Diamond Peak Ski Patrol Director Kari Brandt wins NSAA “Safety Champion” award
Diamond Peak Ski Patrol Director Kari Brandt wins “Safety Champion” award from National Ski Areas Association
NSAA awards honor resorts and visionary individuals for their contributions in sustainability, safety, marketing and growth.
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. (May 16, 2025) – Diamond Peak Ski Resort is thrilled to announce that Kari Brandt – the resort’s Ski Patrol Director and Safety Coordinator – has been named the 2024-25 ski season “Safety Champion” by the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA).
Each season, the NSAA recognizes ski area members and employees doing innovative work in categories ranging from sustainability to safety, marketing and beginner conversion/growth. This year’s awards were announced on Tuesday, May 13 at the association’s annual convention in Marco Island, Florida.
Brandt was nominated for the prestigious Safety Champion award by John Rice and Jess Weaver of Ski California – an industry trade group created to provide a unified voice for the ski industry in California and Nevada to address issues that affect the industry.
“In addition to working full-time as Diamond Peak’s Ski Patrol Director and Safety Coordinator, Kari has proactively sought out opportunities to lead and participate in education, training and leadership development programs or organizations that benefit our industry,” said John Rice, president of Ski California. “Kari’s drive to lead and inspire others doesn’t stop there. She has also developed two non-profit organizations: Women of Patrol and the Sierra Nevada Resiliency Team.”
Brandt has been Diamond Peak’s Ski Patrol Director and Safety Coordinator since 2019, and has also worked with other departments within the Incline Village General Improvement District (which manages the ski resort) since 2023. During the winter season, Brandt can be found all over the mountain; and is often recognized as mom to Diamond Peak Ski Patrol dog Fred Wayne Sheppard, who serves as an unofficial ambassador for the patrol.
“Receiving this award from the national level is such an honor and would not be possible without all the support of others along the way,” Brandt said. “I constantly strive to encourage positive forward progress within the ski industry. We have come along way, with a lot more work to accomplish.”
