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MOUNTAIN SAFETY

AT ARAPAHOE BASIN, THE SAFETY OF OUR GUESTS IS OUR TOP PRIORITY. PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY.

Skiing and riding are inherently dangerous outdoor recreational activities. Natural and man-made objects are part of the alpine experience. Collisions with these objects, especially when skiing or riding fast or out of control, can result in serious or fatal injury. Ski and ride with caution. While skiing or riding, you may encounter rocks and trees, changing visibility and snow conditions. Be aware of snow cats, snowmobiles, and other equipment at all times. Be alert, use common sense, and ski and ride on designated open trails only.

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COLORADO SKI SAFETY ACT

The Colorado legislature, recognizing inherent risks 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.

 

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. EXTREME TERRAIN contains cliffs, very steep slopes, rocks, and other hazards. Skiing or boarding Extreme Terrain is for EXPERTS ONLY. Extreme terrain can be found on Pallavicini, North Glades, Montezuma Bowl, the East Wall, and The Steep Gullies, including cliffs and areas steeper than 50 degrees.

 

ALLOWED OR NOT ALLOWED DEVICES AT ARAPAHOE BASIN

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area aims to provide an inclusive environment and reasonable access for our guests, including those covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. We understand that certain devices not listed in this policy may be the only option for individuals with disabilities to access our Ski Area.

If you have any questions regarding the use of any type of device at Arapahoe Basin, please contact our Guest Services team. We will try to reasonably accommodate any request we receive at least 72 hours before your arrival.  Arapahoe Basin Guest Services can be reached at:

Allowed Devices

(This list is subject to change at any time)

 

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

Arapahoe Basin is committed to promoting skier and rider safety. In addition to people using traditional alpine ski equipment, you may be joined on the slopes by snowboarders, telemark or cross-country skiers, snowbikers, skiers with disabilities, skiers with specialized equipment, snowshoers, 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.

Winter sports involve risk of serious injury or death. Your knowledge, decisions, and actions contribute to your safety and that of others. If you need help understanding the Code, please ask any ski area employee.

NSAA Safety Resources

 

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.

SAFE CHAIRLIFT RIDING

Be alert - check that loose clothing and equipment are not caught in the lift before you unload. Retention devices are required on all equipment to access our lifts. Remove backpacks before loading. A-Basin maintains a smoke-free lift environment. No smoking of any kind is permitted on the chairlifts or lift mazes. Single riders should sit on the side of a chairlift closest to the lift towers.

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.

LIFT PROCEDURES FOR CHILDREN

Place child on the side of the lift nearest the attendant. Remove the child’s poles and carry them yourself. Ask attendant to slow the chairlift in advance if necessary. Have child listen carefully to attendant’s instructions. When unloading, have child keep ski tips up. You may carry a child in a pack on a lift only as a foot passenger.

LIFT TRANSPORT

We reserve the right to close trails and/or lifts at any time due to weather and/or snow conditions. Please read all lift instructions in the lift maze. If you are unfamiliar with a lift, ask an attendant for assistance. If your lift stops for a prolonged period, or in case of lift problems, stay seated -- Ski Patrol will evacuate you.

LIFT ACCESS

Jumping from a lift, cutting lines or littering are some causes of ticket/pass revocation. Those skiers found misusing lift tickets/passes, transferring lift tickets/passes, or attempting to gain lift access without a lift ticket/pass, may be subject to arrest and criminal prosecution.

Trail Signs and Ratings

We post signs for your information and well-being. Color codes indicate the relative difficulty of trails for Arapahoe Basin only.

Slow Zones

Certain areas (indicated on the trail map in yellow and with signage on the mountain) 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.

Rope Lines and Closed Terrain

Ski trails often contain rope lines for various purposes including trail boundaries and the marking of potential hazards. Do not ski or ride under posted rope lines for any reason. Further, some terrain may be completely closed to the public at any time. It is strictly prohibited to ski or ride in closed terrain. Going under a rope line or into closed terrain may result in having your ski pass revoked and or monetary fines.

More Info

Ski patrol can be reached at (970) 513-5760 during normal operating hours. If you have an emergency and are outside our operating hours, our operating boundary, or are not getting an answer, call 911.

These areas have restricted access gates that open/close as snow and weather conditions permit. PLEASE OBSERVE ALL POSTED SIGNS (INCLUDING “TRAIL CLOSED” SIGNS) AT TRAIL ENTRANCES. Enter through marked gates only. The North Pole and the Upper East Wall (above the traverse) are accessed by hiking only. Please hike only in designated staircases and obey all signs. The Steep Gullies require a 30-minute hike back to the base of the Pallavicini Lift. THIS TERRAIN IS EXTREME, AND RESCUE FROM NORTH POLE, UPPER EAST WALL AND THE STEEP GULLIES IS DIFFICULT AND TIME CONSUMING. Please ski responsibly and do not ski alone. AVALANCHE FORECASTING IS INEXACT, therefore, persons skiing the East Wall, Upper East Wall, North Pole, Montezuma Bowl, Zuma Cornice and The Steep Gullies do so at their own risk. Contact ski patrol for more information.

Our ski patrol is staffed by professionals who are here to help you. Use an emergency phone on the mountain, ask any A-Basin employee or stop by First Aid (in the base area) or Patrol Headquarters (at the summit) for information or assistance. First aid treatment is available. TO REPORT AN ACCIDENT: Place crossed skis in snow above injured skier to form an “X” pattern. Observe distinguishing characteristics of both the skier and the immediate area. Alert the ski patrol by using one of the emergency phones placed on the mountain (identified by on trail map) or by notifying any mountain employee. UNDER COLORADO LAW, IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, YOU MUST STAY ON THE SCENE until the ski patrol arrives, and provide your name and address to the ski patrol. Ski patrol can be reached at (970) 513-5760 during normal operating hours. If you have an emergency and are outside our operating hours, our operating boundary, or are not getting an answer, call 911.

