Safety
To keep everyone safe on the hill, below are some of our general safety tips for you to be aware of and follow:
- If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, consider taking a lesson. Our Snow Sports School would be glad to help you, and you’ll learn more in an hour with one of our instructors than you will in a day alone!
- Use well maintained ski/snowboard equipment. Maintain your gear, including keeping your bindings clean and functional. Our Rental Department would be happy to help you with the latest gear to get you out on the mountain.
- Carry a ski area map (available at the ticket office).
- Carry any needed medications such as your inhaler or insulin.
- Take frequent breaks.
- Stay dry and pack extra clothes.
- Dress properly and in layers – cotton is not a good material for winter, as moisture can increase heat loss. Wool socks work best to keep your feet warm.
- Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.
- Protect your eyes with goggles and put on a hat — or, better yet, a helmet. You lose most of your body heat through your head.
- Know the symptoms of cold stress; reddening skin, tingling, pain, swelling, leg cramps, numbness, and blisters.
- Always be aware of trail signs. Lifts and trails at Big Powderhorn are marked on trail maps. The symbols shown for each trail indicate the difficulty of the trail.
- Green Circle: Easier
- Blue Square: More Difficult
- Black Diamond: Most Difficult
Know the Code
Common Sense – it’s one of the most important things to keep in mind and practice when on the slopes. The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) believes education, helmet use, respect, and common sense are very important when cruising down the mountain. NSAA developed Your Responsibility Code to help skiers and boarders be aware that there are elements of risk in snowsports that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. The Code was updated in 2022 and now has ten points.
Your Responsibility Code – 10 Points
- Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or 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.
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 an employee.
Learn more, including videos and resources, at NSAA’s Your Responsibility Code page.
Terrain Park Responsibility Code
- 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.
THIS IS A PARTIAL LIST. BE SAFETY CONSCIOUS.
First Time Visitor Guide
Hitting the Big Powderhorn slopes for the first time? Take a quick look over our First Time Visitor Guide for essential information to make the most of your experience with us!
Skip the ticket line
Reloadable RFID cards that last multiple seasons makes it easier and faster to purchase online and head straight to the lift — getting you out on the hill and enjoying the snow!
