MOUNTAIN SAFETY

Your Responsibility Code

Park City is committed to promoting skier/rider safety. in addition to people using traditional alpine ski equipment, you may be joined on the slopes by snowboarders, telemark skiers or cross-country skiers, skiers with disabilities, skiers with specialized equipment and others. 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. know your ability level and stay within it. observe “your responsibility code” listed below and share with other skiers/riders the responsibility for a great skiing/riding experience.

1. Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
2. People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
3. Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
4. Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
5. You must 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.

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.

Unmarked Obstacles 

Be advised that all poles and/or flags, fencing, signage and padding on equipment or objects or other forms of marking devices are used by the ski area to inform you of the presence or location of a potential obstacle or hazard. These markers are no guarantee of your safety and will not protect you from injury. It is part of your responsibility under Your Responsibility Code to avoid all obstacles or hazards, including those that are so marked.

Ski Safety

Under the law, any individual who engages in the sport of skiing/riding, alpine or nordic, or any person who is within the boundaries of a ski area for the purpose of observing any skiing activity, accepts and assumes the inherent risk of skiing insofar as they are reasonably obvious, expected or necessary.

Warning

Inherent risks of skiing/riding include, but are not limited to, those dangers or conditions which are an integral part of the sport, and can also include changing weather conditions, variation or steepness of terrain, snow or ice conditions, surface or subsurface conditions, whether man-modified or not, bare spots, creeks, gully, forest growth or rocks, stumps, lift towers and other structures and their components, collision with other skiers and a skier’s failure to ski within the skier’s own ability.

Trail Designations

Skiers should be advised that a green circle, blue square, single or double black diamond, or orange oval at Park City is not necessarily the same as a similar designation at other resorts. The system is a relative system, valid only at this area, and skiers should work their way up, beginning with the easiest trails no matter what their ability level may be, until they are familiar with the trails at the area.

Electronic Devices

Park City discourages the use of electronic devices – cell phones, music players, or earphones – while skiing and snowboarding, or loading and unloading lifts.

Lift Safety

Under the law, you cannot board a lift unless you have sufficient physical dexterity, ability and knowledge to safely negotiate and/or safely use such lift, or until you have asked for and received information sufficient to enable you to safely use the lift. You may not use a lift or any ski trail when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Snowcats and Snowmobiles

CAUTION - snowcats, snowmobiles and snowmaking activities and equipment may be encountered at any time.

Slow Zones

Certain areas (indicated on the map in yellow) are designated as SLOW ZONES. Please observe the posted slow areas by maintaining a speed no faster than the general flow of traffic. Space and speed are especially important in these areas. Fast and aggressive skiing will not be tolerated and may result in termination of skiing/riding privileges.

Helmet Use

Park City encourages our guests to wear a helmet. While helmets may mitigate or reduce the severity of some head injuries, their use does not guarantee safety and will not prevent all injuries. Park City reminds you that every winter sport participant shares responsibility for his or her own safety and for the safety of others using the ski area facilities.

Avalanche and Snow Safety

Avalanches may occur both inside and outside of the developed ski area at any time. Avalanches are an inherent risk of the sport due to the nature of snow and its accumulation on steep, mountainous terrain. When skiing in deep, unconsolidated snow, beware of the risk of deep snow immersion accidents and/or suffocation, particularly around the base of trees. Always ski with a partner, stay aware and observe all posted signs and warnings.

Backcountry Warning

The ski area abuts US Forest Service land and private land that may be beyond the ski area boundary typically known as backcountry. The ski area assumes no responsibility for individuals who elect to go into the backcountry terrain beyond the ski area boundary. To access the backcountry, use designated gates only. Areas beyond the ski area boundary are not patrolled or maintained. Avalanches, unmarked obstacles and other natural hazards exist. BEWARE: the backcountry avalanche hazard may be extreme. Rescue in the backcountry, if available, is the responsibility of the County Sheriff. It will be costly and may take time.

High-Altitude Environment

Some visitors may experience symptoms associated with Park City’s high altitude. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, restless sleep, coughing and difficulty in breathing. If symptoms persist or if you have a concern about your health, you should seek medical attention.

Sun Protection 

With every 3,000’ increase in altitude, UV levels rise by 10% -12%. We recommend eye protection and sunscreen to ensure protection from UV rays.

Protect Your Skiing and Riding 

Your ticket or pass is non-transferable and may not be resold or used by anyone other than the person to whom it was issued. Report lost or stolen passes to resort staff or law enforcement immediately. Resort staff may ask you to show your pass or ticket at any time. Failure to show a valid pass or ticket or engaging in fraudulent behavior of any kind may result in loss of resort privileges and/or criminal prosecution.

Aerial Drones 

Recreational drone use by any guest or member of the public, for any reason, is not permitted on or over any Vail Resorts property. 

