Mountain and Ski Safety: It's a Partnership

Vermont’s ski areas prioritize safety every day, and skiers and riders play a key role in ensuring a safe experience. Take a moment to learn and practice the updated Your Responsibility Code: stay aware of your surroundings, use common sense, and make thoughtful decisions to enhance your day on the mountain.

Skiing and snowboarding are thrilling but come with inherent risks, including serious injury or death. Reduce risks by wearing a helmet, knowing how to safely load and ride lifts, staying in control, and skiing within your ability. Many incidents stem from excessive speed or collisions, so always stay alert and avoid hazards.

Here are some important safety resources:

Know the Code – It’s Your Responsibility

Your Responsibility Code has been updated to better reflect the language and changes to snow sports that have occurred since the last update. By using common sense and practicing Your Responsibility Code, you and others can have a safer day on the mountain.

Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people of objects.
People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
Look uphill and 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.
You must know how and 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.

Know and Obey the Code. It's Your Responsibility.
If you need help understanding the code, please ask an employee.

For more information on snow sport safety, visit SkiSafety.us

Ski Safety Awareness: January Events

Safety is a main focus at Vermont ski areas every day, but January is National Ski Safety Awareness Month! Ski areas across Vermont are holding events, activities, and visits from the Snow Angel Foundation so we can all ski responsibly and #RideAnotherDay.

Wear a helmet.

Ski Vermont and its member ski areas promote the use of snowsports helmets on the slopes. We recommend you wear a snowsports helmet - but it’s important to remember that your helmet alone will not reduce your risk of injury. Wearing a snowsports helmet while skiing and riding in a controlled manner and following Your Responsibility Code are all important to have a safer day on the mountain.

Lift Safety

Collision Prevention

Park Safety

The Triangle of Safety

Backcountry Safety

Uphill Travel

Our Partners

High Fives Foundation

The High Fives Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing life-altering injuries in outdoor sports and providing support to injured athletes through recovery programs, education, and grants.

Learn More About High Fives

Snow Angel Foundation

The Snow Angel Foundation, founded in 2023, promotes ski and snowboard safety education and awareness, inspired by the Johnson family's mission to prevent collisions and honor their late daughter through advocacy and the Ride Another Day campaign.

Learn More About the Snow Angel Foundation