- Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
- People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
- Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
- Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
- You must prevent runaway equipment.
- Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
- Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
- You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
- Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.
Winter sports involve risk of serious injury or death. 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.
Complementing the Responsibility Code, #RideAnotherDay promotes 3 actions every skier and rider can take to help keep themselves and those around safer on the slopes. By doing these three things every run, you’ll be helping keep the slopes safe and enjoyable, for you and everyone else.
1. Be Ready
Be ready to slow down or avoid objects or other people at any time. Ski and ride in such a way that you are always able to control yourself regardless of conditions and avoid others and objects you may encounter on the run, groomed or otherwise.
2. Stay Alert
Stay alert to what’s going on around you, especially other skiers and riders. Being aware of those around and changing conditions will help you have a fun and safe day on the hill.
3. Plan Ahead
Ease up at blind spots, check uphill when merging onto trails, and give other skiers plenty of room when passing. Look out for spots on the run where traffic merges or you can't see what's coming next. If you are unfamiliar with a run, take it easy the first time down it and make note of places where you'll want to slow down, such as cat tracks and rollers. Also, give other skiers and riders lots or room, especially if you are passing them. There's plenty of space out there, so there's no need to crowd each other.
By doing these three things every run, you'll be helping keep the slopes safe and enjoyable, for you and everyone else.
- Be familiar with the type of lift you are riding, and ask for help if you need it.
- Before loading, remove backpacks and secure loose items. Remove pole straps from wrists.
- Look over your shoulder to watch the chair approach.
- Sit all the way in the chair, with your back to the seat rest.
- If the lift has a restraint bar, wait until everyone is seated, and slowly reach up and lower the bar. Do not attempt to lower the bar if you cannot reach it! Adults should always help kids to lower the bar.
- Be aware of your surroundings while riding the lift. If you drop something, let it fall! You can always ask a ski patrol for help retrieving the lost item.
- As you approach the top terminal, prepare to raise the bar. Look for signs advising you to do so to help with your timing.
Helmets can help mitigate head injuries on the slopes. Bonus: they also keep your head warm! While wearing a helmet is a personal choice, you would be setting a good example for the young ones in your family if you chose to wear one while skiing or riding.
Helmet Stats
- Approximately 84% of skiers and snowboarders in the U.S. wear helmets
- Nearly 100% of kids age 9 and under wear helmets. Many ski areas include helmets in a kids' rental package, and some may even require children to wear one in a lesson (for example, the state of New Jersey requires all kids under age 18 to wear a helmet while skiing or snowboarding).
- A peer reviewed scientific study found that potentially serious head injuries in skiing decreased as helmet usage increased. Helmets have been found to reduce the severity of head injuries and almost completely prevent lacerations.
If your kids don't have an ID, give them your business card or a luggage tag with information about where you are staying or how to reach you.
Ski with a partner for safety. Agree on meeting points and times in case you get separated. Keep in touch with your group, especially in large or unfamiliar areas. If you become separated from your group, alert an employee to assist you in reuniting with your group. Make sure that everyone in your party knows where your reuniting area is. If all else fails and you can't find your friends or family, plan to meet them there.
Alert ski patrol by contacting the nearest lift attendant or by notifying any mountain employee.
If possible, place crossed skis in snow above the injured skier in a visible location to form an "X" pattern.
Ski tune up’s should be done at the beginning of every season, and every 5-8 times on the slopes after. You should have your bindings inspected and correctly adjusted by a certified technician.
After each day on the mountain you should thoroughly inspect your equipment for wear or damage, things to look out for include:
- Dulled and chipped edges or rounded edges. Your equipment will likely slide out from under you if your edges are worn. Worn edges make it particularly difficult to ride on firm or icy conditions.
- Damage to the base, such as scratches or gouges. Even small scratches can impede glide and lead to additional base damage if not repaired. Deep gouges, which penetrate to the core, or run along the metal edges need to be repaired by a qualified tuning shop.
- You notice a dry base. As you ride, your wax will wear from the base due to an excess of friction and will leave it with a dry, fuzzy, gray appearance. Applying a fresh coat of wax will improve glide, and conditioning against oxidation. Base wax does wear very quick, especially on dry snow, and should be applied after every 2 to 4 days of use.
Jackets should be warm, waterproof and wind resistant. Base layer clothing should be made of a moisture wicking material (no cotton) and able to accommodate changing weather conditions. Ski or Snowboard Socks are also HIGHLY recommended. Try to make sure your socks aren’t bundled up inside your boots, as this can be a distraction and uncomfortable. Waterproof, warm gloves are also necessary. On cold days, a neck gaiter or face mask will help protect and keep your face warmer. Hand and toe warmers are available for purchase inside the Rental Shop.
We recommend all skiers and snowboarders wear a helmet. If you do not own a helmet, you may rent one from the Rental Shop. Goggles or sunglasses are also recommended, if you don't have either they are available for purchase inside the Rental Shop.
Every experience level can benefit from professional instruction. Oak Mountain’s Ski & Snowboard School will help you understand why our instructors love this sport. By building your confidence and skills to have the best day on snow!
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 "black 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.
Trail rating symbols indicate the difficulty level of terrain. Here’s what they mean:
Green Circle = easier
Blue Square = more difficult
Black Diamond = most difficult
Double-Black Diamond = experts only
Closed Areas
Ski Patrols use a variety of techniques and equipment to close trails and glades. For your safety, never enter a closed area.
Changing Snow Conditions & Weather Awareness
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.
Out of Bounds
Never leave the ski area boundary, you do so at your own risk. Ski patrol services are only available inside the ski area boundaries.
Skill Assessment
Choose slopes that match your skiing ability. Green slopes for beginners, blue for intermediate, and black for advanced skiers.
Stay within Comfort Zone
Avoid pushing beyond your limits, especially when learning new skills or techniques.
Take Breaks
Avoid fatigue, which can lead to poor judgment and increased risk of accidents.
Stretch your legs, hips, and back before hitting the slopes to reduce the risk of strains or sprains.
Avoid sitting for too long. Staying active helps maintain blood flow and flexibility throughout the day.
Drink Water: Skiing is a strenuous activity, and staying hydrated is key to maintaining focus and energy levels.
Snacks: Pack high-energy snacks like granola bars or trail mix to keep your energy up during the day.
Yielding to Others
The skier downhill of you has the right of way. Always look uphill before starting, turning, or stopping.
Signs and Boundaries
Respect all posted signs and warnings, such as closed trails, avalanche zones, or terrain features.
Maintain Control
Always ski or snowboard in control and at a speed that allows you to stop or avoid hazards.
Frostbite is a serious risk when skiing in cold conditions, especially at high altitudes or in windy environments. Protecting yourself from frostbite is essential to staying safe and enjoying your ski trip.
Here are key steps to prevent frostbite while skiing:
- Dress in Layers
- Wear Appropriate Gear
- Keep Extremities Moving
- Monitor Weather Conditions
- Stay Dry
- Use Warmers
- Watch for Early Signs of Frostbite
- Stay Energized
- Know Your Limits
Before hitting a freestyle terrain park, make sure you’re comfortable and can show control on your skis or snowboard. Read the signs at the terrain park entrance, which provide reminders on how to stay safe. Be sure to ride within your ability. Learn to watch for others. Where did they start, how fast are they going. It’s totally okay to ask someone how the parks work. It’s part of the community!
START SMALL - Work your way up. Build your skills.
MAKE A PLAN - Every feature. Every time.
ALWAYS LOOK - Before you drop.
RESPECT - The features and other users.
TAKE IT EASY - Know your limits. Land on your feet.