Safety

The Staff at Whitetail is committed to making your visit safe and enjoyable. 

Know the Symbols

Take a few minutes to check out the lifts and trails marked on the trail maps. The colored symbols located on the trails indicate the difficulty of the trail. You will also find them posted on signs on the mountain.

Whitetail Know the Code

Before you ride a lift, make sure the trail symbols off of that lift fit your ability. Some skiers/boarders think they can improve by skiing/riding tough terrain when their skills aren’t up to that level, but that’s a good way to get hurt. To improve quickly, take a lesson. If you have any questions or need directions, talk with anyone in a Whitetail uniform.

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:

    Adjust 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 COURTEOUS to those around you.

    Interested In Joining The Best Safety Team Around?

    We're looking for the best of the best. If your interested in joining the Whitetail Patrol team, we would love to hear from you. To find out what it takes, please click the link below and to visit the Whitetail Ski Patrol website and find out all the details.


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    Uphill Access Policy

    Be sure to check our Lift & Terrain Status page or call our Snow Phone at 717-328-9400 to ensure availability.

    NO UPHILL ACCESS DURING SKI AREA HOURS OF OPERATION.
    UPHILL ACCESS IS PERMITTED FROM 7:00AM TO 8:45AM ON DESIGNATED TRAILS ONLY.
    YOU MUST NOT IMPEDE OR OBSTRUCT SKI AREA OPERATIONS AT ANY TIME.
    NO SKI AREA EMERGENCY SERVICES AVAILABLE OUTSIDE OF NORMAL OPERATING HOURS.
    NO PETS ALLOWED
    Uphill activities permitted are Skinning, Snowshoeing, and Cross Country Skiing which present a high danger of personal injury. 
    User assumes risk and acknowledges that runs are not maintained for uphill access.

    STAY ON DESIGNATED ROUTE:
    • PLEASE NOTE: Uphill access WILL NOT be available at times when Snowpark is CLOSED for skiing and riding.
    • Enter & Exit slope at the Easy Rider lift. Uphill travel is restricted to CLIMBERS Right on Snow Park. Downhill travel is only permitted on skier’s right of Snow Park & Stalker

    WHEN ENGAGED IN THESE ACTIVITIES YOU SHOULD:
    Be aware that motorized vehicles, snowmaking, and other ski area operations may be on the trail at any time.
    Stay towards the side of the trail.
    Position yourself so you are visible from above.
    Wear bright colored clothing, reflective materials, and wear a working headlamp or carry a light source.
    Obey all pertinent trail signage and Closures.
    Be aware that facilities are closed; dress appropriately, & carry plenty of water. 

                                       THANKS FOR YOUR COOPERATION

     

    Sliding Device Policy

    The Sliding Device Policy (this “Policy”) outlines device allowances, devices that have restrictions and
    devices that are prohibited. The safety of our guests is of the utmost importance and therefore
    certain devices are prohibited due to safety of the user or guests around them. Vail Resorts
    welcomes guest use of sliding devices fitting within the following parameters.

    Allowed Devices:

    Skis
    - Must have metal edges and a device to stop runaway equipment (such as bindings with brakes).
    - Approved for use in course and scope of job duties.

    Snowboard
    - Must have metal edges and a device to stop runaway equipment (such as straps, leashes, or appropriate bindings).
    - Approved for use in course and scope of job duties.

    Telemark Skis
    - Must have metal edges and a device to stop runaway equipment (such as leashes).
    - Approved for use in course and scope of job duties.

    Monoskis
    - Must have metal edges and a device to stop runaway equipment (such as bindings with brakes).
    Must have metal edges.
    - Detachable equipment must have a device to stop runaway equipment (such as straps or leashes).

