Snowboarder Under Gondola

 

Know The Code

We’re committed to promoting safety. In addition to people using traditional alpine ski equipment, you may be joined on the slopes by snowboarders, telemark, or cross-country skiers, people with disabilities using specialized adaptive equipment, and others.

Always show courtesy and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing/snowboarding that common sense and personal awareness.

Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects. Know your ability level and stay within it. Observe the National Ski Areas Association’s “Your Responsibility Code” listed below to ensure a great day on the hill.

Your Responsibility Code:

Users shall adhere to all closures, warning signs and ropes at all times as well as all rules and regulations set forth in the Skier’s Responsibility Code and Safety In Skiing Code Part 54 of Title 12 of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York (12 NYCRR Part 54).  For the full NYS Skiers Responsibility Code, visit here.

Your Responsibility Code

  1. Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
  2. People ahead or downhill of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to safely avoid them.
  3. Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic. Always stop in a place that is safe for you and others.
  4. Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
  5. Always use devices to prevent runaway equipment.
  6. Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
  7. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
  8. You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
  9. Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
  10. If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.

Know The Zone:

Know the Zone is our Collision Prevention Campaign. Help us reduce guest collisions by knowing the zone. You will find Know the Zone signs at the base and top of every lift at Whiteface, Gore and Belleayre!

Always show courtesy and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing/snowboarding that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Know your ability level and stay within it. Observe the National Ski Areas Association’s Your Responsibility Code listed below to ensure a great day on the hill. While on the hill, avoid collisions by giving others 15 feet of space on all sides. If kids are present, go slower and give them even more room. Know that skiers and riders can turn suddenly, so stay in control to obey the 15- foot zone.

BE READY – Slow down or be ready to slow down and avoid objects or other people. Be sure you can control yourself no matter the conditions.
STAY ALERT – Know who and what is around you, especially other skier and riders and be aware of changing conditions.
PLAN AHEAD – If you are unfamiliar with the terrain, don’t go full-bore. Take it easy, learn the run and make notes where you might want to slow down next.

Mountain Safety:

Helmets are always a smart idea!

As part of our commitment to safety, we include a free helmet with every rental package. We urge skiers and riders to wear a helmet but to also remain safety-conscious, skiing or riding with care. Skiing and snowboarding in a controlled and responsible manner is the best way to ensure your safety. Helmet’s however, do make a difference in reducing or preventing injury from falls or other impacts. So cover that head!

The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) supports the use of snow sport helmets. With the encouragement of resorts and parents as well as helmet education, snow sport helmet use has increased year after year. Visit www.lidsonkids.org for more information, safety tips, and research to help better understand the benefits of helmet use and snow sports safety.

Practice Lift Safety

Riding a chairlift is one of the safest forms of transportation available, but there are risks involved when people and moving machines come together. Your personal behavior is critical for overall chairlift safety. Need assistance? Ask the lift attendant for help if needed, that is what they’re here for!

  • It is best that a parent or adult ride in the middle of the chair seat, with the child and/or children on either side of the adult. The smallest kids should load closest to the attendant.
  • You should load onto a chair seat when you are ready. It’s okay to allow an empty chair to go by if you or your child is not prepared to safely load the lift.
  • Before loading, remove and hold packs as straps may become entangled. Holding packs will reduce the likelihood of this happening.
  • Remove ski poles from your wrists and hold your poles in one hand. Parents, it may be helpful to hold your child’s ski poles, as well as your own, while loading the chairlift.
  • When loading, watch for the approaching chair. Then sit back as far as possible and never lean forward toward the edge of the seat, nor rest on the restraint bar.
  • Sit still, hang on, and absolutely no horseplay while riding the lifts!
  • Drop something? Let it fall. Ask ski patrol or the lift attendant for help once you have unloaded.

Heading into the Glades?
Remember these tips for a safe and enjoyable adventure.

  • Keep your goggles on and pole straps off.
  • Don’t go into the glades alone. Always bring a buddy.
  • Start with blue square glades and shorter routes. Work your way up!