At Red Lodge Mountain we take the safety of our guests and employees very seriously.  All skiers and riders are responsible for complying with the Responsibility Code and avoiding collisions with other skiers and riders.  Failure to adhere to our resort’s policies and rules can and will result in a suspension or revocation of skiing/riding privileges. Please understand the below policies.

SKIER & BOARDER RESPONSIBILITY CODE

Skiing can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country, and 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 this Responsibility Code with others for a great experience on the slopes.

1.   Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
2.   People ahead 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 all 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.

Skiers and riders should be advised that a green circle, blue square, or black diamond trail at one area is not necessarily the same as a similarly rated trail at another area. The system is a relative system that is only valid at this area. Skiers and riders 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.

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 marked.

Know the Code. It’s Your Responsibility. – WATCH VIDEO

This is a partial list. The full responsibility code can be viewed by expanding the link below.Please be safety conscious, and remember, safety is no accident.

TRAIL SIGNAGE

The colored symbols on trail signs and trail maps are the keys to enjoying your first few days on the slopes. Their shape and color indicate the difficulty of the trail.

Here’s what they mean:

• Green Circle: Easier
• Blue Square: More Difficult
• Black Diamond: Most Difficult
•  Double-Black Diamond: Most Difficult, use extra caution
•  Orange Oval: Freestyle Terrain.

The same trail symbols are used at every resort in the country, but may not be equal from resort to resort. A Green Circle trail at Red Lodge Mountain, might be as tough as a Blue Square at another resort. The trail ratings are consistent within each resort. So, all the “Greens” at Red Lodge Mountain will be about the same difficulty, as will the “Blues” and the “Blacks.”

Skiers and riders 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.

SLOW ZONES

Certain areas of the mountain are designated as SLOW ZONES. Please observe posted slow zone areas by maintaining a speed no faster than the general flow of traffic. Fast and aggressive skiing and riding in these areas may result in loss of lift ticket.

SPEED & COLLISION SAFETY

Red Lodge Mountain is seriously concerned about the safety of its skiers/riders. Ski Patrol will issue warnings or remove privileges without refund for those who are acting recklessly or are out of control.

Three actions every skier and rider can take to help keep themselves and those around safer on the slopes:

1.  BE READY to slow down or avoid objects or other people at any time.
2.  STAY ALERT to what’s going on around you, especially other skiers and riders.
3.  PLAN AHEAD and ease up at blind spots, check uphill when merging onto trails, and give other skiers plenty of room when passing.

Learn more about the Ride Another Day campaign on the National Ski Patrol website: www.nspserves.org

caution

Snowcats, snowmobiles, and snowmaking may be encountered at any time.

Be advised that padding, fencing, marking devices and / or equipment covers used to inform you of a potential hazard or obstacle do not guarantee your safety and will not protect you from injury. It is your responsibility to avoid these areas.

helmets

Helmets are a smart idea. Red Lodge Mountain encourages you to educate yourself on the benefits and limitations of helmets. If you choose to wear one, please ski or ride as if you are not wearing one. Every winter sports participant shares the responsibility for his or her safety and that of others using the ski facilities.Helmets are recommended while skiing and riding.

For more information visit:  www.LidsOnKids.org

chair lift safety

Be advised that you cannot board a lift unless you have sufficient physical dexterity, ability, and knowledge to

negotiate or to use such lift safely, or until you have asked for and received information sufficient to enable you to load, ride, and unload the lift safely. You may not use a lift or any ski trail when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Knowing how to properly use a chairlift is a part of Your Responsibility Code.

TIPS FOR RESPONSIBLE LIFT USE:

It’s YOUR Responsibility to know how to use and ride the lift safely.

GET ON

As a chair passes you at the “Wait Here” sign, move ahead quickly to the “Load Here” sign and line up evenly. When the next chair comes behind you, sit on the seat, and slide back as far as you can – to keep from falling off the chair.

SIT BACK, SIT STILL, HOLD ON

Sit way back to keep from falling from the chair and enjoy the ride to the top! No horsing around, it’s dangerous when you are riding up in the air.

AT THE TOP, PLAN AHEAD TO UNLOAD

At the “Unload Here” sign it is time to get off. Stand up, and ski down the ramp. Watch for others ahead and ski around them. Move out of the way quickly, so others can unload too.

HELPFUL REMINDERS

•  Need assistance? Ask the lift attendant for help. Smallest kids should load closest to the attendant.
•  Remove & carry packs. Do not use phones, music or games while loading or unloading.
•  It is OK to miss a chair and wait for the next one.
•  When loading, watch for approaching chair and then sit to the back once seated!
•  Drop something? Let it FALL. Any item dropped can be picked up later.
•  Absolutely NO horseplay on the lifts!!

TREE WELL & DEEP SNOW SAFETY

Skiing and snowboarding in deep powder is one of the best parts of our sport. However, if you decide to leave the groomed trails you are voluntarily accepting the risk of a tree well/ snow immersion accident.

