Mountain Safety

SKIER/BOARDER RESPONSIBILITY CODE
HEAD’S UP! Know The Code, It's Your Responsibility

Skiing can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country and other specialized ski equipment, such as that used by disabled or other skiers. 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 that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the code listed below and share with other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing experience.

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 into 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.
    
    
   Know the code. It's your responsibility.
    
   This is a partial list. Be safety conscious.

INHERENT RISKS OF SKIING:

Skiers and snowboarders assume the risk of death or any injury to person or property resulting from any of the inherent risks of skiing, including changing weather conditions; existing and changing snow conditions; bare spots; stumps; trees; collisions with natural objects, man-made objects, or other skiers or snowboarders; variations in terrain; and failure to ski and snowboard within their own abilities.

FREESTYLE TERRAIN WARNINGS & INSTRUCTIONS

• Trail ratings do not apply to terrain features.
• Terrain Features are not related to degree of difficulty.
• Inspect terrain features before use.
• You are the sole judge of your ability to use any terrain feature, work your way up.
• Terrain feature shapes and surface conditions change with weather and use.
• Use spotters when landing area is not visible.
• Do not stop on landing areas.
• Use of features can be dangerous; you assume all risks of injury or death.
• Aerial somersaulting maneuvers not recommended.

 Click here to watch the Smart Style Video.

THE SMART STYLE PROGRAM

The four main points of Smart Style:

1. MAKE A PLAN
   Every time you use Freestyle Terrain, make a plan for each feature you want to use.  Your speed, approach and takeoff will directly affect your maneuver and landing.  
2. LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP
   Scope around the jumps first, not over them. Know your landings are clear and clear yourself out of the landing area.
3. EASY STYLE IT
   Start small and work your way up. (Inverted aerials not recommended).
4. RESPECT GETS RESPECT
   From the lift line through the park.

AMTL Method

Each feature can be broken down into 4 zones. Identify these zones and have a plan before using any Freestyle Terrain.

Approach zone is the space for setting your speed and stance to use the feature.

Takeoff zone is for making moves that start your trick.

Maneuver zone is for controlling your body in the air and setting up for landing.

Landing zone is the prepared slope between the knuckle and the runout beyond it.

WARNING: Risk of Avalanche

While snow safety and avalanche mitigation efforts help reduce the risk of avalanches, avalanches and snow slides may occur at ski areas, both inside and outside of the posted boundaries.  Avalanches are an inherent risk of the sport due to the nature of snow and its application on steep, mountainous terrain.  Become educated on how to reduce the risk of injury or death from avalanches through your own actions and awareness.  Visit www.avalanche.org or contact the Boreal Mountain ski patrol for further information on the risks and prevention of avalanche-related injuries or death.

CAUTION -- deep snow or tree wells can expose you to the risk of snow
immersion injuries or fatalities. Educate yourself on how to reduce the risks and
ALWAYS SKI OR RIDE WITH A PARTNER.

For further information visit www.treewelldeepsnowsafety.com.

Officially endorsed by: NATIONAL SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION