Safety & Conduct

LOOK: Look behind for chair coming into the load area.
LOAD: Remove ski pole straps from wrist and hold them in one hand, freeing the other, and sit on the chair.
LOWER: Lower the bar promptly. The bar should remain down until indicated at the top of the lift.
LIFT: Raise the bar once indicated to do so by the signs at the top of the lift.
STAND: Once at the unload ramp, stand and unload safely.
LEAVE: Clear the ramp area quickly to alleviate congestion around the unload ramp.

Special considerations for children:

• A small child (defined as a child shorter than 51″ to the top of their helmet) may be assisted by the lift operator unless instructed differently by their parent or guardian.
• Children should sit on the outside next to the armrest for added security.
• Remind children to sit against the backrest.
• Children are not permitted in chest carriers or backpacks on the lifts or on the hill.

Skiing in deep powder snow at a ski resort is a unique and exhilarating experience, but it comes with its share of hidden dangers, namely tree wells and snow immersion suffocation. These hazards—often underestimated or overlooked—pose a significant risk in areas with heavy snowfall and tree-lined slopes.

WHAT ARE TREE WELLS?

• Tree wells are hollow spaces that form around the base of trees when snow accumulates but doesn’t completely fill in the area directly beneath the branches: leaving a void composed of low hanging branches, loose snow, and air. Tree wells can be incredibly deep, oftentimes deep enough to completely submerge a full grown adult male.

• These voids can be hidden from view by the tree’s low hanging branches and there is no easy way to identify if a particular tree has a dangerous tree well by sight. All tree wells should be treated as dangerous.

• Skiers may inadvertently fall —usually headfirst— into these wells while riding through treed areas. Even experienced skiers can be caught off-guard.

SNOW IMMERSION SUFFOCATION (SIS)

• Snow immersion suffocation (SIS) occurs when a person becomes trapped in deep snow, with their head below the surface leaving them unable to breathe properly.

• Besides falling into tree wells, merely falling in deep snow can lead to this perilous condition. 30% of SIS accidents occur in areas of deep snow other than tree wells which includes steep drops, creek beds, below cliffs, etc.

• Once trapped in a tree well or deep snow, individuals often struggle to free themselves while the loose snow packs in around them, immobilizing them while breathing becomes difficult.

• Even if the head is only slightly submerged, inhaling snow can block airways, leading to suffocation within minutes. This is a life-threatening situation that can lead to suffocation within minutes.

• Panic and disorientation can exacerbate the situation, making it challenging to escape.

• Many underestimate the strength necessary to free themselves from deep snow. In 90% of cases, self-rescue is impossible and outside assistance will be required.

MITIGATION AND SAFETY TIPS

• Skiers should be aware of the risks associated with tree wells and snow immersion suffocation, especially in areas with heavy snowfall and tree-lined slopes.

• These hazards are at their highest during and after periods of intense snowfall. Powder fever can exacerbate the dangers as skiers overlook the risks while chasing untracked turns in deep snow.

• It is essential to ski with a buddy who can provide aid in case of an emergency. Do not lose sight of each other. Ski short pitches and stop to regroup often.

• If you lose sight of your partner, assume they need help and render assistance immediately.

• Carry necessary safety equipment, including an avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel, to increase your chances of rescue in deep snow situations. Having a whistle somewhere accessible can be a great way to alert others to your location.

• Learn how to use this equipment effectively, routinely practice using this equipment and consider taking avalanche safety courses.

• If you must fall, attempt to fall feet first to maintain your airway.

• Avoid skiing too close to trees or dense forests, especially in unfamiliar terrain.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU GO DOWN

• Remain calm and slow down your breathing to conserve air.

• Do whatever you can to keep your head above the surface of the snow, including rolling, grabbing tree branches or the tree trunk. If possible, keep your feet below the level of your head.

• If immersed, create space around your face to ensure a clear airway while waiting for assistance.

• Yell or whistle to alert others of your location.

• If possible, use your cell phone to call ski patrol or emergency services.

• Trust that help is on the way.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR FRIEND GOES DOWN

• Don’t leave to get help. Stay with your partner.

• Call for additional resources with your phone. Yell and whistle for assistance from others nearby.

• Evaluate the scene for your own safety. Do not put yourself in danger during the rescue.

• Begin rescue efforts immediately. Dig directly towards your partner’s airway. Take care not to knock more snow into the hole. Clear all snow from their mouth, nose, and face, and maintain their access to air throughout the rescue.

• Do not pull the victim out the way they fell in. Tunnel in towards the head from the side. Expand this tunnel until they can be extricated.

Skiing in deep snow can be a great experience, but it is essential to understand the hidden dangers of tree wells and snow immersion suffocation. Being aware of these hazards, practicing safe skiing techniques, and being prepared with the right equipment can significantly reduce the risks associated with skiing in deep snow conditions.

As part of this global mountain community, we invite you to review our community guidelines and expectations. These shared principles keep everyone safe, accountable, and regarded with respect. All guests and employees are expected to observe the following guidelines and share the mountains.

SAFETY
Practice safe skiing habits by following YOUR Responsibility Code.

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.

ACCOUNTABILITY

• Take personal responsibility for your actions and safety.
• Be aware of your physical limitations, and ski terrain appropriate for your ability level.
• Arrive prepared for varied mountain conditions.

RESPECT AND INCLUSION

• Treat everyone with respect, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
• Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or any other protected characteristic will not be tolerated.
• Our mountains are for everyone to enjoy free from discrimination, hate speech, harassment, personal attacks, and vulgar behavior.
• Respect and protect our natural environment.

HoliMont (the “Resort”) does allow uphill travel of any kind within its Resort boundaries. For your safety, access to the mountain is only permitted during daylight hours. HoliMont allows uphill access via hiking, skinning, and snowshoeing during the winter operating season for ticketed guests, members, and passholders.

Participants in all of these activities are asked to adhere to the following guidelines and accept all risks associated with uphill travel on an operating ski area:

• For non-members an uphill access pass will be available at any ticket window for $25/season. Non-members who are not a guest of a member are restricted to weekday use only for uphill access.
• There is no charge for current members or pass holders, however you will have to stop at the ticket window to have your Uphill Access sticker attached to your pass (once per season).
• All Uphill traffic must happen on the side of the trail. Please stay to the side of all trails while traveling uphill.
• Uphill travel is permitted during daylight hours only.
• All snowshoe traffic should travel downhill on the XC Trail Only. Do not attempt to walk downhill on our ski trails or in only shoes or boots.
• You must remain visible at all times to hill traffic – including grooming equipment and snowmobiles. We highly recommend that you wear brightly colored and reflective clothing.
• Please leave the dog at home, dogs are not permitted on our slopes.

Sledding and tubing are prohibited on resort property at any time, day or night.

• Resort terrain is not suitable for sledding, tubing, or anything of the like and may increase the risk of losing control and colliding with objects (natural or man-made). Doing so may lead to serious injury or death.

• Maintenance of the Resort is a 24-hour operation. Snowmaking, grooming, and chairlift maintenance occur during and outside operational hours. During these operations, unauthorized persons on the premises expose themselves to extreme hazards. In addition to the dangers posed by the highly pressurized snowmaking equipment, our snowcats and snowmobiles continually traverse the slopes during grooming activities.
• Members and guests that fail to comply with this may face disciplinary action

HoliMont is a ski-only resort; only resort users with approved snow-sliding devices will be permitted to ski and ride on resort property. All sliding devices must have a retention device.

APPROVED SNOW SLIDING DEVICES

• Downhill
  Skis
• Telemark
  Skis
• Mono
  Skis
• Boot
  Skis
• Cross
  Country Skis
• Snowboards
• Short
  Skis / Snow Blades
• Edge-Control
  Devices (Metal Edge Required)
  • Single-board,
    standing snow sliding devices equipped with effective metal edges and secured
    to the rider by a retention leash.