A tree well or snow immersion accident occurs when a skier or rider falls – usually headfirst – into an area of deep unconsolidated snow and becomes immobilized. A tree well is a void or depression that forms around the base of a tree can and contain a mix of low hanging branches, loose snow and air. Evergreen trees in particular (fir, hemlock, etc) can have large, deep tree wells that form when low hanging branches block snow from filling in and consolidating around the base of the tree. There is no easy way to identify if a particular tree has a dangerous tree well by sight therefore, treat all tree wells as dangerous.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU GO DOWN

•  Yell or use whistle to get your partners attention.
•  Do whatever you can to keep your head above the surface of the snow including rolling, grabbing tree branches or the tree trunk. If possible, keep your feet below level of your head.
•  If you become immersed, make a space around your face and protect your airway – resist the urge to struggle, it could compromise your airspace and entrap you further.
•  Stay calm to conserve air.
•  Trust your partner is on their way.
•  If possible, use your cell phone to call ski patrol or the resort’s emergency number.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PARTNER GOES DOWN

•  Don’t leave to get help – Stay with your partner!
•  Call for additional resources. Use a whistle or yell for assistance. If possible, call ski patrol.
•  Evaluate scene safety for yourself.
•  IMMEDIATELY begin snow immersion rescue efforts.
•  Go directly for the airway, and keep it clear, be careful not to knock more snow into the hole. Clear any snow from the airway and continue necessary first aid or extrication effort.
•  Do not try to pull victim out the way they fell in. Instead, determine where the head is and tunnel in from the side.
•  When tunneling directly for the airway be careful not to knock more snow into the hole. Continue expanding the tunnel to the airway until you can extricate the body.

More Information at: www.deepsnowsafety.org/

TERRAIN PARK SAFETY

Freestyle terrain areas are designated with an orange oval and may include 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.

Use of Freestyle Terrain exposes you to the risk of serious injury or death. Inverted aerials are not recommended. You assume the risk. Freestyle Terrain has designations for size. Start small and work your way up. Designations are relative to this ski area.

BE PARK SMART

1.  Start Small. Work your way up. Build your skills.
2.  Make a Plan. Every feature. Every time.
3.  Always Look before you drop. It is your responsibility to inspect Freestyle Terrain before use and throughout the day. The features vary in size and change due to snow conditions, weather, usage, grooming and time of day. Do not jump blindly. Use a spotter when necessary.
4.  Respect the features and other users. Only one person on a feature at a time. Wait your turn and call your start. Always clear the landing area quickly.
5.  Take it Easy. Know your limits. Land on your feet. Do not attempt Freestyle Terrain unless you have sufficient ability and experience to do so safely. You control the degree of difficulty you will encounter in using Freestyle Terrain, both on the ground and in the air.

Read more about Terrain Park Safety at: www.terrainparksafety.org/

BACKCOUNTRY TERRAIN/ACCESS

Backcountry Exit Gates – Use Extreme Caution! You are leaving the ski area and subjecting yourself entirely to all the dangers and responsibilities the backcountry presents. The ski area assumes no responsibility for skiers or riders going beyond the ski area boundary. Areas beyond the ski area boundary are not patrolled or maintained. Avalanches, unmarked obstacles, and other natural hazards exist. Rescue in the backcountry, if available, will be costly and may take time.

Red Lodge Mountain neither encourages nor discourages backcountry touring. Skiers/snowboarders crossing out of the Red Lodge Mountain boundaries do so at their own risk. Read the posted signs at the designated access gates before proceeding.

AVALANCHE SAFETY

Warning: Risk of Avalanche

While snow safety and avalanche mitigation efforts help reduce the risk of avalanches, avalanches and snow slides may occur at ski areas, both inside and outside of the posted

boundaries. Avalanches are an inherent risk of the sport due to the very nature and location of skiing and riding in steep, mountainous terrain.

5 STEPS TO STAY SAFE

1. GET THE GEAR
   • Always carry a transceiver, probe, and shovel in the backcountry to help you find a buried partner and be found
   • Always carry your gear on your body with your transceiver turned on
   • Practice with your gear regularly
   • Carry the gear and supplies you need to survive an injury or a long evacuation
2. GET THE TRAINING
   • Take an avalanche class and learn the basics
   • Learn how to provide first aid to an injured member of your party
   • Keep your skills current
3. GET THE FORECAST
   • Get the forecast before you go out
   • Do the research – be prepared with maps, understanding of the terrain, and reports from others
   • Create a plan before you head out
4. GET THE PICTURE
   • Be aware of hazardous or changing conditions
   • Use test slopes
   • Be aware of your surroundings, other groups above or below you
   • Never intentionally trigger an avalanche unless you are sure the area below is clear
   • Identify safer and more hazardous terrain and minimize your exposure
5. GET OUT OF HARMS WAY
   • Only one person on a suspect slope at a time
   • Don’t stop in an area exposed to avalanche hazard
   • Stay in contact with one another
   • Don’t enter a closed area or any place undergoing mitigation work
   • Know what terrain traps are and avoid them

Become educated on how to reduce the risk of injury or death from avalanches through your own action and awareness.

For more information visit: www.avalanche.org and www.kbyg.org