Mountain
SAFETY
Staying Safe on The Hill
Alyeska is a member of the National Ski Area Association, and as such, we adopt the same general mountain safety codes and regulations found across the country that are part of the NSAA system.
First and foremost, skiing and riding safely is everyone’s responsibility.
Skier Responsibility Code
- Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
- All gear must be attached with a leash.
- People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
- You must not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
- Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
- Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
- Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
- Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.
- Inverted aerials are not recommended.
- Use of alcohol or drugs that impair the safety of yourself or others is not allowed.
- Be safety conscious.
- If you are involved in a collision with another skier/boarder you must stay at the scene until ski patrol arrives.
Know The Code. It’s Your Responsibility.
Tips for riding lifts safely
- 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Helmets can help mitigate head injuries on the slopes. Bonus: they also keep your head warm! Not all ski areas require helmets, but it is a good idea to outfit your child with one, and wear one yourself. 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.
Lids For Kids
In 2002, only 63% of kids age 9 and under wore helmets while skiing or snowboarding. Kids 17 and under? Less than half!
NSAA developed the Lids on Kids program to help ski areas educate their guests on helmet use in skiing and snowboarding. The campaign included 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 U.S. Ski Team members. The tagline, “A Helmet-It’s a Smart Idea,” is printed on posters and promotional cards at resorts nationwide.
The result? A demonstrable and significant increase in kids wearing helmets. Nearly 100% of kids age 9 and under reported wearing a helmet while skiing or riding – without state or local mandates. This past season (2021-22), about 95% of all kids age 17 and under wore helmets on the slopes.
- 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.
Tree wells are hidden depressions around tree bases that can pose a danger to skiers and snowboarders. To stay safe, avoid skiing near trees and maintain control.
Snow Immersion Suffocation (SIS hazards)
Skiing and snowboarding off groomed trails and in deep powder can be one of the most thrilling parts of the sport. However, by choosing to leave the groomed runs, you are accepting the risk of a deep snow immersion accident. These incidents occur when a skier or rider falls into deep, loose snow, becoming trapped and at risk of suffocation. Fatalities from these types of accidents are known as SIS hazards, or Snow Immersion Suffocation.
- The easiest was to avoid a SIS accident is to remain on groomed areas and avoid deep snow and tree well areas.
- Be aware of the recent snowfall and the depth of the loose snow – check local resources for recent snow conditions.
- If you venture into UNGROOMED terrain:
- Ride or ski with a partner and keep your partner in sight at all times.
- Ski or ride in control.
- Give tree wells a wide berth. Look at the open spaces between trees not at the trees.
- Skiers should remove ski pole straps.
- Carry safety equipment including:
- Cell phone with resort emergency number
- Transceiver / beacon
- Avalung
- Whistle
- Shovel
- Probe
- Recco
- Keep your partner in sight at all times. In many SIS accidents, skiers and snowboarders, have part of their body or equipment visible – but a partner wasnt there to see them.
- Take heart. Increased awareness and education reduces SIS risks. There are more reported cases of skiers and boarders being rescued by their partners each season.
Avalanche Safety
Closed Areas
Ski Patrols use a variety of techniques and equipment for avalanche mitigation, including explosives. Avalanche mitigation may require terrain closures and delay opening. For your safety, never enter a closed area.
Changing snow conditions
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
If you leave the ski area boundary, which is illegal at some resorts, you do so at your own risk. Areas outside the boundary are neither controlled nor patrolled, and ski patrol is under no obligation to conduct a rescue. Avalanche education, proper equipment, and a partner are essential if you choose to enter the backcountry. Contact your local avalanche center or visit the ski area website.
