Safety On The SlopesSafety is everyone's responsibility.
Safety is everyone's responsibility.
Your Responsibility Code
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. Remember that staying in control is the best way to stay safe on the slopes.
On The SlopesSkiing and snowboarding are active outdoor sports with inherent risks that cannot be eliminated, including the risk of serious injury and death. Because of these risks, it is YOUR responsibility to be aware of your surroundings, the conditions, and to choose terrain, course, and speed suitable for your ability level.
Under New Mexico law, each skier has the sole individual responsibility for knowing the range of his or her own ability to negotiate any slope or trail, and it shall be the duty of each skier to ski within the limits of the skier's own ability, to maintain reasonable control of speed and course at all times while skiing, to heed all posted warnings, to ski only on a skiing area designated by the ski area operator and to refrain from acting in a manner which may cause or contribute to the injury of anyone.
Skiing and snowboarding are active outdoor sports with inherent risks that cannot be eliminated, including the risk of serious injury and death. Because of these risks, it is YOUR responsibility to be aware of your surroundings, the conditions, and to choose terrain, course, and speed suitable for your ability level.
Under New Mexico law, each skier has the sole individual responsibility for knowing the range of his or her own ability to negotiate any slope or trail, and it shall be the duty of each skier to ski within the limits of the skier's own ability, to maintain reasonable control of speed and course at all times while skiing, to heed all posted warnings, to ski only on a skiing area designated by the ski area operator and to refrain from acting in a manner which may cause or contribute to the injury of anyone.
SKI OR RIDE IN CONTROL
Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Ski or ride at a speed you are able to safely stop and avoid others and objects you may encounter.
DO NOT ENTER CLOSED AREAS
Ropes and closures are in place for your safety.
LOOK OUT FOR HAZARDS AND OBSTACLES
Obstacles are both natural and man-made. Resorts may use poles, flags, discs, ropes, fencing, signs, and other devices to provide visual warnings. No resort can mark all hazards and obstacles. Be aware of changing conditions.
LOOK OUT FOR OVER-SNOW VEHICLES
They may be on the slopes heading uphill or downhill, so stay clear of them at all times.
Mountain Signage
Maps and mountain signs contain information that can help you find trails and lifts, know when trails merge or if terrain is closed, learn where slow skiing and riding is required, and locate ski patrol and other mountain services.
Trail difficulty ratings are relative to each resort’s specific terrain and rating systems do vary by resort (e.g., a "blue diamond" for more difficult intermediate runs), so guests should always be aware of a particular resort's rating system. Work your way up from easier to more difficult trails. When in doubt about a trail or what type of terrain a lift serves, ask resort staff for guidance.
These are just a few of many different types of signs- Each mountain may have there own versions of these and other signs
LIFT SAFETYLift incidents are almost always avoidable. It's important (and part of Your Responsibility Code and New Mexico law) to know how to load, ride and unload all lifts.
Lift incidents are almost always avoidable. It's important (and part of Your Responsibility Code and New Mexico law) to know how to load, ride and unload all lifts.
Loading the Ski Lift:
- Prepare ahead of time: Ensure all gear is secure (zippers, straps, poles, etc.) before approaching the loading area.
- Form an orderly line: Follow signage and wait for your turn to load the lift.
- Move quickly but carefully: Once it's your turn, move into the “wait here” and “load here” boards promptly and be aware of the lift's timing.
- Sit down immediately: As the chair approaches, sit back into the seat smoothly and hold on to the restraining bar or chair.
- Secure restraining bar: Once seated, lower the restraining bar carefully, making sure everyone is ready.
Riding the Ski Lift:
- Remain seated: Stay seated with your back against the chair and feet pointing forward.
- Avoid distractions: Refrain from using phones or adjusting gear while riding.
- Keep the restraining bar down: Leave the restraining bar in place until approaching the unloading zone.
- Stay alert: Be aware of your surroundings and prepared for the unloading area.
Unloading the Ski Lift:
- Raise the restraining bar: About 15 feet from the unloading area, lift the restraining bar, ensuring no one is caught in it.
- Prepare to stand: As the chair reaches the unloading zone, shift to the edge of the seat and get ready to glide off.
- Stand up smoothly: Stand and glide away from the lift promptly to avoid blocking others.
- Move to the side: Clear the unloading area quickly to make room for the next riders.
Under New Mexico law, all skiers have the duty to conduct themselves carefully and comply with all duties under the Ski Safety Act Section 24-15-9.
Park SmartTerrain parks offer unique challenges and risks. Every park is different and it is important to use features that meet your ability. All users should educate themselves on Park SMART.
Terrain parks offer unique challenges and risks. Every park is different and it is important to use features that meet your ability. All users should educate themselves on Park SMART.