    Restricted Devices

    Skibikes, Snowbikes, and Snowtrikes
    - Allowed under the following parameters:
    - Bike must have no more than three (3) skis.
    - Must have metal edges on skis.
    - Only one (1) rider per bike.
    - Must be loaded within envelope of chair; bike counts as rider on chair lift.
    - Must fit through loading gate and safely (un)load chairlift
    - No homemade devices.
    - Must wear leash at all times (on lift & on slope).
    - Must have a braking device to stop runaway equipment.
    - May be restricted in certain areas and lifts for safety concerns.

    Snowdeck & Snowskate
    - Allowed under the following parameters:
    - Must have metal edges and a device to stop runaway equipment (such as straps or leashes).

    Adaptive Devices
    - Allowed under the following parameters:
    - Must have metal edges and a device to stop runaway equipment.
    - All adaptive devices must be able to be safely loaded and unloaded from passenger tramways.
    - If you have a question about whether your device is prohibited or allowed, contact resort personnel.
    - No homemade devices allowed.

    Prohibited Devices

    - Snow Scooter
    - Body Sled
    - Sledding Devices
    - Inflatable Snow Toys
    - Any Device when paired with Infant Carriers

     

    Drone Policy

    Out of safety concerns for guests, employees, and resort property, as well as concerns for individual privacy, Whitetail Mountain Resort prohibits the operation or use of unmanned aerial systems, or drones, by the general public – including recreational users and hobbyists – without the prior written authorization from the Resort. This prohibition includes drones used for filming or videotaping, as well as any drone use by media or journalists operating above or within Whitetail Mountain Resort boundaries.

    This prohibition on drone operations or use extends to any drones launched or operated from Resort property, as well as drones launched from private property outside of the Resort boundaries. Please contact our Director of Safety and Risk Management if you have any questions or if you seek prior authorization to operate any aerial drones.

    Any authorized operation of aerial drones may be governed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations, local law enforcement, as well as those policies separately established by this Resort, which may include certification, training, insurance coverage, indemnification requirements, and waivers or releases of liability.

    Any violation of this policy may involve suspension of your skiing or snowboarding privileges, or the revocation of your season pass, as well as confiscation of any drone equipment, and may subject violators to any damages, including, but not limited to, damages for violations of privacy and/or physical or personal injuries or property damage, as well as regulatory fines and legal fees.

    Download Drone/UAV Use Policy

    For everyone's safety, drone or UAV use is strictly prohibited on resort property.

    A full disclosure regarding drone usage can be found below.

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    Visiting Pet Policy

    It is the goal of Whitetail Resort is to maintain a family atmosphere on and around our mountain. In saying this, we understand that pets are an integral part of many families. While we do not prohibit our guests from bringing their pets to Whitetail Resort, we do have some guidelines that have been developed for the safety and enjoyment of all of our guests including our four legged ones.

    Please take a moment to review our policy below prior to arriving at the resort.

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    Safety Tips

    • Observe all posted signs and markings on the slope. They are there to protect you and other guests and make your visit an enjoyable one.
    • 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!
    • Whitetail will have Safety Related Activities throughout the year. These will be posted on the website, at the information booth, and at other locations throughout the resort.
    • Whitetail encourages the use of our complimentary ski check. As a reminder, Whitetail Resort will not be held responsible for lost, stolen or damaged equipment that is not stored or secured properly.

    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.

    • 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.
    • Consider wearing a helmet while skiing or boarding. Ask one of our staff for a “Lids for kids brochure”. For more information on the National "Lids on Kids" program, please visit the NSAA website at: http://www.lidsonkids.org/
    • Know your physical limits. If you are tired, take a break or go to an easier slope.
    • 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.

    The key to successful skiing/snowboarding is control. To have it, you must be aware of your technique, the terrain and the skiers/snowboarders 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. 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.
    The Clinic is located in the lower level of the skier/boarder equipment rental building.
    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 Mountain Safety team are stationed at the top of the Whitetail Express lift and Easyrider lift. Feel free to stop in if you have questions, concerns, or need more information.
    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).

    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.

    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.