PLAN YOUR VISIT

Mountain Safety

Know the code. Share the mountain.

A great day on the mountain starts with awareness, good judgment and respect for the people around you. Review the Responsibility Code, know how to ride lifts safely, and stay alert from your first run to your last.

BEFORE YOU HEAD UP

Ride Smart. Look Out for Each Other.

Check current conditions before you head out. Choose terrain that matches your ability, obey signs and closures, and give yourself room to react as conditions and traffic change.

If you are unsure about a lift, trail, feature or condition, ask a Big Rock employee before continuing.

Big Rock Mountain chairlift operations in winter

NSAA YOUR RESPONSIBILITY CODE

Responsibility Code

Ten rules every skier and rider should know and follow.

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

LOAD. RIDE. UNLOAD.

Chairlift Safety B.A.S.I.C.S.

Chairlifts can be intimidating, but Olympian Daron Rahlves has your back. This video covers practical tips for loading, riding and unloading safely.

If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant before loading. It is always okay to speak up.

NSAA #RIDEANOTHERDAY

Be Ready. Stay Alert. Plan Ahead.

Awareness and room to react are essential parts of sharing the mountain safely.

Be Ready

Be prepared to slow down or avoid people and objects at any time. Ski or ride at a speed that keeps you in control.

Stay Alert

Pay attention to other guests, changing conditions and what is happening around you. Awareness gives you more time to react.

Plan Ahead

Ease up at blind spots and trail merges, check uphill before entering a trail, and leave plenty of room when passing. Take unfamiliar runs slowly the first time.

PROTECT YOUR HEAD

Helmet Safety

Big Rock strongly encourages helmet use for all skiers and snowboarders. A properly fitted helmet can help reduce the risk of head injury, but it does not replace good judgment, control or awareness.

Helmets are required for some Big Rock lessons, programs and activities. Check the specific program or product details before participating.

Helmets Help. Control Matters More.

Wear a helmet that fits correctly and keep the chin strap fastened. Ski and ride within your ability, stay alert, and remember that helmets cannot prevent every injury—especially at higher speeds.

Family enjoying winter together at Big Rock Mountain

TERRAIN PARK SAFETY

Be Park SMART

Know the five Park SMART principles and choose features that match your ability.

S

START SMALL

Work your way up.
Build your skills.

M

MAKE A PLAN

Every feature.
Every time.

A

ALWAYS LOOK

Look before
you drop.

R

RESPECT

Respect features
and other users.

T

TAKE IT EASY

Know your limits.
Land in control.

TRUSTED SAFETY RESOURCES

Learn More Before You Ride

These industry resources offer additional information on skier responsibility, mountain safety and terrain park awareness.

National Ski Areas Association safety resources

NSAA Safety

Industry safety guidance and skier-responsibility information.

Ski Safety U.S.

Ski Safety U.S.

Additional education for safer skiing and riding.

Park Smart terrain park safety guidelines

Park Smart

Terrain park guidance for approaching and using features responsibly.

NEED HELP ON THE MOUNTAIN?

Big Rock Ski Patrol is here to help.

For assistance on the mountain, contact the nearest Big Rock employee or Ski Patrol member. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 and notify Big Rock staff immediately so mountain responders can coordinate access.