It takes a lot to wear the red jacket. Dedication, compassion, patience, reasonable skiing skills. A little cash doesn't hurt either since the jacket isn't free.

It also takes a lot of training. Getting a 300-pound adult safely down an icy slope in a toboggan isn't a skill that comes naturally, after all.

The new lettering on the Great Divide Ski Patrol's toboggan that says "Outstanding Ski Patrol" isn't just an observation. It is a well-earned title bestowed upon GDSP by the National Ski Patrol this year for being the best alpine patrol at a small ski area. That's not just in Montana - that's anywhere in the country.

"It's a prestigious award," said 21-year patrol veteran Don Paul. "It's nice to be recognized in our division (which includes small areas in Montana and parts of Wyoming and the Dakotas). But to get it at the national level - it means a lot."

The award was announced in Ski Patrol Magazine, the official magazine of the National Ski Patrol. The article said: "Sometimes, smaller resorts have to go the extra mile to get noticed. And that's exactly what the Great Divide Patrol does …"

The article went on to outline some of the unique challenges that Great Divide poses for the patrol - the remoteness of Raw Hide Gulch and Wild West among them. These challenges inspired GDSP to develop its own patrol instructors' manual, which is used as a supplement to the NSP Outdoor Emergency Care manual.

GDSP was also recognized for working with Carroll College. Students at Carroll can receive college credit for taking Outdoor Emergency Care classes, which are taught by GDSP instructors.

"Being involved with such a young, vibrant mix of students helped bring a more dynamic nature to the patrol, as well as the benefit of cultivating a local source for new members," the ski patrol magazine noted.

Six-year patroller Mike Marlow, whose other titles include OEC instructor and toboggan instructor among others, said it's nice to be recognized by the National Ski Patrol.

"It's kind of like other volunteer organizations," he said. "You have to go above and beyond what's expected. They realized we were trying to go above and beyond."

GDSP is made up of 33 volunteers and a handful of paid patrollers. Perks include discounts on equipment and a "free" ski pass. Considering the number of hours a patroller puts in, however, Paul pointed out that it would be cheaper to buy a season pass.

"If one decides to join (the patrol) for the free skiing, they are doing it for the wrong reason," Paul said. "What makes a good patroller is a dedication to wanting to help people."

Paul means people who are in various conditions of need. And as Paul noted, the sound of a person's screaming is not always the best indicator of the seriousness of their injury.

Paul described a young boy who sliced his scalp on his ski edge during a fall.

"There was only one tear during the whole ordeal," he said. "Later that day, a girl came into the patrollers' room. She was screaming and screaming. She left with just a Band-Aid."

This brings us to other qualities that make a good patroller - a strong stomach and the ability to stay calm during disasters like impalement and compound open fractures.

"There was a beginner in her 30s who lost control and slammed into the railing outside the patrol hut," Paul said. "She was Russian and could barely speak English. The only English she knew was, 'Leg broke.' Once we were able to control the bleeding on the open fracture, she said, 'utter broke.' She had broken both legs."

Paul also described a gory scene after a man had impaled his buttocks with a branch while skiing through tight trees.

"When we're on an accident, it can be very intense," he said. "But when it's all over, you get a lot of satisfaction knowing that you helped somebody."

"One of the funnest parts of the day is when the lift shuts down and you're skiing down at the end of the day," Marlow said. "It's usually quiet, beautiful and almost pristine, with the sunset behind you, and nothing in front of you, except for snow, the daily debrief and the end-of-day beer."