MOUNTAIN SAFETY
MOUNTAIN SAFETY IS A PARTNERSHIP
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​Ski California and its member resorts in California and Nevada created the Mountain Safety Guide to educate our guests on how to ski and snowboard responsibly and safely while having a fun experience. Learning and practicing what is contained in this guide, using common sense, and making good decisions will contribute to your safety and the safety of all guests.
LIFT SAFETY TIPS
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​Be familiar with the type of lift you are riding, and ask for help if you need it.
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Before loading, remove backpacks and secure loose items. Remove pole straps from wrists.
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Look over your shoulder to watch the chair approach.
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Sit all the way in the chair, with your back to the seat rest.
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If the lift has a restraint bar, wait until everyone is seated, and slowly reach up and lower the bar. Do not attempt to lower the bar if you cannot reach it! Adults should always help kids to lower the bar.
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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.
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As you approach the top terminal, prepare to raise the bar. Look for signs advising you to do so to help with your timing.
​HELMET SAFETY​​​
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​Helmets can help mitigate head injuries on the slopes. Bonus: they also keep your head warm! Not all ski areas require helmets, but it is a good idea to outfit your child with one, and wear one yourself. While wearing a helmet is a personal choice, you would be setting a good example for the young ones in your family if you chose to wear one while skiing or riding.
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HELMET STATS
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Approximately 84% of skiers and snowboarders in the U.S. wear helmets
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Nearly 100% of kids age 9 and under wear helmets. Many ski areas include helmets in a kids’ rental package, and some may even require children to wear one in a lesson (for example, the state of New Jersey requires all kids under age 18 to wear a helmet while skiing or snowboarding).
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A peer reviewed scientific study found that potentially serious head injuries in skiing decreased as helmet usage increased. Helmets have been found to reduce the severity of head injuries and almost completely prevent lacerations.​
TERRAIN PARK SAFETY​​
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START SMALL - Work your way up. Build your skills.
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MAKE A PLAN - Every feature. Every time.
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ALWAYS LOOK - Before you drop.
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RESPECT - The features and other users.
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TAKE IT EASY - Know your limits. Land on your feet.
SNOW IMMERSION SUFFICATION HAZARD (SIS)
Skiing and snowboarding off the groomed runs and in deep powder is one of the most exciting and appealing parts of our 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 an SIS harzard or Snow Immersion Suffocation.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY CODE
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Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
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People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
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Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
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Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
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You must prevent runaway equipment.
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Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
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Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
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You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
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Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
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If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
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Bear Valley Mountain Resort
Ski Patrol Ext: 669 & 667
Guest Service Ext: 777 & 606
Forest Service 209-795-1381