Skiing beyond the ski area boundary is not recommended. Avalanche danger and other hazards DO exist. BE WARNED. Areas beyond the ski area boundary are unpatrolled and unmaintained. Pursuant to the Colorado Ski Safety Act, the ski area assumes no responsibility for the safety and welfare of skiers going beyond the ski area boundary. Skiers are solely responsible for their own safety beyond this boundary. Access to public lands beyond the ski area boundaries exists through U.S. Forest Service Backcountry Access Points. Rescue in the backcountry is a responsibility of the Summit County Sheriff’s Office. Entering or exiting the ski area boundary at locations other than the Backcountry Access Point is illegal and you can be fined up to $1,000. If you have questions about the location of backcountry access points or about our boundary regulations, please contact A-Basin Ski Patrol at First Aid in the base area or at Patrol Headquarters at the summit.

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

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 backcountry access points 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 time-consuming.

Please use proper eye and skin care protection; goggles or sunglasses are highly recommended. Apply sunscreen regularly. Sunscreen can be found in Guest Services, at mid-mountain, and in the Retail Shop. Dress appropriately for changing weather. We recommend a synthetic, breathable base layer, an insulated layer, and a waterproof layer. Use caution walking to and from the slopes. Sturdy, non-slip footwear is recommended for the parking lots and the base area. Some visitors may experience symptoms associated with Arapahoe Basin’s high altitude. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, coughing, and difficulty breathing. If symptoms persist or you are concerned about your health, you should seek medical attention.

Arapahoe Basin 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. Helmets for adults and children are available for daily rentals in the Rental Shop or for purchase at Arapahoe Sports.

We welcome and support individuals seeking to exercise and enjoy the quiet mountain setting. To ensure the safety of everyone on the mountain, individuals who choose to skin, snowshoe, and hike must obtain an Uphill Access Pass, available in the season pass office during operating hours. Uphill access users can help preserve this opportunity by following these simple guidelines: - You are required to have an uphill access pass. - During operational hours, uphill access is restricted to the eastern edge of High Noon between the Base Area and Black Mountain Lodge. Access above Black Mountain Lodge is prohibited during operational hours. - Under the Colorado Skier Safety Act, you are considered a skier and should know the "Your Responsibility Code." - The mountain may be closed to access uphill when avalanche control, snowmaking, race training, or other special activities are taking place. - Uphill users are warned that snowmobiles, snowmaking equipment, snow grooming, winch cat cables and other equipment may be encountered at any time on the Mountain and you are responsible to stay clear of such equipment. - Entering closed terrain is prohibited. It is the user's responsibility to know what is open or closed. The Pallavicini, North Glade, West Zuma, East Wall, and Steep Gullies terrain is always closed to uphill access. - Terrain Parks are closed outside operational hours. - If the mountain is closed to uphill access, a closed sign will be posted at the bottom of High Noon trail in the base area. If you are unsure, please feel free to ask. - Dogs must be under control at all times. No dogs are allowed on the mountain during operating hours. Clean up after your dog. - Users accessing the mountain outside of normal operating hours do so at their own risk. Operational conditions may be variable including, but not limited to; closures removed for grooming operations, unfinished grooming activities, unmitigated avalanche hazards and limited visibility. Use extra caution! - The Early Riser, High Noon and Last Chance lots are locked at 6:00 p.m. Please plan accordingly.

While there is no guarantee of cell phone reception, AT&T and Verizon provide coverage across most areas of the mountain. Currently, no other carriers provide dedicated service to Arapahoe Basin. DO NOT ASSUME YOUR PHONE WILL WORK ON THE MOUNTAIN. Wi-fi is available in the base area and at Black Mountain Lodge at mid-mountain. If you need to make an emergency phone call, please go to one of our Guest Services locations in the base area for assistance.

If your child does not have identification, please be sure they know their guardian's name and how to get in touch with them. It is also helpful to take inventory of everyone's clothing and accessories so we can get a physical description if needed. Identify Ski Patrollers to your children, and tell them to find a patroller if they get lost or worried. Know the locations of Patrol Headquarters (at the summit) and the First Aid room (in the base area, below the Kids Center). CHOOSE A PLACE TO MEET. The ticket office steps or the goat statue in the base area are good points of interest.

Lost and found is located in Guest Services; all items lost in our mountain facilities make their way down there at the end of the ski day. For more information or to check on an item, please call 888-ARAPAHOE (272-7246).

Due to avalanche control procedures, camping is not allowed in or around Arapahoe Basin parking lots. Parking lots are open to the public from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. daily.

The use of drones for commercial, editorial or personal use is NOT permitted within Arapahoe Basin's operating boundary without the express written consent of the ski area. This includes non-operating hours and dates.

Arapahoe Basin maintains smoke-free buildings, chairlifts and lift mazes. This includes vape pens and any similar device. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING OF ANY KIND ALLOWED IN OUR BUILDINGS. PLEASE DO NOT SMOKE WITHIN 25 FEET OF A DOORWAY. Respect the environment around you - dispose of your cigarette butts and other trash in a trash receptacle or pack it out with you. The public consumption of marijuana is illegal in the state of Colorado (as is skiing and snowboarding under the influence of drugs). The definition of "public" includes parking lots, buildings, and on the mountain itself. Vape pens and similar devices are covered under this rule. Please respect those around you and do not consume marijuana at our mountain or in our facilities.