Mountain Ski & Snowboard Safety

At Breckenridge, safety comes first for all of our guests and employees. The resort has put in place programs that promote the safety of everyone on the mountain as well as educate our guests on the importance of snowsports safety.

SKI SAFETY:

HEADS UP- KNOW THE CODE, IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY CODE:

Breckenridge is committed to promoting skier safety. In addition to people using traditional alpine ski equipment, you may be joined on the slopes by snowboarders, telemark skiers or cross-country skiers, skiers with disabilities, skiers with specialized equipment and others. Always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing and snowboarding that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Know your ability level and stay within it. Observe “Your Responsibility Code” listed below and share with other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing experience.

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.

Be advised that Breckenridge Ski Resort does not mark all potential obstacles or hazards. When marked, poles, flags, fencing, signage, padding or other forms of marking are used to inform the skier/rider of the location of a potential obstacle or hazard. These markers are no guarantee of your safety. It is part of your responsibility under the Your Responsibility Code and the Colorado Ski Safety Act to avoid all obstacles and hazards.

COLORADO SKI SAFETY ACT:

The Colorado legislature, recognizing risks that are inherent in the sport, has passed the Colorado Ski Safety Act which provides inherent risks of the sport and relative responsibilities of the skier; and the ski area. You must obey the Act. Under the Act, any person using the facilities of a ski area is considered a skier. A summary of the inherent risks is listed below:

WARNING
Under Colorado law, a skier assumes the risk of any injury to person or property resulting from any of the inherent dangers and risks of skiing and may not recover from any ski area operator for any injury resulting from any of the inherent dangers and risks of skiing, including: changing weather conditions; existing and changing snow conditions; bare spots; rocks; stumps; trees; collisions with natural objects, man-made objects, or other skiers; variations in terrain; and the failure of skiers to ski within their own abilities.

The Ski Safety Act was amended in 2004 to include CLIFFS, EXTREME TERRAIN, JUMPS AND FREESTYLE TERRAIN as inherent dangers and risks of the sport.

Skiers and Riders should be advised that a green circle, blue square, or black diamond trail at Breckenridge Ski Resort is not necessarily the same as a green circle, blue square or black diamond trail at other resorts. The system is a relative rating of trails at each resort and does not compare trail difficulty between resorts. Skiers and Riders should begin with the easiest terrain and then move up in difficulty as their ability permits in order to understand the relative rating at Breckenridge Ski Resort.

EXTREME TERRAIN contains cliffs, very steep slopes as well as rocks and other hazards. Skiing or boarding Extreme Terrain is for EXPERTS ONLY.

EXTREME TERRAIN

FREESTYLE TERRAIN AREAS are designated with an orange oval and may contain 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. Use of Freestyle Terrain exposes you to the risk of serious injury or death. Inverted aerials are not recommended. You assume the risk.

Free Style Terrain

Freestyle Terrain has designations for size. Start small and work your way up. Designations are relative to this ski area.


Smaller Features                         Medium Features                                Larger Features

MAKE A PLAN. Every time you use Freestyle Terrain, make a plan for each feature you want to use. Your speed, approach and takeoff will directly affect your maneuver and landing.

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 GETS RESPECT. Respect Freestyle Terrain and others. Only one person 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.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES. Vail Resorts strongly discourages the use of electronic devices including cell phones, personal entertainment and communication devices, and any other electronic equipment that utilizes head/ear phones while skiing and snowboarding, or loading and unloading lifts.

LIFT SAFETY. Under Colorado law, 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 use the lift safely. You may not use a lift or any ski trail when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When riding lifts with children, you are encouraged to be especially mindful of the safety needs of younger guests. Be sure to use the safety bar, and make sure all lift passengers understand how to safely load and unload. For more information on child lift safety, visit www.kidsonlifts.org.

