Mountain Safety

Mountain User Responsibility Code 

The Snowbasin Mountain User Responsibility Code was established to ensure everyone can safely enjoy the mountain while protecting this great outdoor space. Please beware of risks while mountain biking, hiking and participating in any other recreational activities on the mountain. Help create a great trail experience for everyone by observing these rules and precautions: 

• Trails are not patrolled - For emergencies call 911
• No smoking or any open flames at any time
• Do not approach or harass wildlife, and beware of rattlesnakes
• Do not litter
• No horses or motorized vehicles
• Always be prepared for unpredictable weather changes
• Stay off trails when wet
• Approach intersections with caution and beware of maintenance vehicles on the road
• Plan to be off the mountain before dark
• Pets must be on a leash at all times and must be cleaned up after
• Travel with a friend
• Helmets are required for lift-accessed mountain biking
• Be prepared for possible trail closures due to construction, maintenance or events

Mountain Biker's Responsibility Code

• STAY IN CONTROL. You're responsible or avoiding objects and people. 
• KNOW YOUR LIMITS. Ride within your ability. Start small and work your way up.
• PROTECT YOURSELF. Use an appropriate bike, helmet and protective equipment. 
• INSPECT AND MAINTAIN YOUR EQUIPMENT. Know your components and their operation prior to riding.
• BE LIFT SMART. Know how to load, ride and unload lifts safely. Ask if you need help.
• INSPECT THE TRAILS AND FEATURES. Conditions change constantly; plan and adjust your riding accordingly. 
• OBEY SIGNS AND WARNINGS. Stay on marked trails only. Keep off closed trails and features. Ride in the direction indicated. 
• BE VISIBLE. Do not stop where you obstruct a trail, feature, landing or are not visible. 
• LOOK AND YIELD TO OTHERS. Look both ways and yield when entering or crossing a road or trail. When overtaking, use caution and yield to those ahead. 
• COOPERATE. If involved in or witness an incident, identify yourself to staff. 

Snowbasin Courtesy Code

The Snowbasin Courtesy Code is designed to maintain the spirit of respect that Snowbasin staff works on each day with its award-winning service standard.  We recognize that the passion of our guests can sometimes go too far, and unfortunately conflicts or errors in judgment take place. It is never acceptable at Snowbasin to break the rules and hurt others through our actions. This includes verbal abuse that has become all too prevalent in today’s society. 

At Snowbasin, respect and kindness are in our DNA.  It’s what we work towards and train on each day. While we commit to delivering exceptional kindness and service, we ask our guests to do the same. We want all guests and employees to come to Snowbasin and enjoy the resort and not worry about someone else’s actions causing them harm. Below are some things that can result in expulsion from the resort and loss of guest privileges:

• No outside alcoholic beverages and no open containers in areas other than restaurants.
• No consumption of tobacco or marijuana on property, including in lift lines, while riding lifts or in other public places.
• Offensive language, including profanity is not allowed.
• Acting in a threatening way with staff or other guests is strictly prohibited.
• Shouting, making a scene and refusing to obey Snowbasin's direction on a particular policy are not allowed.
• Utilizing someone else’s pass is strictly prohibited and can result in season suspension of both the pass user and owner of the pass.
• Litttering and vandalism on resort property are not tolerated.

Environmental Code

While enjoying Snowbasin, please "tread lightly" and respect our mountain environment. Leave nothing on the mountain except your footprints; take nothing away except your memories. We thank you for helping keep Snowbasin beautiful. Please remember:

• Wildlife is wild. Do not approach or harass any wild animals you may encounter.
• Do not pick wildflowers, and do not litter.
• Avoid trail erosion by riding smoothly and not skidding switchbacks.
• Absolutely no smoking or campfires on the mountain.

Please remember that we are both stewards of the Forest Service land we contractually manage with them and a private business. It is our responsibility to create an equitable, safe and respectful place to recreate and enjoy these precious mountains.

Code Violations

Actions that detract from the experience of others may be considered a violation of the Responsibility, Courtesy or Environmental Codes. The codes will be enforced by all resort personnel. Consequences for violations will be determined on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of resort management and could result in suspension of guest privileges.

Mountain biking offers a wide range of challenges and adventures, from easy cruising on gentle slopes to fast single-track descents and rigorous climbs. Regardless of what type of terrain you select, there are elements of risk in mountain biking that common sense and personal awareness can reduce but not eliminate. Help create a great trail experience for everyone by observing these rules and precautions outlined by the National Ski Area Association.

ALWAYS: 

1. STAY IN CONTROL. You're responsible or avoiding objects and people. 
2. KNOW YOUR LIMITS. Ride within your ability. Start small and work your way up.
3. PROTECT YOURSELF. Use an appropriate bike, helmet and protective equipment. 
4. INSPECT AND MAINTAIN YOUR EQUIPMENT. Know your components and their operation prior to riding.
5. BE LIFT SMART. Know how to load, ride and unload lifts safely. Ask if you need help.
6. INSPECT THE TRAILS AND FEATURES. Conditions change constantly; plan and adjust your riding accordingly. 
7. OBEY SIGNS AND WARNINGS. Stay on marked trails only. Keep off closed trails and features. Ride in the direction indicated. 
8. BE VISIBLE. Do not stop where you obstruct a trail, feature, landing or are not visible. 
9. LOOK AND YIELD TO OTHERS. Look both ways and yield when entering or crossing a road or trail. When overtaking, use caution and yield to those ahead. 
10. COOPERATE. If involved in or witness an incident, identify yourself to staff. 

