Safety
Your Responsibility Code
- Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
- People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
- Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
- Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
- You must prevent runaway equipment.
- Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
- Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
- You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
- Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.
Winter sports involve risk of serious injury or death. Your knowledge, decisions and actions contribute to your safety and that of others. If you need help understanding the Code, please ask any ski area employee.
Collision Safety
Collision safety promotes on-hill safety and responsible skiing and riding to reduce the risk of a collision between two or more skiers and riders. Sometimes, skiers collide. It is important to remember that we are sharing the slopes with skiers and riders of all different ages, abilities and sizes. Your awareness of those around you and of the surrounding environment, as well as responsible skiing and riding, are the best ways to reduce the risk of a collision between you and another skier or with an object.
Tips for Avoiding Collisions
Complementing the Responsibility Code and it's 10 tenets, #RideAnotherDay promotes 3 actions every skier and rider can take to help keep themselves and those around safer on the slopes.
- Be Ready: Be ready to slow down or avoid objects or other people at any time. Ski and ride in such a way that you are always able to control yourself regardless of conditions and avoid others and objects you may encounter on the run, groomed or otherwise.
- Stay Alert: Stay alert to what’s going on around you, especially other skiers and riders. Being aware of those around and changing conditions will help you have a fun and safe day on the hill.
- Plan Ahead: Ease up at blind spots, check uphill when merging onto trails, and give other skiers plenty of room when passing. Look out for spots on the run where traffic merges or you can't see what's coming next. If you are unfamiliar with a run, take it easy the first time down it and make note of places where you'll want to slow down, such as cat tracks and rollers. Also, give other skiers and riders lots or room, especially if you are passing them. There's plenty of space out there, so there's no need to crowd each other.
By doing these three things every run, you'll be helping keep the slopes safe and enjoyable, for you and everyone else.
Lift Safety
Ski areas across the United States are committed to lift safety and helping educate guests about the skills necessary to load and unload lifts safely. A skier's behavior has as much to do with the safety of the sport as does any piece of equipment from helmet to chair lift.
Skiers and Riders: Click the link below to browse educational tips and resources to help you have a safe and fun day on the slopes and on the chair.
Lift Safety Tips
This list complements the skier and rider Responsibility Code.
- Be familiar with the type of lift you are riding, and ask for help if you need it.
- Before loading, remove backpacks and secure loose items. Remove pole straps from wrists.
- Look over your shoulder to watch the chair approach.
- Sit all the way in the chair, with your back to the seat rest.
- If the lift has a restraint bar, wait until everyone is seated, and slowly reach up and lower the bar. Do not attempt to lower the bar if you cannot reach it! Adults should always help kids to lower the bar.
- Be aware of your surroundings while riding the lift. If you drop something, let it fall! You can always ask ski patrol for help retrieving the lost item.
- As you approach the top terminal, prepare to raise the bar. Look for signs advising you to do so to help with your timing.
Helmet Safety
We urge skiers and riders to wear a helmet — but to ski or ride as if they are not wearing a helmet. The National Ski Areas Association views skiing and snowboarding in a controlled and responsible manner as the primary safety consideration for all skiers and boarders. A skier's behavior has as much or more to do with the safety of the sport as does any piece of equipment. Keep reading for more on helmet usage and programs NSAA developed to help ski areas educate their guests on helmet use.
Skiers and Riders: Click the link below to learn more about the importance of wearing a helmet and skiing and riding safely.
Helmet Data Usage
Helmet usage has grown drastically over the last two decades. The overall percentage of skiers and riders wearing helmets increased from 25% in the 2002/03 season to 90% in the 2023/24 season.
Freestyle Terrain Safety
The National Ski Areas Association and Burton Snowboards would like to welcome you to the "Park SMART" Terrain Park Safety initiative. Park SMART is the evolution of the original Smart Style program. A cooperative effort with the help of the Professional Ski Instructors of America and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI) and National Ski Patrol (NSP) that emphasizes the proper use of terrain parks while delivering a unified message.
Skiers and Riders: Click the link below to learn more about Park SMART and tips for navigating terrain park safety.
skisafety.us/terrain-park-safety
Park SMART
- Start Small: Work your way up. Build your skills.
- Make a Plan: Every feature. Every time.
- Always Look: Before you drop.
- Respect: The features and other users.
- Take It Easy: Know your limits. Land on your feet.