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

SLOW ZONES. Certain areas (indicated on the map in yellow) are designated as SLOW ZONES. Please observe the posted slow areas by maintaining a speed no faster than the general flow of traffic. Space and speed are especially important in these areas. Fast and aggressive skiing will not
be tolerated.

HELMET USE. Breckenridge encourages our guests to educate themselves on the benefits and limitations of winter sports helmets. Regardless of whether or not you choose to wear a helmet, every winter sport participant shares responsibility for his or her safety and for that of others using the ski area facilities.

BACKCOUNTRY WARNING. Pursuant to the Colorado Ski Safety Act, the ski area assumes no responsibility for skiers going beyond the ski area boundary. To access the backcountry, use designated gates only. Areas beyond the ski area boundary are not patrolled or maintained. Avalanches, unmarked obstacles and other natural hazards exist. Be aware: the backcountry avalanche hazard may be extreme. Rescue in the backcountry, if available, is the responsibility of the Summit County Sheriff. It will be costly and may take time.

HIGH-ALTITUDE ENVIRONMENT. Some visitors may experience symptoms associated with Breckenridge’s high altitude. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, restless sleep, coughing and difficulty in breathing. If symptoms persist or if you have a concern about your health, you should seek medical attention.

Any employee in uniform is available to assist with safety questions and is empowered to suspend or revoke the skiing or riding privileges of anyone demonstrating reckless or inappropriate behavior.

TREE WELL AND DEEP SNOW SAFETY: Skiing and snowboarding off the groomed runs and in deep powder is one of the most exciting and appealing parts of the sport. However, if you decide to leave the groomed trails you are voluntarily accepting the risk of a deep snow immersion accident. A deep snow or tree well immersion accident occurs when a skier or rider falls into an area of deep unconsolidated snow and becomes immobilized and suffocates. Deaths resulting from these kinds of accidents are referred to as a NARSID or Non-Avalanche Related Snow Immersion Death. Become educated on how to reduce the risk of NARSID through your own action and awareness. ALWAYS ski or ride with a partner. The website www.deepsnowsafety.org is intended to assist all skiers and riders in learning about the risks and prevention of deep snow immersion accidents.

 

Freestyle Terrain use, like all skiing and riding exposes the user to the risk of serious injury. Prior to using freestyle terrain, it is the user's responsibility to become familiar with all instructions and posted warnings and to follow Your Responsibility Code and SMART STYLE.

Terrain Park Safety:

Know your Limits and ability level and select the appropriate Freestyle Terrain for you.

Your condition, speed, balance, body movements, alignment, trajectory and maneuver difficulty will DIRECTLY AFFECT YOUR DESIRED OUTCOME.

Know the intended use of the Freestyle Terrain you have chosen. For example, some features are intended to be used in a series with no stopping and some individually with stopping areas; jump takeoffs are for jumping and rail takeoffs are for entering onto rails.

Your actions can take you out of balance and cause serious injury or death, no matter how the feature is designed or where you land. Land on your feet!

Transitions are changes in the shape and pitch of the snow or feature, or changes from one type of sliding surface to another. Transitions can be gentle or abrupt, and demand that users be alert and respond to them with accurate movements.

Know where to Land. The SWEET SPOT is between the "knuckle" and center of the landing zone. Even if you land on or near the sweet spot, you can still be seriously injured or die if your landing posture is not correct.

INVERTED MANEUVERS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED.

BE AWARE that features change constantly due to snow conditions, weather, usage, grooming and time of day.

Read and obey all posted signs, instructions and warnings before using Freestyle Terrain.

Some resorts designate features as small, medium and large. Be aware these ratings are determined by size, not degree of difficulty, and are relative only to that  resort.
 

FOUR MAIN POINTS OF SMART STYLE:

MAKE A PLAN
• Every time you use Freestyle Terrain, make a plan for each feature you want to use.
• Your speed, approach and takeoff will directly affect your maneuver and landing.

LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP
• Before getting into freestyle terrain observe all signage and warnings
• Scope around the jumps first not over them
• Use your first run as a warm up run and to familiarize yourself with the terrain
• Be aware that the features change constantly due to weather, usage, grooming and time of day
• Do not jump blindly and use a spotter when necessary

EASY STYLE IT
• Know your limits and ski/ride within your ability level
• Look for small progression parks or features to begin with and work your way up
• Freestyle skills require maintaining control on the ground and in the air
• Do not attempt any features unless you have sufficient ability and experience to do so safely
• Inverted aerials increase your risk of injury and are not recommended

RESPECT GETS RESPECT
• Respect the terrain and others
• One person on a feature at a time
• Wait your turn and call your start
• Always clear the landing area quickly
• Respect all signs and stay off closed terrain and features

Be sure you Know the Code:
You're Responsibility Code provides safety tips while on the slopes. Smart Style is a terrain park specific safety program that you should check out before using terrain parks.
 

Each feature can be broken down into 4 zones. Identify these zones and have a plan before using any Freestyle Terrain.
 

Approach zone is the space for setting your speed and stance to use the feature.

Takeoff zone is for making moves that start your trick.

Maneuver zone is for controlling your body in the air and setting up for landing.

Landing zone is the prepared slope between the knuckle and the runout beyond it.
 

Skiing and snowboarding 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.

 1. Always stay in control.
 2. People ahead of you have the right of way.
 3. Stop in a safe place for you and others.
 4. Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.
 5. Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
 6. Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails.
 7. Know how to use the lifts safely.

Be safety conscious and KNOW THE CODE. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

Watch Safety Videos at http://terrainparksafety.org

Skier 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.
• Do not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
• Whenever starting downhill or merging onto 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.
• Before using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

Youth Skier Safety Information
As a leader in snowboarding and freeskiing, Breckenridge and Vail Resorts, Inc. have established a Freeriding Terrain Responsibility Code. Freeriding terrain includes the pipes and features within all Breckenridge terrain parks. In an effort to increase safety awareness in the park, a set of instructions and warnings have been implemented to help promote the safety of each person in the park and pipe

Freeride Terrain Responsibility Code

• Freeriding Terrain contains man-made and natural terrain variations.
• Freeriding terrain changes constantly due to weather and use.
• Inspect the pipe and all features before using as well as throughout the day.
• In jumping and using the terrain, skier/rider assumes the risk of serious injury.
• Be courteous and respect others.
• One user at a time on all features.
• Always clear the landing quickly.
• It is your responsibility to control your body on the ground and in the air.
• Always ride or ski in control and within your ability.
• Look before you leap! Never jump blindly and use a spotter when necessary.

Any employee in uniform is available to assist with safety questions and is empowered to suspend or revoke the skiing or riding privileges of anyone demonstrating reckless or inappropriate behavior.

Breckenridge recommends the use of helmets for children 14 years and younger while participating in Children's Ski and Ride School programs. Rental helmets are available at children's Ski and Ride School locations for the convenience of guests. Parents or guardians who decide their child (14 years and younger) will not wear a helmet while in Ski and Ride School, are required to decline helmet use in writing on the Ski and Ride School release agreement prior to their child's participation.

The Breckenridge Ski Resort and the United States Forest Service (“USFS”) encourage use of public lands. Please be aware that public lands comprising the Breckenridge Ski Resort are under permit to Vail Summit Resorts Inc. by the USFS. While enjoying these permitted lands, you must abide by Breckenridge Ski Resort rules and USFS restrictions and recommendations, including those summarized below.

Use of Ski Area Facilities

Please be advised that, under Colorado law, any person using any of the facilities of a ski area is considered a skier. You have duties under Colorado law, including, controlling your speed and course at all times and maintaining a proper outlook. Using a ski area for any purpose can be HAZARDOUS and you assume all risks.

WARNING

Under Colorado law, a skier assumes the risk of any injury to person or property resulting from any of the inherent dangers and risks of skiing and may not recover from any ski area operator for any injury resulting from any of the inherent dangers and risk of skiing including: Changing weather condition, existing and changing snow conditions; bare spots; rocks; stumps; trees; collision with natural objects, man-made objects or other skiers; variations in terrain; and the failure of skiers to ski within their own abilities.

