SAFETY FIRST!

Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and other activities at ski areas involve the risk of injury.

The information in the Safety and Risk Awareness section of this website is intended to inform you of the risks, dangers and hazards you may encounter at a ski area and help you stay safe while enjoying these activities.

Whether you are a participant in these activities or a parent OR guardian of a minor participant, please take the time to familiarize yourself with the Safety and Risk Awareness information on this website.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISKS - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Skiing, snowboarding and participating in snow school lessons, clinics and sessions (collectively referred to as the “Activity”) involve many risks, dangers and hazards including, but not limited to boarding, riding and disembarking ski lifts; changing weather conditions; avalanches; exposed rock, earth, ice, and other natural objects; trees, tree wells, tree stumps and forest deadfall; the condition of snow or ice on or beneath the surface; negligent first aid; failure to act safely or within one’s ability or to stay within designated areas; negligence of other persons; and RISKS RESULTING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE, BREACH OF CONTRACT, OR BREACH OF ANY STATUTORY DUTY OF CARE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM, OR WARN ME OF, THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS.

I also understand that other risks include variations in the terrain which may create blind spots or areas of reduced visibility; variations in the surface or sub-surface, including changes due to artificial or artificial snow; variable and challenging conditions; streams, creeks, and exposed holes in the snowpack above streams or creeks; cliffs; crevasses; snowcat roads, road-banks or cut-banks; collision with lift towers, fences, snowmaking equipment, snow grooming equipment, snowcats, snowmobiles or other vehicles, equipment or structures; encounters with domestic and wild animals including dogs and bears; exposure to INFECTIOUS DISEASE CONTRACTED THROUGH VIRUSES, BACTERIA, PARASITES, AND FUNGI WHICH MAY BE TRANSMITTED THROUGH DIRECT OR INDIRECT CONTACT; collision with other persons; loss of balance or control; slips, trips and falls; and accidents during participation in the Activity. I am also aware that the risks, dangers and hazards mentioned above exist throughout and beyond the ski area, and many are unmarked.

ASSUMPTION OF RISKS

YOU FREELY ACCEPT AND FULLY ASSUME ALL THE RISKS, HAZARDS, AND DANGERS AND THE POSSIBILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE (AS SET OUT IN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISKS) WHILE ENGAGED IN OR AS A RESULT OF MY VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION IN THE ACTIVITY

Alpine Responsibility Code

There are elements of risk that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Regardless of how you decide to use the slopes, always show courtesy to others.

Please adhere to the Alpine Responsibility Code below and share the responsibility for a safe outdoor experience with others:

  • Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
  • People ahead of you have the right-of-way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
  • Do not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
  • Before starting downhill or merging onto a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
  • If you are involved in or witness a collision or accident, you must remain at the scene and identify yourself to the Ski Patrol.
  • Always use proper devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
  • Observe and obey all posted signs and warnings.
  • Keep off closed trails and closed areas.
  • You must not use lifts or terrain if your ability is impaired through use of alcohol or drugs.
  • You must have sufficient physical dexterity, ability and knowledge to safely load, ride and unload lifts. If in doubt, ask the lift attendant.

KNOW THE CODE – Be Safety Conscious – It is Your Responsibility!

Ski Hill Signage Instructions for Safety Degree of Difficulty

TRAIL SIGNAGE

Circles, squares and diamonds: Understanding trail designations

These symbols represent a ski resort trail designation system that categorizes ski and snowboard slopes by difficulty. Resorts throughout North America (and much of the world) use green circles, blue squares and black diamonds to indicate difficulty.

FREESTYLE TERRAIN

Freestyle Terrain has four levels of progression and designation for size. Start small and work your way up. You must familiarize yourself with the terrain before attempting any of the procedures.