Get Involved!
Join the Ranch Family! Whatever you choose to do, you’re a valued part of Graniteland.
Ranch Family Roles
Glade Chiefs
Our Glade Chiefs are our year-round eyes and ears for the glade ranches, each taking the responsibility of assessing a glade, determining maintenance needs, and working with the GBA team to schedule a glade day if needed. Whether it’s a full-on Graniteland Glade Day, a slightly smaller Community Cut, or a quick-hit Locals List Day, our Glade Chiefs know what needs to be done and where we need to do it. Learn more about our Glade Chiefs (and opportunities to become a Glade Chief yourself) below!
Ski Kind Ambassadors
The Ski Kind Ambassador Program (aka, the Ski Kind Squad) offers volunteers the opportunity to give back to their local backcountry communities in the winter. Help elevate the SKI KIND initiative and backcountry code of responsibility, foster a positive experience for visitors to our glade ranches and promote the Granite Backcountry Alliance (GBA) mission!
Pack Leaders
Way back when, we had a lightbulb moment (solar-powered, of course). We realized we needed a “middle-management” volunteer contingent to get the job done, which means we needed extra hands in the right places to make the magic happen in the field (read: we couldn’t do it alone). Since then, we’ve had an amazing run of great “Packies” that really give it their all. Some have no prior glading experience - some don’t even ski! That’s a testament to the power of being involved in something that’s fun. And what’s better than being in the woods all day, giving some pointers to the uninitiated, and then drinking beers and crushing burgers afterward? We thought you’d understand. Sign up to be a Pack Leader below!
Saw Dogs
It’s no secret chainsaws are highly efficient tools for glade day production. We now have a solid squad of nearly 20 Saw Dogs and looking to build more. But it wasn’t always this way. Our first year cutting in the White Mountain National Forest began without any certified sawyers in the field. Progress was slow - but steady. We finally were able to certify several sawyers and it was a light-bulb moment for GBA organizationally. Beyond the obvious (motorized too), we became excited about the Saw Dog camaraderie, their willingness to handle difficult jobs, and their attention to detail led by Chief Sawyer Paul Maresca. We look forward to improving our climate impact by securing electric chainsaws and expanding our fleet of rugged, tough, and motivated Saw Dogs!
Quarry Dogs
We wouldn't be able to do what we do without the support from volunteers, the Quarry Dogs. These individuals recognize that as a backcountry skier there is a duty, an obligation, to contribute your time back into the terrain. What that time should be varies for everyone, but it is a worthwhile mentality that we try to instill in volunteers as none of this happens without our critical mass of superior volunteers! Sign up to be a Quarry Dog this season below.
Backcountry Ski Patrol
Backcountry patrols are an integral part of the 25,000 member NSP serving the skiing public. NH Backcountry Ski Patrol (NHBSP) is an incredible group of volunteers supports education, first aid, and search and rescue in the backcountry, and is present at all GBA events. NHBSP is looking for dedicated volunteers to join the team!
