidents can be tragic. This time, we decided to create a silver lining. We know the critical importance of training and education for the accurate assessment and management of terrain, and the risks associated with getting it wrong. The Darren Johnson Avalanche Education Memorial Fund provides financial support to dedicated professional ski patrollers looking to further their snow science and avalanche education.
Ski patrollers are passionate individuals who do their job for the love of helping others, and creating fun, safe conditions for people enjoy the mountains. This is not a lucrative job for those seeking material wealth. Bonuses are distributed as early morning sunrises cresting over mountain peaks, and by making a difference in someone's life you've helped. We need your support so we can help patrollers do their jobs with the best possible training.
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The Darren Johnson Avalanche Education Memorial Fund is committed to supporting ski patrollers who are advancing their knowledge and skills through continued education. In honor of Darren’s legacy, the fund offers scholarships designed to reduce financial barriers for those seeking professional growth in avalanche safety and mountain operations. Applications are now open for the 2025/2026 season, with awards distributed in fall 2025.
Two scholarship opportunities are available:
The National Avalanche School (NAS) Scholarship supports attendance at the 2025 NAS session. This scholarship covers course-related expenses for patrollers focused on avalanche forecasting, mitigation, and safety leadership. The application deadline is August 22, 2025, with final decisions made in September.
The Professional Development Scholarship is open to patrollers seeking support for continuing education courses outside of NAS, including snow science, rescue, and other industry-recognized trainings. The deadline to apply is October 3, 2025, with decisions announced in November.
© 2023 Yellowstone Club Community Foundation. All rights reserved. YCCF is a registered 501(3)c program EIN-27-1974255.
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