Mountain Safety
Know the responsibility code
All of the ski areas across the country abide by the "Your Responsibility Code.
- 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. It is your responsibility to know your surroundings and avoid those downhill.
- Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
- Look uphill to 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. It's easier to get lost, injured, or stuck somewhere when emergency response teams won't know where to look for you.
- You must 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.
Trail maps are available for download and at Ticket Windows and in Lodges. Don't forget your ID and wallet for food and fuel. Bring comfortable clothes to change into after a long day.
Dress appropriately & wear layers
Anyone from the Midwest knows winter can be unforgiving if we're not dressed properly. Making sure we have the right layers (yes, you can have too many) is the most crucial first step to staying warm and safe on the mountain.
- Dress in layers. Layering can accommodate for your body's constantly changing temperature. Dress in synthetic base-layers (long underwear), which dries quickly, absorbs sweat, and keeps you warm. Wear a turtleneck, sweater, and jacket over the top of your base layers. Too many layers can cause sweating, which will make you cold and dehydrated, however! PRO-TIP: Don't double-layer socks. It cuts off circulation in your feet. Instead, opt for a thick, warm pair of wool socks.
- No cotton! Cotton is not a "wicking" fabric, meaning it does not act to absorb or draw off liquid from your body or dry quickly. Wool or a synthetic blend is best for socks and base layers.
- Be mindful of weather. Mother Nature has a mind of her own. Bring a headband or hat with you to the slopes - 60% of heat loss is through the top of your head. PRO TIP: Thin caps can fit nicely under helmets.
- Water-proof hand protection. Protecting those extremities is crucial to preventing cold-weather injuries. Making sure your gloves or mittens are water-proof (and even bringing a backup pair) ensures warm, dry hands throughout the day or weekend! PRO-TIP: Mittens are warmer because they allow the heat from all your fingers to keep each other warm.
- Hand warmers are your friend. Hand and boot warmers come in all varieties. From disposable to re-usable, they keep those little piggies warm in even the coldest of temperatures.
Michigan Ski Area Safety Act Skier Conduct & Duties
Skier conduct; prohibited conduct in ski area.
408.341
Sec. 21.
(1) A skier shall conduct himself or herself within the limits of his or her individual ability and shall not act or ski in a manner that may contribute to his or her injury or to the injury of any other person. A skier shall be the sole judge of his or her ability to negotiate a track, trail, or slope.
(2) While in a ski area, a skier or passenger shall not do any of the following:
(a) Board a ski lift which has been designated as closed.
(b) Wilfully board or embark upon, or disembark from, a ski lift, except at an area designated for those purposes.
(c) Intentionally drop, throw, or expel an object from a ski lift while riding on the lift.
(d) Do any act which interferes with the running or operation of a ski lift, such as, but not limited to: swinging or bouncing on an aerial lift, attempting to contact supporting towers, machinery, guides, or guards while riding on a ski lift; or skiing out of the designated ski track on a surface lift or tow.
(e) Use a ski lift, unless the skier or passenger has the ability to use the lift safely without instruction on use of the lift by a ski area owner, manager, operator, or employee, or unless the skier or passenger requests and receives instruction before entering the boarding area of the ski lift.
(f) Use a ski lift or ski without properly engaging and using ski restraining devices, brakes, or restraining straps.\
Duties of skier in ski area; acceptance of dangers.
408.342
Sec. 22.
(1) While in a ski area, each skier shall do all of the following:
(a) Maintain reasonable control of his or her speed and course at all times.
(b) Stay clear of snow-grooming vehicles and equipment in the ski area.
(c) Heed all posted signs and warnings.
(d) Ski only in ski areas which are marked as open for skiing on the trail board described in section 6a(e).
(2) Each person who participates in the sport of skiing accepts the dangers that inhere in that sport insofar as the dangers are obvious and necessary. Those dangers include, but are not limited to, injuries which can result from variations in terrain; surface or subsurface snow or ice conditions; bare spots; rocks, trees, and other forms of natural growth or debris; collisions with ski lift towers and their components, with other skiers, or with properly marked or plainly visible snow-making or snow-grooming equipment.
D.2 1 Passenger Notice
The American National Standard for Passenger Ropeways recognizes that certain dangers and risks are inherent in machines of this type, and their operation. It is also recognized that inherent and other risks or dangers exist for those who are in the process of loading, riding or unloading from lifts, tows or conveyors. Passengers accept the risks inherent in such participation of which the ordinary prudent person is or should be aware.
Passengers shall use good judgment and act in a responsible manner while using the ropeway, tow or conveyor, including:
• Participating in the loading, riding, and unloading processes in such a manner as to reduce risks for themselves and others;
• Obeying all written and oral instructions and warnings;
• Refraining from using the lift, tow or conveyor while under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
• Properly use the lift, tow or conveyor and equipment provided.
All passengers who use a lift, tow or conveyor shall be responsible for their own loading, riding, and unloading. They shall be presumed to have sufficient ability, physical dexterity, and/or personal assistance to negotiate and to be evacuated safely. Passengers shall maintain control of their speed and course while loading and unloading.
A passenger shall get on and get off at designated areas. No passenger shall load the lift without first understanding and observing the proper loading, riding, and unloading procedures.
Passengers, while riding a ropeway, tow or conveyor, shall not throw or expel there from any object, nor shall any passenger do any act or thing that shall interfere with the operation. Passengers shall not willfully engage in any type of conduct that may contribute to or cause injury to any other person.
Please read and observe all signs. Ask for instructions if needed.
Related Content
Equipment Rentals
We offer a variety of rental packages for guests based on their skill level so you can avoid the extra step of renting before you arrive.
Lodging
Unwind in newly upgraded slopeside comfort at Snowriver Mountain Resort. From cozy lodge rooms to ski-in/ski-out suites, our on-site lodging keeps you close to the lifts with all the warmth and amenities you need after a day on the snow.