First Aid/Ski Patrol

On-site clinics are located in the Park City and Canyons base areas. First aid facilities are available at the top of many lifts as indicated on the map. If you come across an accident, cross a pair of skis or place a snowboard in the snow uphill of the scene to warn other skiers and to help Ski Patrol locate the accident. Do not move the injured person unless absolutely necessary. Notify a patroller, have someone call for patrol or contact a lift attendant at the base of any lift and have them contact patrol. For Ski Patrol/Dispatch call (435) 615-1911.

Tree Well and Deep Snow Safety

Skiing and snowboarding off the groomed runs and in deep powder is one of the most exciting and appealing parts of the sport. However, if you decide to leave the groomed trails you are voluntarily accepting the risk of a deep snow immersion accident. A deep snow or tree well immersion accident occurs when a skier or rider falls into an area of deep unconsolidated snow and becomes immobilized and suffocates. Deaths resulting from these kinds of accidents are referred to as a NARSID or Non-Avalanche Related Snow Immersion Death. Become educated on how to reduce the risk of NARSID through your own action and awareness. ALWAYS ski or ride with a partner. The website is intended to assist all skiers and riders in learning about the risks and prevention of deep snow immersion accidents.

SKIS: Allowed with a working brake binding system or a retention device

SNOWBOARDS: Allowed with a retention device (Snowboard binding considered ok)

TELEMARK SKIS: Allowed with a retention device or a working brake system. (Please be aware of releasable telemark bindings as they typically do not have a retention device)

MONOSKIS: Allowed with a working brake system or retention device

SNOWBLADES (figgles): Allowed with a retention device

SKIBIKES/SNOWBIKES: Allowed under following parameters:

• Bike must have no more than two (2) skis
• Must have metal edges on skis
• Must have seat
• Only one (1) rider per bike
• Must be designed to load lift without slowing or stopping
• Must be loaded within envelope of chair; bike counts as a rider on chair lift
• No homemade bikes
• NOT allowed in Terrain Parks
• MUST wear a leash at all times (on lifts and on slope)
• May be restricted in certain areas and lifts for safety concerns

SNOW TRIKES:

• Must have metal edges on skis
• Only one (1) rider per trike
• Must be designed to load lift without slowing or stopping
• Must be loaded within envelope of chair
• No homemade trikes
• NOT allowed in Terrain Parks
• MUST wear a leash at all times (on lifts and on slope)
• May be restricted in certain areas and lifts for safety concerns

SNOWDECKS: Allowed, but must have metal edges and a leash

Below are a few examples of what Vail Resorts does NOT allow for alternative sliding devices at our resorts which includes but not limited to the following devices:

SNOWSHOES: NOT Allowed 

SNOWSKATES: NOT Allowed

SNOWBIKES (bicycle conversion): NOT Allowed (bikes are not allowed to have gears/chain/wheels/tires or crank assembly)

PLASTIC SNOWBOARDS: NOT Allowed (plastic snowboards that do not have metal edges)

SLEDS/DISCS: NOT Allowed

SNOWSCOOTERS: NOT Allowed

TOBOGGANS/TUBES: NOT Allowed (except in designated venues, i.e. Adventure Ridge, Point, etc.)

GHOSKY: NOT Allowed

AIRBOARD: NOT Allowed

BODYSLED: NOT Allowed

This list is subject to change at any time and may have slight variations at each resort.

Park City Resort avalanche dogs join their handlers on the mountain every day for continued training and conditioning to ensure the safety of our guests. These specially-trained dogs are skilled in locating victims beneath the snow after a slide.

You can come out and meet the dogs on Saturdays at the top of Bonanza lift at 1:00 pm and on Fridays in the Canyons Village Forum at 4:30 pm during the ski season, conditions permitting.

Avoid High Altitude Illness

The top of the resort is almost two miles above sea level! Exercise in moderation. Drink more water than usual. When you combine altitude with physical exertion, you need to drink before you get thirsty. Eat food high in carbohydrates, such as grains, pasta, fruits and vegetables, and avoid salty foods. Limit alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol and cheating yourself on sleep the night before you ski is a big mistake. Use common sense.

Stay Hydrated

Skiing and riding are athletic activities. Just as you'd drink water or Gatorade when you're at the gym, you should drink water when you're out on the slopes. Fuel your days on the hill with electrolyte heavy sports drinks like Gatorade, found throughout the mountain in food and beverage outlets. Not convinced yet? When dehydrated, the body doesn’t push blood to the fingers and toes, hence cold extremities when sitting on a chairlift. Stay warmer when you're hydrated too!

Dress Appropriately for Changing Weather

Wear water-resistant, layered clothing that can be removed or added as weather changes (i. e., long underwear, turtleneck, sweater, waterproof jacket and pants, nylon socks, glove liners, waterproof gloves, winter hat, sunglasses, and goggles). Goggles or sunglasses are important not only for UV protection, but also protection from the wind and snow which can make it hard to see objects around you.

