Mountain Safety

Ski Patrol

Snowbasin's Ski Patrol is a full-time, professional organization trained in emergency first aid and skilled in advanced mountaineering and skiing techniques. Ski Patrol members will be present on the mountain anytime our lifts are operating during ski seasons. We have Ski Patrol stations at John Paul Lodge, top of Porcupine Lift, Needles Lodge, top of Strawberry Express Gondola and near the Grizzly Center in the Main Plaza. Remember, Safety Begins With You:

Terrain Park Safety

Kids: Know the Code! Find a Ski Patrol member, tell them one point from the responsibility code, and get a Snowbasin Avalanche Dog Card. Collect all five cards!

Skier Safety

Skiing can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas you might see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country or other specialized equipment such as that used by the disabled. 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 other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing experience.

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. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
4. Whenever starting down hill or merging into a trail, look up hill and yield to others.
5. Always use devices that help prevent runaway equipment.
6. Observe posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
7. Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

Avalanche Rescue Training Center

In our commitment to safety, Snowbasin is pleased to present our Avalanche Rescue Training Center. Built in cooperation with Wasatch Backcountry Rescue and the "Are You Beeping" and "Stay On Top Of It" public awareness campaigns, the center offers backcountry enthusiasts an opportunity to sharpen their rescue skills in the safety of a controlled environment. Located next to the Ski Patrol building near the Main Plaza (at the base, the Avalanche Rescue Training Center allows users to practice finding one to four buried "targets" in the snow using their avalanche transceivers (provided by user) and probes (provided by Snowbasin). A flashing light and siren indicate when a target has been found, and the rescue time is recorded. The training facility is free to the public and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Avalanche Awareness

Backcountry skiing can be exhilarating, but also very dangerous. Without the avalanche control teams like at the resorts, backcountry snow terrain can quickly give way, starting an avalanche. Although there is no sure fire way to stay out of trouble while backcountry skiing, here are some tips that can help you "stay on top of it!"

Snow and weather conditions can change quickly. Avalanche gates open and close accordingly for your safety. Never enter a closed area. You may lose your pass or receive a citation from Weber County Sheriff (class B misdemeanor). If you are unsure about terrain access, please contact the Ski Patrol. In case of emergency call 911.

"Lids on Kids" Program

NSAA promotes the use of helmets on the slopes. We urge skiers and riders to wear a helmet – but to ski or ride as if they are not wearing a helmet. NSAA views skiing and snowboarding in a controlled and responsible manner – not helmets only – as the primary safety consideration for all skiers and boarders. A skier’s behavior has as much or more to do with the safety of the sport as does any piece of equipment. In 2002, Lids on Kids www.lidsonkids.org debuted as a resource for consumers to learn about helmet use in skiing and snowboarding. This site contains FAQs about helmet use, fit and sizing information, general slope safety information, related articles and games, and testimonials about helmet use from well-known athletes, including US Ski Team members. The site has received nearly 2 million hits since it was created. The tagline, “A Helmet-It’s a Smart Idea,” is printed on posters and promotional cards at resorts nationwide. For more information click on the link below:

www.lidsonkids.org