Ski Safety
 

Ski Safety

Wintergreen Resort is concerned about the safety of its skiers. Please read carefully the safety information found on this page. Skiing is an adventurous and exhilarating outdoor recreational activity. Natural and man-made obstacles are a part of this mountain experience. Collisions with these objects, especially when skiing fast or out of control, can result in serious or fatal injury. Ski with caution and in control. Expect the unexpected. While skiing you may encounter rocks and trees, hidden and unmarked obstacles, plus rapidly changing visibility and snow conditions. Be aware of grooming vehicles and snowmobiles at all times. Be alert. Ski only on maintained areas of designated slopes and trails.

Skiing may be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country or 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 others the responsibility for a great skiing experience.

Your Responsibility Code

  1. Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other 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 impared 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 and Obey the Code
It's Your Responsibility

If you need help understanding the Code, please ask an employee.

Officially endorsed by:
National Ski Patrol
National Ski Areas Association
Professional Ski Instructors of America

Precautions you can take to help prevent skiing injuries

  • Avoid icy conditions at speeds beyond your control.
  • Listen to your body; if you're really tired, don't take one more run.
  • Wear a helmet.
  • Make sure your boots fit and your equipment functions properly.
  • If you're a beginner, take lessons.
  • Watch out for potential collisions with other trail users, and hidden obstacles.

Caution

  • Wintergreen invites its skiers to ski only within the maintained boundaries of its slopes and trails.
  • Unmarked hazards and obstacles do exist.
  • Snowmaking and grooming are often on-going so that Wintergreen can ensure you the best possible ski conditions.
  • Please be alert to this possibility and use caution at all times.

Slow Down - PLEASE! At Wintergreen, the ski terrain rated as "Easiest" is designated in its entirety as a SLOW SKIING AREA. Additional slow skiing areas are indicated by orange "SLOW" banners posted on the slopes. In all SLOW SKIING AREAS the following restrictions are in effect at all times and will be enforced by the Wintergreen Ski Patrol:
1. No Jumping
2. No Tucking
3. No "straight ahead" skiing
4. Slow skiing only

Reporting an Accident
To report an accident; place skis in snow above injured skier in an "X" pattern. Observe distinguished characteristics of both the skier and the immediate area. Then, alert the Wintergreen Ski Patrol by using one of the courtesy phones located on the mountain or by notifying any ski area employee. IF YOU WITNESS OR ARE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, stay at the scene until the Ski Patrol arrives and gathers the necessary information.

Lift Safety Tips

  • Do not use a lift until you are familiar with its operation. Watch and learn or ask for assistance.
  • Slow down before approaching the entrance to a lift.
  • Load and unload only in at designated areas.
  • Be polite and courteous at the loading area.
  • Do not bounce or otherwise abuse lift equipment.
  • Make sure no loose clothing is caught in lift before unloading.
  • Move quickly away from unloading areas.
  • If a lift stops, do not attempt to get off. Remember, if there is a mechanical problem, area personnel will provide assistance.
  • When riding a lift with small children, help them load and unload. Do not allow them to ride a lift alone until they can do so properly. You are responsible for your children and their actions.

Snowboard Safety Tips

  • The board should be attached to the front foot by a security leash.
  • Before changing direction, especially on a backside, turn, look behind you and check your blind spot.
  • Stop only at the side of the slope or trail and kneel or stand facing up-hill in order to see oncoming traffic rather than sitting down in the middle of the slope or trail.
  • When not attached, your board should be face-down with the bindings in the snow.
  • The rear foot should be detached from the bindings when loading, riding, or unloading the chairlift.
  • Wear protective gear, wristguards and a helmet.

Precautions you can take to help prevent injuries

  • Avoid icy conditions at speeds beyond your control.
  • Listen to your body; if you're really tired, don't take one more run.
  • Wear a helmet.
  • Make sure your board and boots fit correctly.
  • If you're a beginner, take lessons.
  • Watch out for potential collisions with other trail users, and hidden obstacles.