APPROVED ADA ADAPTIVE SNOW SLIDING DEVICES

• Sit
  Skis
• Mono
  Skis
• Bi-Skis
• Adaptive
  Snow Bikes (Non-motorized), when approved by the resort and
  meeting the criteria below

APPROVED SNOW BIKES (NON-ADA AND ADA) — ONLY IF
ALL 3 CRITERIA ARE MET

Snow bikes may be permitted only when
they satisfy all of the following:

1. Chairlift
   compatibility: The bike must be able to rest
   securely on the chairlift seat and allow the restraint
   bar to be fully lowered without interference.
2. Retention: The bike must
   be secured to the rider by a leash/retention device that
   prevents separation if dropped.

NON-APPROVED DEVICES

• Dual
  Board Snowboards
• Tandem
  Devices
• Sleds,
  Tubes, or Toboggans
• Body
  Sleds
• Fat
  Tire Bikes
• Ski Bikes that
  do not meet the snow bike criteria above
• Any
  sliding device without effective metal edges
• Any
  device not retained to the rider (no leash/retention)
• Any
  device that prevents full lowering of the chairlift restraint bar

Note: Snow Bikes are only
permitted on Exhibition, Chipmunk, and Sunset Chairlifts and all the
terrain they service.  Meeting these
criteria does not guarantee approval. Final approval remains at resort
discretion based on safe operation, lift loading/unloading, and conditions

*All devices are subject to inspection and operator
approval at time of use. Devices may be restricted due to conditions, lift
type, loading configuration, or observed operation.

Complementing Your Responsibility Code and its 10 tenets, the Snow Angel Foundation – Ride Another Day, promotes 3 actions every skier can take to help keep themselves and those around safer on the slopes.

1. BE READY
Be ready to slow down or avoid objects or other people at any time. Ski in such a way that you are always able to control yourself regardless of conditions and avoid others and objects you may encounter on the run, groomed or otherwise.

2. STAY ALERT
Stay alert to what’s going on around you, especially other skiers. Being aware of those around and changing conditions will help you have a fun and safe day on the hill.

3. PLAN AHEAD
Ease up at blind spots, check uphill when merging onto trails, and give other skiers plenty of room when passing. Look out for spots on the run where traffic merges or you can’t see what’s coming next. If you are unfamiliar with a run, take it easy the first time down it and make note of places where you’ll want to slow down, such as cat tracks and rollers. Also, give other skiers room (KNOW the ZONE), especially if you are passing them. There’s plenty of space out there, so there’s no need to crowd each other.

KNOW THE ZONE

EVERY SKIER GETS 15 FEET
While on the hill, avoid collisions by giving others 15 feet of space on all sides. If kids are present, go slower and give them even more space. Know that skiers can turn suddenly, so stay in control to obey the 15-foot zone.

PEOPLE HAVE THE DOWNHILL RIGHT OF WAY
1. It is your responsibility to avoid skiers downhill from you.
2. Give all skiers at least 15 feet of space when passing.
3. Watch your speed and pay attention to others’ sudden changes in direction and speed.

IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN A COLLISION OR INCIDENT

If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee. Your knowledge, decisions, and actions contribute to your safety and the safety of others. If you need help understanding the code, please ask a ski area employee.

New York State Article 18 – (18-101 – 18-108) SAFETY IN SKIING CODE
Not to leave the scene of any accident resulting in personal injury to another party until such times as the ski area operator arrives, except for the purpose of summoning aid.

HoliMont is private property. All forms of third-party commercial activity on our property are prohibited without our prior written consent, including the solicitation or provision of ski instruction, tours and guides, commercial photography and videography, and other products and services offered for sale. For more information on authorized ski instruction at HoliMont, please visit the Ski School page.