As the crisp winter air sweeps across the snow-covered mountains, ski patrollers gear up for days dedicated to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of skiers and snowboarders alike. These unsung heroes play a critical role in maintaining a secure environment by providing guidance, performing emergency medical care, and offering valuable insights that keep the mountain experience exciting, yet safe.

This article aims to shed light on their critical responsibilities and how, as a visitor to the mountain, you can contribute to a safer and more enjoyable winter adventure for everyone.

Know & Follow the Skier Code

Patrollers want all mountain visitors to understanding and adhere to the Skier Code, as it is essential to ensuring a safe and fun experience on the slopes. The Skier Code, also known as the Responsibility Code, is set by the National Ski Areas Association and outlines essential rules and guidelines that all skiers and snowboarders must follow. By being respectful of these guidelines, you not only protect yourself, but also contribute to the safety of the mountain community. Familiarizing yourself with the Skier Code helps foster a respectful environment and enhances the enjoyment of skiers and riders of all abilities.

Your Responsibility Code

1. Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
2. People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
3. Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
4. Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
5. You must prevent runaway equipment.
6. Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
7. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
8. You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
9. Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
10. If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.

Respect the Mountain & Conditions

Respecting skiing conditions and terrain is vital for both your safety and others. Skiing involves dynamic landscapes where weather and snow conditions can change rapidly, affecting the difficulty and safety of different trails. Respect the terrain by choosing runs that match your skill level, heeding warnings, and being aware of the potential risks posed by natural features such as trees, rocks, and changing snow conditions. Understanding and respecting these conditions not only ensures personal safety but keeps potential rescuers out of harms way.

ActionHub spoke with ski patroller Dana Andresen about safety on the slopes.

“People have the mentality of … [accidents are] not going to happen,” she said. They have “happened before … there are so many more consequences than you can imagine.”

Patrollers Are Always Happy to Educate the Public

Ski patrollers take pride in not only ensuring safety on the mountain but also in educating the public to enrich their mountain experience. Passionate about skiing and dedicated to safety, patrollers are eager to share their knowledge and expertise with visitors. Whether it’s explaining the Skier Code, demonstrating how to properly use safety equipment, or providing insights on reading changing mountain conditions, ski patrollers are approachable and enthusiastic teachers.

People are “afraid to ask for help,” Andresen said. Yet she emphasized that resort employees — from lifties to patrollers — are always willing to help. “I’m always happy to sit and chat with people … look at a trail map … and recommend routes for them. I would so much rather help people prevent being hurt versus having to get you … later when you are hurt.”

Respect Resort Operations

The closed signs across the top of runs are there for a reason, whether it be avalanche danger, obstacles not visible from above, or thin snow conditions. There may also be equipment maintenance taking place, making it dangerous for others outside the work crew to be present.

Andersen recalls one instance, because of a work zone, an area was “closed off on both ends with big signs. … This person is going by and he has headphones in so he cant hear the [heavy machine] operator yelling at him and telling him to get out of there.”

Situations like this are where skiers and riders can get into very dangerous situations without realizing it until it is too late to prevent injury or worse. This not only puts yourself at risk, but also the patrollers sent to your rescue. It is critical to observe all closed signs and warnings for everyone’s safety.

Ski patrollers serve as the backbone of mountain safety, combining their expertise, vigilance, and dedication to ensure that everyone can enjoy the slopes. By educating the public, enforcing safety practices, and responding swiftly to emergencies, they craft an environment that balances excitement with security.

As visitors to the mountains, it is crucial that you to embrace the lessons and advice offered by these professionals, respecting the codes, conditions, and terrain that define the skiing experience. Through this mutual understanding and collaboration, we contribute to a safer, more enjoyable atmosphere that allows each skier and snowboarder to fully savor the beauty and excitement of sliding down the slopes.

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Lauren Loria-Corbat is a writer and photographer who skis, rock climbs, hikes and backpacks. She loves introducing people to outdoor sports through journalism as well as hands-on teaching as a ski and climbing instructor.