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slope safety

The Whitetail Safety Department is committed to making your visit a safe and enjoyable outdoor winter activity. The Ski Patrol, Mountain Safety Team, Park and Pipe Team and the Clinic Staff makes up the Whitetail Safety Department. There are risks in snow sports. Learn and observe the skiers/borders Responsibility Code and Smart style in  the Terrain Park, share your knowledge with others.  Snow sports can be enjoyed in many ways. There may be people using alpine skies, snowboards, telemark skies or other specialized equipment such as that used by disabled or other skiers. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, you should always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements or risks in snow sport activities that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. At Whitetail, safety comes first for all of our guests and employees. The resort has put in place programs that promote the safety of everyone on the mountain as well as educate our guests on the importance of snow sports safety.
national slope safety week - january 16 - 23, 2010

know the code
safety is everyone's responsibility!

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 downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.

5. Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.

6. Observe all posted signs and warnings.  Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.

7. Prior to using any lift, you must have knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely

 

smart style

smartstyle
  • MAKE A PLAN
    Every time you use freestyle terrain, make a plan for each feature you want to use. Your speed, approach and take off will directly affect your maneuver and landing.
  • LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP
    Scope around the jumps first, not over them. Know your landings are clear and clear yourself out of the landing area.
  • EASY STYLE IT
    Start small and work your way up. (Inverted aerials not permitted).
  • RESPECT GETS RESPECT
    From the lift line through the park.

Be advised that Whitetail Resort does not mark all potential obstacles or hazards. When marked, poles, flags, fencing, signage, padding or other forms of marking are used to inform the skier/rider of the location of a potential obstacle or hazard. These markers are no guarantee of your safety. It is part of your responsibility under the Your Responsibility Code to avoid all obstacles and hazards.

Skier and Snowboarders assumes the risk of any injury to person or property resulting from any of the inherent dangers and risks of skiing and may not recover from any ski area operator for any injury resulting from any of the inherent dangers and risks of skiing, including: changing weather conditions; existing and changing snow conditions; bare spots; rocks; stumps; trees; collisions with natural objects, man-made objects, or other skiers; variations in terrain; and the failure of skiers to ski within their own abilities.

be responsible

When skiing or riding on Whitetail’s slopes, we ask that you always use sound personal judgment at all times.  Specific examples of sound judgment may include:

  • Adjusting YOUR skiing/riding to join the flow around you.
  • Exercise SOUND PERSONAL JUDGMENT at all times, but more so in:
    • Merge areas and trail intersections
    • Approaching groups of skiers/riders
    • Areas where there is a drop-off on a trail
    • Lift loading and unloading areas
    • Ski/Snowboard School clinics
    • Approaching another skier or rider from behind
  • BE AWARE of skiers or riders of different abilities and adjust to move with their flow
  • THINKING ahead about the line you are skiing or riding to make sure the way is clear
  • SUPPORT FAMILIES skiing or riding together through your actions
  • RESPECT the space a person is trying to learn in
  • BE ACCEPTING of people with different styles
  • BE COURTIOUS to those around you

tips and policies to make your trip safe and enjoyable
  • Take a lesson. Like anything, you'll improve the most when you receive some guidance. The best way to become a good skier or snowboarder is to take a lesson from a qualified instructor.
  • Observe all posted signs and markings on the slope. They are there to protect you and other guest and make your visit an enjoyable one.
  • The Whitetail Ski Patrol and Mountain Safety Team wear labeled red coats and are easily recognizable. If you have a question or need help ask one of the team for assistance. The Ski Patrol  and  Safety team are stationed at the top of the Whitetail Express lift and Easyrider lift.
  • The Clinic is located in the lower level of the skier/boarder equipment rental building.
  • Know the slope and the trail designations.  Ski and ride within your ability. Be predictable while on the slope, sudden turns or stops can cause a collision!
  • Know how to use all the lifts and Magic carpets. Do not attempt to load a lift unless you have the knowledge and ability. Ask lift attendant for assistance if you have any doubts or questions (if you ask they will slow the lift for small children).
  • Certain areas are designated as Slow Zones. Please observe the posted slow areas by maintaining a speed no faster than the general flow of traffic. Space and speed are especially important in these areas. Fast and aggressive skiing/boarding will not be tolerated.
  • The Terrain Park is an awesome place but bad landings on jumps and/or features can hurt and cut your day short! Know your limits and check out the features before use. Start small.  Inverted jumps are not allowed at Whitetail and could result in losing your skiing/boarding privileges for the day or your season pass.
  • Reckless and out of control skiers/boarders could lose their skiing/boarding privileges for the day or their season pass.
  • Whitetail will have Safety Related Activities throughout the year. These will be posted on the web site, at the information booth and other locations throughout the resort.
  • The Staff at Whitetail is committed to making your visit  Safe and Enjoyable. If you have any suggestions please give them to one of the Safety Team members or Guest Services.

tips before hitting the slopes
  • You may need to wear eye protection while on the slopes. This is especially important if it is snowing or snowmaking is in progress.
  • Obtain proper equipment. Be sure to have your ski or snowboard bindings adjusted correctly at a local ski shop. You can rent good ski or snowboarding equipment at resorts.
  • Know your physical limits. If tired take a break or go to an easier slope. 
  • Carry identification at all times. 
  • Dress in layers. Layering allows you to accommodate your body's constantly changing temperature. For example, dress in polypropylene underwear (top and bottoms), which feels good next to the skin, dries quickly, absorbs sweat and keeps you warm. Wear a turtleneck, sweater and jacket. Wear a hat and gloves.
  • Get in shape. Don't try to ski yourself into shape. You'll enjoy skiing more if you're physically fit.
  • Wear sun protection. The sun reflects off the snow and is stronger than you think, even on cloudy days.

tips while on the slopes
  • The key to successful skiing/snowboarding is control. To have it, you must be aware of your technique, the terrain and the skiers/snowboarder's around you.  Be aware of the snow conditions and how they can change. If conditions turn firm the skiing gets hard and fast. Begin your run slowly.
  • Skiing and snowboarding require a mental and physical presence.
    If you find yourself on a slope that exceeds your ability level, always leave your skis/snowboard on and side step down the slope or if conditions permit you can take off your skies/snowboard and walk down the edge of the trail.
  • The all-important warm-up run prepares you mentally and physically for the day ahead.
  • Drink plenty of water.  Be careful not to become dehydrated.
  • Curb alcohol consumption.  Skiing and snowboarding do not mix well with alcohol or drugs.
  • Know your limits. Learn to ski and snowboard smoothly and in control.  Stop before you become fatigued and most of all have fun.
  • If you’re tired, stop skiing. In this day and age of multi-passenger lifts and high-speed chairlifts, you can get a lot more time on the slopes compared to the days of the past when guests were limited to rope tow’s and 2 passengers chair lifts
  •  When taking a break or eating lunch, please use Whitetail’s free ski/board equipment check in the mixing bowl.  Please don’t leave your unsecured equipment in the breeze way or base area.

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