NOTE:

The Ski Safety Act was amended in 2004 to include CLIFFS, EXTREME TERRAIN, JUMPS AND FREESTYLE TERRAIN as inherent dangers and risks of the sport.

 

Snowmobiles

In accordance with a USFS Supervisor’s closure, private snowmobiles are prohibited on any Breckenridge Ski Resort trails during or after hours of operation.


No Sledding Policy

Sledding or tobogganing can be a fun winter pastime, but this activity is not appropriate on our ski slopes and trails as they aren’t designed for this activity.  Sledding on ski slopes and trails can be hazardous due to:

•     the steepness of the slope,

•     the firmness of the snow,

•     the presence of skiers and snowboarders,

•     the presence of vehicles, such as snowmobiles and snow grooming equipment,

•     the presence of obstacles such as trees, fences, buildings, snowmaking equipment and lift towers, and

•     limited or inadequate run-out to slow or stop the sleds.

Due to the hazards and risks noted above, Vail Resorts wants to reinforce the message of No Sledding on Ski Slopes.

Sledding on designated ski runs or within the ski area boundary is not permitted by guests or employees.  This applies to any type of device that can be used for sledding including, but not limited to, sleds, toboggans, tubes or saucers and other devices such as shovels, pads, or trays.

Sledding should only be done on slopes that are specifically designed for these activities such as Vail’s Adventure Ridge or Keystone’s Adventure Point.

If you encounter a guest sledding on the ski trails, please approach the guest and in a polite and professional manner:

•     Inform them that sledding is not permitted on the ski slopes as the ski trail is not designed for this activity. 

•     Point out the posted “No Sledding” signs.

•     If the person becomes argumentative please contact your supervisor, security, or the local police.

•     Assist them to other acceptable locations i.e. Carter Park in Breckenridge

The Breckenridge Ski Resort and the United States Forest Service (“USFS”) encourage use of public lands. Please be aware that public lands comprising the Breckenridge Ski Resort are under permit to Vail Summit Resorts Inc. by the USFS. While enjoying these permitted lands, you must abide by Breckenridge Ski Resort rules and USFS restrictions and recommendations, including those summarized below.

We will update the winch cat hotline at 970-547-5627 with uphill access information as changes occur and attached is the full policy.

The ski area begins operations during the fall to prepare the slopes and trails for opening. Activities may include trail work, equipment across runs, snowmaking in progress, snowmobile use and snowcat operations. The work taking place makes it unsafe for public and even impassable at times for skiers or hikers. Uphill access will not be allowed on these trails during mountain preparation. Breckenridge Ski Resort will open these trails when operations are complete, which could extend beyond opening day of the ski area or until the resort has adequate terrain to safely permit these activities. Areas in which activities are taking place may be closed from the bottom of Breckenridge Ski Resort trails, in these cases, “CLOSED” signs will be placed at the bottom of the closed area to inform those hiking uphill of the closure. When such closures are in place, only authorized personnel are permitted in the area. When such closures are in place, you must select an appropriate alternate route.

Approved by the U.S, Forest Service as a component of the 2009/2010 operating plan.

Snowshoeing, Skinning or Hiking Uphill

Anyone accessing the mountain before or after normal hours of operation must make contact with the grooming department or call the winch cat operations hotline at 970-547-5627 to find out where the winch cat operations are taking place and to receive information on designated open trails for uphill access.

During winch cat operations, cables and anchors are used to assist snowcats. The cables cross trails and can be a hazard to anyone traveling in those areas. The cables may move suddenly, potentially traveling from one side of the run to the other, without any warning. Signs and strobe lights are used at trail openings to warn individuals of the location of winch cat operations. No one should be on a trail where winch cat operations are in progress. Areas in which activities are taking place may be closed from the bottom of Breckenridge Ski Resort trails, in these cases, “CLOSED” signs will be placed at the bottom of the closed area to inform those hiking uphill of the closure. When such closures are in place, only authorized personnel are permitted in the area.

