Resort Safety

Skiing can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas, you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country, and other specialized ski equipment, such as that used by disabled or other skiers. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the code listed below and share with other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing experience.

• 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.

Skiers and riders should be advised that a green circle, blue square, or black diamond trail at one area is not necessarily the same as a similarly rated trail at another area. The system is a relative system that is only valid at this area. Skiers and riders should work their way up, beginning with the easiest trails no matter what their ability level may be, until they are familiar with the trails at the area.

KNOW THE CODE. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
This is only a partial list. Be safety conscious. Officially endorsed by the National Ski Areas Association.

Be advised that you cannot board a lift unless you have sufficient physical dexterity, ability, and knowledge to negotiate or to use such lift safely or until you have asked for and received information sufficient to enable you to load, ride, and unload the lift safely. You may not use a lift or any ski trail when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Remove backpacks before boarding lifts. Check for loose straps and clothing.

• 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.

Children should sit in their own seats on chairlifts. Ensure children sit fully in the chair with their back against the seat rest. For your children's safety, skiing/riding with children in backpacks is prohibited.

For more information on chairlift safety view the Ski Safety U.S. website.

Snowcats, snowmobiles, and snowmaking may be encountered at any time.

Slow Zones
Certain areas (highlighted on the map) are designated as SLOW ZONES. Please observe posted slow zone areas by maintaining a speed no faster than the general flow of traffic. Fast and aggressive skiing and riding may result in the loss of a lift ticket.

Helmets are a smart idea. Boyne Mountain Resort encourages you to educate yourself on the benefits and limitations of helmets. If you choose to wear one, please ski or ride as if you are not wearing one. Every winter sports participant shares the responsibility for his or her safety and that of others using the ski facilities. Helmets can be purchased at Boyne Country Sports. Helmets can also be rented at Ski & Snowboard Rental located inside of the Civic Center.

Learn more about helmet use for skiers and snowboarders from the National Ski Areas Association.

Helmets are recommended. Freestyle terrain may include jumps, hits, ramps, banks, fun boxes, jibs, rails, half pipes, quarter pipes, snowcross, bump terrain, and other constructed or natural terrain features. PRIOR to using freestyle terrain, you are responsible for familiarizing yourself with freestyle terrain and obeying all instructions, warnings, and signs. Freestyle skills require maintaining control on the ground and in the air. Freestyle Terrain has designations for size. Start small and work your way up. Designations are relative to this ski area.

Look Before You Leap
You are responsible for inspecting freestyle terrain before initial use and throughout the day. The features vary in size and change constantly due to snow conditions, weather, usage, grooming, and time of day. Do not jump blindly. Use a spotter when necessary.

Easy Style It
Always ride or ski in control and within your ability level. Do not attempt freestyle terrain unless you have sufficient ability and experience to do so safely. You control the degree of difficulty you will encounter in using freestyle terrain, both on the ground and in the air.

Respect Others
Respect freestyle terrain and others. Only one person may be on a feature at a time. Wait your turn and call your start. Always clear the landing area quickly. Respect all signs, and do not enter freestyle terrain or use features when closed.

Use of freestyle terrain exposes you to the risk of serious injury or death. Inverted aerials are not recommended. You assume the risk.

Learn more about freestyle safety programs from the National Ski Areas Association: Park Smart.

Boyne Mountain Resort is seriously concerned about the safety of its skiers/riders. The Ski Patrol will issue warnings or remove privileges without refund for those who are acting recklessly or are out of control.

Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Stay alert for other skiers and snowboarders while on the mountain. Follow the Skier Responsibility code and yield to others when appropriate. If you are involved in a collision, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.

For more information on collision prevention, refer to the Ski Safety U.S. website.

Only authorized recreational activities are allowed on Boyne Mountain Resort premises. All other activities, including sledding and tubing, are strictly prohibited. For your children's safety, skiing/riding with children in backpacks is also prohibited.