Snow Skills

The 6th item in the Skier’s/Rider’s Responsibility Code is to Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.

This item is fairly self-explanatory; follow instructions.  Every ski area has a staff of Ski Patrol who are responsible for operations and safety on the hill.  Along with other departments such as lifts, snowmaking, and grooming, the Patrol constantly evaluates the conditions and determines what’s safe for the public.  It’s their job to know as much as possible and their posted signs and warnings are their way of passing that information to skiers and riders.  The decision to close a trail or identify a closed area is an important one; even if you don’t agree, it’s cool to understand that the Ski Patrol probably has a very good reason for making that decision.

So, accept that your local safety professionals probably know more than you do and be cool by following their instructions.