Use Proper Skin Care Protection

Be sun savvy. Utah sunshine is so intense that skiing without sunscreen or protective eyewear is not recommended. Ultraviolet rays are more powerful at higher elevations. Use goggles and/or sunglasses that have UV protection. Also, regardless of your skin color or complexion, everyone needs to wear sunscreen, even on overcast days when ultraviolet rays still penetrate cloud cover. Go for at least 15 SPF and apply several times a day. Look for broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

Wasatch Backcountry Rescue has installed a free beacon training park at Park City Resort. It is located at mid mountain, near Red Pine Lodge, across the iron bridge as you head towards Tombstone.

Wasatch Backcountry Rescue is committed to providing Mountain safety and Avalanche Awareness education to the general public. When traveling in the back country, if you do have an accident, the best chance for a successful rescue comes from the group you are traveling with. Make sure that you check the Utah Avalanche Center forecast online or by calling (888) 999-4019. Know your route, the history of the snowpack, recent avalanche activity, and the weather forecast for that day. Always carry the proper rescue gear, transceiver, shovel, probe, and a partner.

Wasatch Backcountry Rescue recommends that you get the proper training to make smart decisions in the mountains and know how to conduct a self rescue. A transceiver is not terribly difficult to use but prior practice is recommended. This is especially important in the key clutch moments that you have to find a buried friend, when adrenaline is kicked into over drive and time is critical. The Wasatch Backcountry Rescue group is committed to saving the life of an avalanche victim. Our teams are trained in rapid response to accidents in the back country and our goal is always a live recovery. Over the past few years we have learned that the best chance to save a life is to educate users before accidents occur. WBR has taught numerous courses on safe travel, snow pack evaluation, and self rescue. The WBR has hosted many slide shows and goes to schools and public awareness groups to help educate school children and users in the art of avalanche awareness.

WBR purchased several fully-automated transceiver facilities and installed one of them here at Canyons. It is open to the general public and free of charge (you must have a lift ticket to get up to mid mountain).

Items to bring: Avalanche probe and avalanche beacon.

This is how it works. A person grabs their probe and beacon and goes to the control panel located on the telephone pole within the roped search area. Three ability levels can be selected, Beginner, Intermediate, or Expert. If the user selects beginner, one target in the search field will start pulsing like a simulated buried victim. Intermediate will start two targets, and expert will start an unknown number of targets between one and four. Once your ability has been selected so does the clock.

Start your search, use your step downs, and probe the area where the target is buried. When the searcher makes a probe strike, lights flash, sirens sound, and the time is recorded. When all targets are found the siren sounds three times to let the searcher know they have completed the exercise. This helps users practice with their equipment something that has been difficult to do in the past. WBR sees this as a practical education tool and our hopes are that it saves lives. Backcountry users need to know how to use their equipment and take an active approach in learning about the mountains they are traveling in.

To learn more about Wasatch Backcountry Rescue please visit their website.

Smart Style Freestyle Terrain

The National Ski Areas Association and Burton Snowboards have developed the Smart Style Freestyle Terrain Safety initiative, a cooperative effort to continue the proper use and progression of freestyle terrain at mountain resorts, while also delivering a unified message that is clear, concise, and effective. Freestyle Terrain may contain jumps, hits, ramps, banks, fun boxes, jibs, rails, half pipes, quarter pipes, snowcross, bump terrain, and other constructed or natural terrain features. PRIOR to using Freestyle Terrain, you are responsible for familiarizing yourself with Freestyle Terrain and obeying all instructions, warnings and signs. Freestyle skills require maintaining control on the ground, and in the air.

Freestyle terrain may include half pipes, as well as terrain parks and terrain features. They are provided for your enjoyment and offer adventure, challenge, and fun. However, freestyle terrain use, like all skiing and riding, exposes you to the risk of serious injury. Prior to using freestyle terrain, it is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with all instructions and warnings and to follow Your Responsibility Code.

1. Freestyle Terrain contains man-made and natural terrain variations.
2. Freestyle Terrain changes constantly due to weather and use.
3. Inspect Freestyle Terrain before using and throughout the day.
4. In jumping and using this terrain, you assume the risk of serious injury.
5. Be courteous and respect others.
6. One user on a Terrain feature at a time.
7. Never jump blindly - use a spotter when necessary. Look Before You Leap!
8. It is your responsibility to control your body on the ground and in the air.
9. Always clear the landing area quickly.
10. Always ride or ski in control and within your ability.

The five main points of Park Smart include:

1. START SMALL

If you are just getting into the park for the first time, or 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.

ATML
 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 run 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 through out 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. So 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…