Mountain and Ski Safety: It's a Partnership

Vermont’s ski areas are committed to safety every day in their operations, but it’s important for skiers and riders to understand that they have an important safety role, too. It's worthwhile to take a few minutes to educate yourself about safety on the hill. Learning and practicing the updated Your Responsibility Code, being aware of your surroundings, using common sense and making good decisions will help you and other guests have a better day on the mountain.

Skiing and snowboarding are active, dynamic and exciting sports and they have inherent risks that cannot be eliminated, including risk of serious injury and death – this is why it’s important for you to be aware; know and follow Your Responsibility Code; wear a helmet and make sure you know how to load and ride lifts properly. Many skiing and snowboarding incidents are a result of participants traveling too fast or above their ability or colliding with objects or other guests. You can reduce the possibility of injury by slowing down and being able to avoid objects and people at all times.

Here are some important safety resources:

Your Responsibility Code Was Revised in 2022-23

Know the Code – It’s Your Responsibility

Your Responsibility Code has been updated to better reflect the language and changes to snowsports that have occurred since the last update. By using common sense and practicing Your Responsibility Code, you and others can have a safer day on the mountain.

For more information on snowsport safety, visit NSAA.org

Ski areas are committed to lift safety and helping educate guests about the skills necessary to load and unload lifts properly. Before riding a lift, it’s your responsibility to know how to load, ride and unload a lift safely. Riding lifts responsibly will help you have a better day on the mountain.

Be familiar with the type of lift you are riding, watch others load the lift, and ask for help if you need it.
Before loading, remove backpacks and secure loose items. Remove pole straps from wrists.
Wait for the chair to pass and move out to the “load here” line.
Look over your shoulder to watch the chair approach.
Sit all the way back in the chair, with your back to the seat rest.
Lower the restraint bar – it’s the law in Vermont! Once everyone is seated, ask if they are ready to lower the bar, and slowly reach up and lower the restraint bar. Adults should always help kids to lower the bar. Do not attempt this if you cannot reach it!
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.
No horseplay!
As you approach the top terminal, prepare to raise the restraint bar. Look for signs advising you to do so to help with your timing.
Exit the loading area quickly and move out of the way

Check out these helpful resources with information about safely riding lifts:

Kidsonlifts.org for kids and parents

The Department of Labor, home of the Vermont Tramway Board has some more Ski Lift Safety tips, check them out here!

Ski Vermont and its member ski areas promote the use of snowsports helmets on the slopes. We recommend you wear a snowsports helmet - but it’s important to remember that your helmet alone will not reduce your risk of injury. Wearing a snowsports helmet while skiing and riding in a controlled manner and following Your Responsibility Code are all important to have a safer day on the mountain.

For more information on the benefits and limitations of helmets, proper sizing and more, visit: LidsOnKids.org.

Visit https://nspserves.org/ride-another-day/ and watch this important video:

Complementing the Responsibility Code, #RideAnotherDay promotes three actions every skier and rider can take to help keep themselves and those around them safer on the slopes.

1. 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.

2. Stay Alert

Stay alert to what’s going on around you, especially other skiers and riders.

3. 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 and make note of places where you'll want to slow down, such as trail intersections and rollers. Give other skiers and riders plenty of room, especially if you are passing them. There's plenty of space out there, so there's no need to crowd other skiers and riders.

By doing these three things every run, you'll be helping to keep the slopes safer and more enjoyable, for you and everyone else.

Areas outside ski area boundaries are not patrolled, and if you leave the boundary, there is a good chance that your route will not lead you back to the ski area. If you require rescue, remember that you are putting your rescuers’ safety at risk, too.
Pay attention to ski area signs, stay in bounds, and stay out of closed areas.
Accessing areas outside ski area boundaries, or backcountry, takes skills, knowledge, and planning. Minor mishaps or injuries can quickly become serious. Prolonged exposure to the cold and the elements can cause frost bite, hypothermia and even be fatal.
Pay attention to the weather forecast.
Know and respect your ability level. If you are wondering whether you should attempt a trip, err on the side of not going. Use equipment designed for the backcountry.
Do not venture into terrain that is unknown to you. If you do go, make sure you go with a guide or someone who knows the area very well to avoid getting lost.
Always go with at least two competent companions and have a designated spot to meet up in case you get separated.
Always let a responsible person know where you are going and when you plan to return. And have a ride lined up so you can get back to the ski area.
Always carry food, water and a fully charged cell phone, but do not count on having cell service.
Get an early start and do not venture into the backcountry after noon.

THIS IS JUST A PARTIAL LIST.

BackcountrySkiing.com Safety Info

Catamount: Safety in the Backcountry