Ski Area Safety

Safety on the Slopes

We spend a great deal of time and energy at Mt. Holiday making sure the hill is safe for our skiers and riders. Because we’re committed to providing a safe environment on the slopes, we strongly encourage our guests to do their part and learn a few simple steps that can greatly reduce unnecessary risk. For more information, take a look at the programs and initiatives below.

Know the Code: IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY!

Common Sense, it’s one of the most important things to keep in mind and practice when on the slopes. The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) believes education, helmet use, respect, and common sense are very important when cruising down the mountain. NSAA developed Your Responsibility Code to help skiers and boarders be aware that there are elements of risk in snowsports that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce.

Seven Points to Your Responsibility Code

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 the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

Smart Style Safety Program

This terrain park safety initiative began in 2001 with the help of the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), Burton Snowboards and a host of other contributing sponsors. The goal of Smart Style is to educate riders about freestyle terrain safety. The orange oval is the symbol used to designate freestyle terrain and is usually posted at the top of the terrain park or pipe.

The Smart Style Terrain Park Safety Program has Four Main Messages:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. EASY STYLE IT: Start small and work your way up. (Inverted aerials not recommended).
4. RESPECT GETS RESPECT:From the lift line through the park

Lids on Kids

In 2002, Lids on Kids debuted as a resource for consumers to learn about helmet use in skiing and snowboarding. This site contains 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 US Ski Team members. You’ll see our name – and our tagline “A Helmet-It’s a Smart Idea,” on posters and promotional materials at resorts nationwide.

Kids on Lifts

Using and riding chair lifts in a responsible manner is one of the primary safety considerations for all skiers and boarders. A skier’s behavior has as much or more to do with the safety of the sport as does any piece of equipment from helmet to chair lift. In 2012 the Kids on Lifts initiative debuted around the country to resorts and consumers. This site contains FAQ’s and safety tips on how to load, ride and unload responsibly, general skiing and riding tips, coloring pages for kids, public service announcements and more. The tag line “No Horsing Around” is a motto we hope to ingrain in not only children, but every skier and boarder.

NSAA Safety Facts & Tips

View and receive information: Ski Area Safety Act of 1962