People traveling uphill are bound by YOUR RESPONSIBILITY CODE and the Colorado Ski Safety Act. You must not impede or obstruct ski area operations at any time.  Each skinner/hiker/snowshower is required to:

Stay off all posted CLOSED trails when ski area is open to the public

1. Stay towards the side of the trail when traveling uphill.
2. Position yourself so that you are visible from above.
3. Wear bright colored clothing.
4. No dogs are allowed on slopes when the lifts are open to the public and until Patrol sweep is done.
5.  Do not ski over snowmaking hoses or power cords. Ski edges will cut them.

 

Stay off all posted CLOSED trails when ski area is NOT open to the public

1. Stay towards middle of trail when traveling uphill.
2. Make yourself visible to approaching Snowmobiles or Snow Cats (especially when it’s dark or twilight).
3. Wear reflective clothing; it helps make you more visible.
4. Wear a headlamp or carry a flashlight (when it’s dark or twilight).
5.  Call 547-5627 to receive the appropriate open trails for uphill access, especially during early season mountain preparation.
6. Snow Cat winching operations may be in progress. Strobe lights mean stay clear and avoid the area altogether. Please call the winch cat operations hotline at 547-5627.
7. Have your dog on a leash or under voice command at all times. Dogs not under control are a safety problem. 
8. Pick up your dog poop. It is your responsibility (carry a bag and shovel).
9. Dogs must be off the slopes by 8:30 A.M. 
10. Do not travel on Black Diamond trails.
11. Do not travel on Double Black Diamond terrain.

 

Travel above the Vista Haus

Hiking access above the Vista Haus is limited to Upper 4 O’Clock and up the cat road to the T-Bar Patrol hut. DO NOT travel above the T-Bar Hut.

You must ski down to the Vista Haus by the same route

All bowls and avalanche terrain are closed once it is swept until it is reopened by Patrol the next day.

You must be back down to the Vista Haus by 8:15 A.M. to avoid interfering with Patrol avalanche work.

Due to serious safety concerns hiking up the T-Bar lift line is not permitted any time during the winter. (No Access above Columbine).

Any violations of these rules may result in suspension of lift privileges or prosecution for a criminal offense.

 

Route Policy

In an effort to enhance the guest experience through the season, the following route policy will remain in place for the season. Please adhere to these routes when accessing the Breckenridge Ski Resort before or after normal hours of operation.

Peak 7- Fort Mary B>Claimjumper>Lower Forget Me Not> Top of Independence- return down the same route.

Peak 8- Springmeier>Upper 4 O’clock>Lonewolf Access>T-Bar Hut – Return down the same route. 

Peak 9- Silverthorne>Lower American>Bonanza>Top Beaver Run Chair or Top of Mercury – Return down same route. 

Peak 10- Silverthorne>Red Rover>Crystal>top of Falcon – return down the same route.

 

Parking

Parking is allowed in the Mid Lot at Peak 8, and the Beaver Run Parking lot between the hours of 5am & 8:30am.

All cars utilizing these lots will first need to be issued a parking permit by the Breckenridge Police Department.

Specific parking spaces in each lot will be designated by uphill access signage. Once these spaces are full, uphill access overflow parking will be located in the South Gondola lot with transportation to ski area via town buses.

All cars not showing a valid uphill parking permit or parking in non designated parking space will be subject to tow at the owner’s expense.

 

The above stated rules are for your safety and the safety of the employees at the ski resort. There have been a number of instances where these policies have been ignored and safety has been compromised. We can not tolerate uphill traffic interfering with our avalanche program or the safety of our daily operations. Please respect these rules so we can continue to offer uphill travel as an option. Please contact the Ski Patrol with any questions. (970-496 -7292)