Oak Mountain Uphill Travel Policy

Oak Mountain recognizes that winter uphill travel has become an important part of enjoying the mountain. Uphill travel is permitted only under the guidelines outlined below. All uphill users must understand that any trail they climb or descend has not been inspected for hazards by Ski Patrol and that natural and man-made obstacles may not be marked.

Designated Uphill Route

• The designated uphill route at Oak Mountain is Nova.
• Uphill travel is permitted only on Nova unless otherwise approved by Oak Mountain management.

Uphill Pass Requirement

Anyone who wishes to access Oak Mountain via uphill travel during non-operating hours MUST have a completed and signed Oak Mountain Uphill Pass Form on file.

• The Uphill Pass Form does not provide lift access.
• The form must be completed at least 24 hours prior to your first uphill outing of the season.
• The completed pass form must be carried and presented upon request by any Oak Mountain employee.
• Uphill climbing or skiing without a completed pass form may result in removal from the property and/or loss of uphill privileges.

Hours & Access

• Uphill climbing is not permitted during daytime lift operations (8:15 AM – 4:45 PM).
• Users will be asked to begin descending when Ski Patrol starts the morning trail check.

Required Equipment & Visibility

• Uphill skiers must wear reflective clothing.
• A light visible from all directions is required at all times.

Safety & Conduct Guidelines

All uphill users shall abide by the following:

• Be vigilant for snowcats, snowmobiles, ATVs, trucks, skiers, riders, and other hazards typical of an operating ski area.
• Obey all closures, warning signs, ropes, and posted notices at all times.
• Adhere to the Skier’s Responsibility Code and Safety in Skiing Code – Rule 54 of the NYS Industrial Code Rules.
• If asked by Oak Mountain staff to leave the area, users must comply immediately.

Prohibited Activities

• No entry into any Oak Mountain buildings.
• No pets permitted at any time.
• Descending is allowed only on skis or snowboards.
• No sleds or other sliding devices are permitted.

Program Modifications

Oak Mountain has administrative use of the ski area land and reserves the right to modify or terminate the uphill program at any time for any reason, including safety, operations, or weather conditions.

Uphill Pass Form

All uphill users must complete and submit the Oak Mountain Uphill Pass Form prior to participating in uphill travel.

• The form must be completed at least 24 hours prior to your first uphill outing of the season.
• The completed form must be carried (printed or digital) and presented upon request by Oak Mountain staff.
• The Uphill Pass Form does not provide lift access.

[Download the Oak Mountain Uphill Pass Form (PDF)]

Participation

By participating in uphill travel at Oak Mountain, users acknowledge and accept all risks associated with uphill skiing and agree to comply fully with this policy.