Know and follow the code. It's your responsibility.

Nothing quite compares to the summer fun you can experience on the mountain. However, before you explore, there are things every hiker, biker and sightseer should do to prepare. 

Check the Weather

Utah weather is notorious for keeping you on your toes, and summers on the mountain are no different. Weather can change rapidly within just a matter of minutes. Be prepared with the appropriate gear for rain, hail, snow and sun. 

Dress for Success

Once you've checked the weather, dress accordingly. When biking, always wear a helmet. Having the right shoes can make a world of difference when exploring the trails. For a short hike, trail shoes or sneakers will be great. However, if you plan to trek into more extensive terrain, hiking boots are the way to go. Dress in layers to ensure you adjust to the varying weather patterns and activity. Avoid cotton as it does little to wick moisture from your skin and is slow to dry. Bag check services are located at the entrance of our base area to securely stash your extra goodies.

Know Where You Are

Grab a trail map or familiarize yourself with a digital map to know where you are on the mountain. Make sure you pay attention to signage and know Your Responsibility Code before hitting the trails.

Stay Hydrated

It is easy to get dehydrated in the summer sun. Be sure to pack enough water and drink frequently while exploring the trails. A general rule is to consume one-half liter of water per hour of moderate activity. Plan to bring more when venturing in high temperatures or more strenuous trails. 

Wear Sunscreen

Summer at high altitudes means significant sun exposure. Sunscreen is essential for the on-mountain activity of your choice. This includes lip protectant with SPF, as well. Don’t forget the underside of your nose!

Bring Your Medication

If you need an inhaler or have severe allergies, make sure you bring your medication with you in case you might need it.

Ask a Local!

Don’t be afraid to ask. We are here to make sure you have a safe, fun day on the mountain.

Did You Forget Something?

Check out the Grizzly Center or the Rental Shop or Retail Shop to gear up!

E-Bikes

The use of electric bikes is allowed only within the Snowbasin Resort boundary, labeled on the summer trail map. Due to the weight of these bikes, guests must be able to load them onto Needles Gondola themselves without Snowbasin staff assistance. The US Forest Service has designated e-bikes as motorized vehicles and does not permit them on their trails outside Snowbasin Resort. These trails include Sardine Peak, Wheeler Canyon, East Fork and Middle Fork. Please use caution if transitioning from Snowbasin Resort trails to US Forest Service Trails to adhere to USFS policies.

Drone/Unmanned Aerial System Policy

Due to safety and privacy concerns, we prohibit the operation or use on or above Resort property of unmanned aerial systems, or drones, by the general public — including model aircraft by recreational users and hobbyists. Commercial photography crews may receive approval on an individual basis with prior written authorization from Snowbasin Resort. This prohibition includes drones used for filming or videotaping, as well as any drone use by media or journalists operating above or within the area boundaries. This prohibition extends to any devices launched or operated from Resort property, as well as any launched from private property outside of the Resort boundaries. Please contact a Snowbasin Resort representative if you have any questions or if you seek prior authorization to operate any such devices within the resort’s boundary area.

Any authorized operation of drones on or above Resort property will be governed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations, local law enforcement, and/or U.S. Forest Service rules, as well as those policies separately established by this Resort, which may include
certification requirements, evidence of training completion, insurance coverage documentation, indemnification requirements, and waivers or releases of liability.

Any violation of this policy may result in any/all of the following: suspension of your access privileges to the Resort; the revocation of your season pass; confiscation of any prohibited equipment. Violators may also be subject to primary liability for damages; including, but not limited to, damages for trespass, violations of privacy, and physical injuries to persons and/or property, as well as legal defense costs.

Lift Safety

Using a chairlift or gondola while hiking, mountain biking or sightseeing is an exceptionally safe and secure mode of transportation. Nonetheless, incidents and accidents can happen – especially when people are unaware of loading, riding and unloading procedures. Educate your children about loading, riding and unloading lifts. Be sure to emphasize courteous behavior and utilize these Tips for Responsible Lift Use to get your points across. Lift safety and personal responsibility should be discussed prior to hitting the slopes or using a lift.

Please visit the Kids On Lifts website for more information on educating your children.

American National Standard for Passenger Ropeways

American National Standard for Passenger Ropeways recognizes that certain dangers and risks are inherent in machines of this type, and their operation. It is also recognized that inherent and other risks or dangers exist for those who are in the process of loading, riding or unloading from lifts, tows or conveyors. Passengers accept the risks inherent in such participation of which the ordinary prudent person is or should be aware.

Passengers shall use good judgement and act in a responsible manner while using the ropeway, tow or conveyor, including:

• Participating in the loading, riding, and unloading processes in such a manner as to reduce risks for themselves and others;
• Obeying all written and oral instructions and warnings;
• Refraining from using the lift, tow or conveyor while under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
• Properly use the lift, tow or conveyor and equipment package provided.

All passengers who use a lift, tow or conveyor shall be responsible for their own loading, riding, and unloading. They shall be presumed to have sufficient ability, physical dexterity, and/or personal assistance to negotiate and be evacuated safely. Passengers shall maintain control of their speed and course while loading and unloading.A passenger shall get on and off at designated areas. No passenger shall load the lift without first understanding and observing the proper loading, riding, and unloading procedures.

Passengers, while riding a ropeway, tow or conveyor, shall not throw or expel therefrom any object, nor shall any passenger do any act or thing that shall interfere with the operation. Passengers shall not willfully engage in any type of conduct that may contribute to or cause injury to any other person.

Please read and observe all signs. Ask for instructions if needed.