Safety

Skiing and snowboarding can be enjoyed in many ways. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing and snowboarding that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce.  The more people we can educate and get involved to help to spread the knowledge, the better!

Your Responsibility Code

Observe the code listed below and share with other skiers/snowboarders that you know.

1. Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
2. People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.
4. Whenever starting downhill or merging onto a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
5. Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
6. Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
7. Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride, and unload safely.

Park Smart - Terrain Park and Freestyle Safety

It is important that you educate yourself on the proper use and progression of terrain parks and the features that you may use prior to entering any terrain park. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with all instructions, warnings, and signs and to understand PARK SMART for your safety, and for the safety of others.

Helmets are strongly recommended for all skiers and boarders, especially while skiing and riding in our parks.

The five main points of Park Smart include:

1. START SMALL If you are just getting into the park for the first time, or the first time that day, start with small features and work your way up. If you aren’t sure about how to use a feature, build your skills first. When starting out, look for small progression parks and features and then work your way up to medium or large parks and features. Freestyle terrain comes in different sizes so make sure and start small and work your way up before going into larger parks.

2. MAKE A PLAN Every time you use freestyle terrain, have a plan for each feature you are going to use. Remember, your speed, approach and take-off will directly affect your maneuver and landing. When first inspecting the jumps consider the following elements of each jump:
   • (A) The approach zone is for setting your speed and stance
   • (T) The take-off zone is for making moves that start your trick
   • (M) The maneuver zone is for controlling your style
   • (L) The landing zone is for getting straight and riding away clean.
3. ALWAYS LOOK Before you drop. Before getting into freestyle terrain observe all signage and warnings. Use your first run as a warm-up and to familiarize yourself with the park layout and features. Remember that the features change constantly due to weather, usage, and time of day, so it is important to continue to inspect features throughout the day.
4. RESPECT The features and other users. One person on a feature at a time. Wait your turn and call your drop-in. Always clear the landing area quickly. Respect all signs and stay off closed features. Remember that respect is important both in the park and on the rest of the resort. Be smart when you are heading down the mountain or to the lift and save your best tricks for the park.
5. TAKE IT EASY Know your limits. Land on your feet. Ride within your ability and consider taking a lesson if you want to build your knowledge, skills, and bag of tricks. Stay in control both on the ground and in the air. Remember you can control how big or small you take the feature by varying speed and take off. Inverted aerials increase the chance of serious injury and are not recommended. YOU ARE IN CONTROL Don’t get in the backseat. Control your speed. Land on your feet.

YOU ARE IN CONTROL…

Tips For Children

Introducing children to skiing and/or snowboarding early opens a world of adventure, fun, laughter and memories, unsurpassed from many other sports and interests. They will be forever grateful when they become adults!

1. Go over the “Responsibility Code” (above) with your children.  Describe it in an age appropriate way, so they are able to understand what it means.
2. It is HIGHLY recommended that all children wear helmets while skiing or snowboarding. Make sure the helmet fits correctly - it is not something they should "grow into". Ask our Rental Shop or Loft Shop Staff for help in choosing the right size helmet.
3. Make sure children are dressed appropriately for the weather. Dress in layers, wear a hat, gloves or mittens (mittens are usually better for kids), a waterproof jacket, waterproof pants and long, thick socks.
4. Protect children from the sun.  They should wear sun protection, even on cloudy days.  Kids should also have sunglasses or goggles with them. 
5. Take advantage of our trained instructors, who specialize in teaching children - put your children in a lesson! 
6. Be aware of your child's physical, emotional and mental energy levels.  Stop skiing/snowboarding and come inside for a break as many times as needed, depending on your child.  For example, if the clothing layer next to their skin stays wet and they’re chilled, if they’re injured, have a problem with equipment or even if they’re simply worn out.
7. Make a meeting place if you get separated, and be sure your child can easily get to the meeting place on their own.  If they are not able to memorize your phone number, write it down and put it in their pocket.  Tell your child to look for an employee if they get separated. 
    

Tips - Prior To Hitting The Slopes

1. Get in shape and eat healthy. You’ll enjoy skiing/snowboarding more if you’re physically fit.
2. Review the "Responsibility Code" (above) so you are prepared to make safe choices while on the slopes.
3. Dress appropriately for the weather.  Your outer layers should be made of fabric that is water and wind-resistant. Dress in layers to accommodate your body’s constantly changing temperature. Additionally, be sure to wear a hat, gloves or mittens, a waterproof jacket, waterproof pants and long, thick socks.
4. Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sun protection, even on cloudy days.  It is also recommended to have sunglasses or goggles while on the slopes. 
5. It is HIGHLY recommended that all skiers/snowboarders wear helmets. Make sure the helmet fits correctly - Ask our Rental Shop or Loft Shop Staff for help in choosing the right size helmet.
6. Be sure to use appropriate ski and snowboard equipment. Skis, Snowboards, and Ski Blades must have metal edges and be approved for "ski resort" use. 

Tips - While On The Slopes

1. Follow the “Responsibility Code” (above).  
2. Skiing and snowboarding require a mental and physical presence. Do not use drugs or alcohol while skiing/snowboarding.
3. Take advantage of our highly trained instructors - Take a lesson! 
4. Be aware of the snow conditions and how they can change throughout the day (e.g. As conditions turn firm or icy, skiing/snowboarding gets harder and faster.) Begin each run slowly, so you can assess the conditions. 
5. Take a warm-up run at the start of each day, so you are prepared mentally and physically for the day ahead.
6. Drink plenty of water and be careful not to become dehydrated.
7. Be aware of your physical, emotional and mental energy level.  Stop skiing/snowboarding and come inside for a break as many times as needed throughout the day. Know your limits and stop before you become fatigued.