FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Diane Amdur
303.521.3305
National Ski Patrol and Snow Angel Foundation Partner to Champion On-Mountain Safety Awareness
Expands Outreach and Strengthens Community Engagement for Collision Prevention
LAKEWOOD, Colo. (May 6, 2025) – Driven by a shared commitment to outdoor safety, National Ski Patrol (NSP), one of the largest organizations committed to safety and rescue education for the outdoor industry, and Snow Angel Foundation, an inspiring nonprofit dedicated to preventing collisions through education and awareness in skiing and snowboarding, announce an industry partnership with deep purpose.
By combining NSP’s established expertise in on-mountain safety with Snow Angel Foundation’s passionate advocacy and personal experience of tragic collisions, this collaboration aims to increase awareness of collision risks and encourage responsible behavior among skiers and snowboarders through some of the following initiatives:
- Youth Campaigns: Promote safety, education and outdoor recreation opportunities for youth and underserved communities.
- Safety Awareness: Integrate education efforts to support collision prevention.
- Community Outreach: Collaborate on a campaign to raise awareness about on-mountain safety.
The shared goal of this partnership is to ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for all outdoor enthusiasts.
Snow Angel Foundation was founded in 2023 by Chauncy and Kelli Johnson, whose lives were irrevocably altered by a tragic collision on Christmas Eve, 2010. The incident resulted in the death of their five-year-old daughter, Elise, and left Kelli with life-altering injuries, including a severe Traumatic Brain Injury. Driven by their commitment to preventing similar tragedies, Chauncy, who previously partnered with the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) to promote the “Ride Another Day” safety campaign, established the foundation to bolster safety education and promote responsible recreation.
“This partnership with Snow Angel Foundation is a significant step forward in our ongoing commitment to safety,” said Stephanie Cox, CEO of National Ski Patrol. “Chauncy and Kelli’s dedication to preventing collisions, born from their own profound loss, is truly inspiring. By combining their passion with NSP’s expertise, we can create a powerful synergy that will benefit the skiing and snowboarding community.”
According to Chauncy Johnson, founder of Snow Angel Foundation, “Our mission at Snow Angel Foundation is to transform our pain into positive action. Partnering with National Ski Patrol allows us to reach a wider audience and amplify our message of safety. We believe that by working together, we can help prevent future tragedies so that everyone can enjoy the mountains safely.”
About National Ski Patrol
National Ski Patrol (NSP) is a federally-charted 501(c)(3) nonprofit education and membership association. As the leading authority of on-mountain safety, NSP is dedicated to serving the outdoor recreation industry by providing education and training to emergency care and safety service providers. With more than 30,000 members across 650 patrols, and affiliated organizations in Canada, Europe, and Asia, NSP is one of the largest organizations committed to safety and rescue education for the outdoor industry. Members include ski and bike patrollers, as well as mountain and bike hosts, alumni, associates, and physician partners, working on behalf of local ski/snowboard areas and bike parks to enhance the overall experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Founded in 1938, NSP continues to advance its commitment to safety and its vision by leveraging the latest technology, innovation, and education. Visit NSP.org, and follow on Facebook and Instagram.
About Snow Angel Foundation
Snow Angel Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing collisions through education and awareness in skiing and snowboarding. Founded in 2023 by Chauncy and Kelli Johnson, after their 5-year-old daughter died in a preventable collision with a speeding snowboarder, the foundation aims to ensure a safer environment for all winter sports enthusiasts. Visit SnowAngelFoundation.org.
National Ski Patrol Media Inquiries
For NSP media inquiries or interview requests with Stephanie Cox, CEO of National Ski Patrol, contact Diane Amdur at [email protected] or 303-521-3305.
National Ski Patrol Media Resources/Photos
- National Ski Patrol Newsroom
- Photos (P.C.: National Ski Patrol)
- NSP Fact Sheet
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Snow Angel Foundation Welcomes John Siewierski as the Director of Resource Development to Help Advance Mission of Slope Safety
Thermopolis, WY — April 22, 2025
The Snow Angel Foundation Inc. is proud to announce the addition of John Siewierski as our newest team member and strategic partner to support the Foundation’s mission to prevent ski and snowboard collisions through awareness, education, and advocacy.
John joins the organization as the Director of Resource Development with a strong background in building partnerships and driving growth within mountain sports industries. His industry experience and expertise will play a key role in helping the Foundation expand its reach, strengthen relationships with ski resorts and industry partners building sustainable programs that enhances safety for skiers and snowboarders nationwide.
“We are pleased to welcome John to the Snow Angel Foundation team,” said Chauncy Johnson, Founder of the organization. “His commitment to our cause and his ability to create impactful partnerships will help us expand and grow collision awareness and knowledge in meaningful ways.”
The Snow Angel Foundation was founded after a tragic collision that took the life of Chauncy & Kelli Johnson’s daughter. The accident also resulted in the loss of the snowboarder’s life, and left Kelli with severe injuries. This heartbreaking event was the catalyst for the founding of the organization. The Snow Angel Foundation has become a voice for safety awareness by working collaboratively with industry stakeholders to minimize preventable accidents and similar losses to families and communities.
“I’m deeply moved by the Foundation’s mission and honored to be part of it,” said Siewierski. “I look forward to the opportunity to make a difference in slope safety that will help prevent tragic, life changing injuries, save lives and protect families.”
John’s role will focus on strategic planning, expanding industry outreach, and helping secure key resources to further the Foundation’s educational and advocacy efforts.
The Snow Angel Foundation is eager to collaborate with ski areas and industry organizations to enhance safety protocols and raise awareness about collision prevention.
For more information about the Snow Angel Foundation or to get involved, please visit snowangelfoundation.org or follow us on social media.
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Utah State University Article – Courage Redefined
Ride Another Day Campaign Timeline:
2016
November – Initial PSA & Ride Another Day Campaign Launch
2017
January – NSAA West Conference Steamboat Springs, CO Launch
April – Craig Hospital PUSH Gala – Inspiration Award – Kelli Johnson
November – Beaver Creek, CO – Ski Patrol Orientation Training
November – Copper Mountain, CO – Mnt Safety, Ski Patrol, Staff Training
November – Park City, UT – Mnt Safety, Ski Patrol, Staff Training
2018
February – Big Sky, MT – Ski Patrol Training Event
May – NSAA National Conference Ride Another Day Safety Award
November – Big Sky, MT – Ski Patrol Orientation Training
November – Red Lodge Ski Resort, MT – All Staff Training
November – Copper Mtn, CO – Mtn Safety, Ski Patrol, Staff Training
December – Thermopolis, WY Rotary Club Presentation
2019
November – Stratton, VT – All Staff Training
November – Stratton Mountain School – Student Presentation
February – Stowe, VT – All Staff Training
February – Jay Peak, VT – All Staff Training
February – Sugarbush, VT – All Staff Training
February – Killington, VT – All Staff Training
April – Snowbird, UT – National Ski Patrol Powderfall Event Keynote Speakers
2020 – COVID-19
2023
January – Killington, VT – Mtn Staff and Killington Mtn School Keynote Speakers
February – Thermopolis Middle School – Pre Ski Trip Presentation
March – Hot Springs County High School – Pre Ski Trip Presentation