Use Your Head – Wear a Helmet

We strongly recommend the use of helmets because while snow is soft, the ground beneath it is not. And, you know…trees. There have been many debates about the pros and cons of helmet use. We’re firmly on the side of pro. But, the final decision rests with the skier, boarder, and parent/guardian.

A limited number of helmets are available for rent and purchase at our Ski Shop, or at various ski outfitting stores in the area. Be sure they properly fit to maximize effectiveness. For more information about helmet safety, visit the NSAA site http://www.lidsonkids.org/.

Bar or Be Barred – Safety Bar Use

Proper use of the safety bar is the law in Connecticut. When riding the chairlift, the safety bar MUST be used as prompted by signs upon loading and before unloading. (Note the ALL CAPS. It’s the law!) Also, to avoid slipping off the chairlift, sit with your back against the chair and remain facing forward. Any horse play could result in injury and/or ejection from the park.

Don’t Be a Bozo – Our Courteous Skier/Rider Policy

We believe all skiers and riders have the right to a safe and pleasant place to ski, and the responsibility to protect that right for others. Therefore, Management, Rangers, Ski Patrol, and Ski School Instructors are authorized to rescind the skiing privileges of anyone who creates a nuisance or endangers themselves or others. The following conduct could get you booted:

• Foul language
• Lift line cutting
• Skiing/Riding at excessive speeds
• Refusal to use the safety bars provided (see above)
• Jumping from the chairlift or bouncing the chair
• Removing hazard markers, flags, or poles
• Unauthorized or unpaid skiing or riding through race courses
• Use of alcohol or drugs

Rad! A Video! – Terrain Park Safety

Check out this video from terrainparksafety.org.

Be Aware, Ski With Care

Take time to read the following info from the NSAA and Connecticut Ski Safety Act. (You never know when a Ranger will stop you for a pop quiz.)

NSAA Responsibility Code

• Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
• People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
• You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.
• Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
• Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
• Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
• Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride, and unload safely.

From the Connecticut Ski Safety Act

Sec. 29-213. (Formerly Sec. 19-418m). Prohibited conduct by skiers.

No skier shall: (1) Intentionally drop, throw or expel any object from a passenger tramway; (2) do any act which shall interfere with the running or operation of a passenger tramway; (3) use a passenger tramway without the permission of the operator; (4) place any object in the skiing area or on the uphill track of a passenger tramway which may cause a skier to fall; (5) cross the track of a J bar lift, T bar lift, platter pull or similar device or a rope tow, except at a designated location; (6) depart from the scene of a skiing accident when involved in the accident without leaving personal identification, including name and address, or before notifying the proper authorities and obtaining assistance when such skier knows that any other skier involved in the accident is in need of medical or other assistance; (7) fail to wear retention straps or other devices used to prevent runaway skis; or (8) fail to close the restraint device except when embarking and disembarking the passenger tramway, as defined in subparagraph (D) of subdivision (1) of section 29-201, as amended by this act.