Safety Tips

Prior to Hitting the Slopes

• Obtain proper equipment that is fitted properly for performance as well as safety.
• Dress in warm layers. (See below)
• Wear sun protection.
• Always wear eye protection.

• Take a lesson from a qualified instructor.
• Be aware of the snow conditions.
• Be aware of your surroundings and other skier/snowboarders.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Know your limits.
• Helmets may reduce the risk of injury.
• Stay in control.

Layer Up

The best way to dress for winter is to wear layers. This gives you flexibility to add or remove layers, depending on the weather and your activity.

Wicking layer: This is the layer worn next to your skin, usually consisting of long underwear.

• Look for thermal underwear made of a synthetic or silk fiber that has "wicking" power. This means the fibers will move moisture away from your skin. This keeps you warm, dry and comfortable.
• Even though it's cold, you might sweat. Skiing/snowboarding are considered exercise after all.
• The wicking layer should fit snugly (not tight) next to the skin in order to effectively wick moisture.

• Fleece: a synthetic material which maintains its insulating ability even when wet and spreads the moisture out so it dries quickly.
• Wool: which naturally wicks away moisture.

• Most winter shells and pants are made waterproof and are breathable to some extent. This keeps moisture on the outside but allows perspiration to escape.
• Don't wear jeans or sweatpants. Denim is not waterproof, so water will soak through the fabric.
• Look for functional hoods, cuffs, pockets and zippers - details that truly make garments comfortable.

Headwear: Up to 60 percent of your body's heat can escape from an uncovered head, so wearing a hat, headband or helmet is essential when it's cold. Helmets are popular as part of safety equipment. Not only do they protect your head from bumps but they also keep your head warm. A neck gaiter or face mask is a must on cold days and are available for purchase in our retail shop.

Sunglasses and goggles: Sunglasses protect your eyes from damaging solar radiation. Snow, or any other reflective surface, makes ultraviolet (UV) rays stronger, while increased altitude also magnifies the danger. Look for 100 percent UV protection in sunglasses. On flat-light days or when it's snowing, goggles are vital. They protect your eyes and special lens colors increase the contrast so you can properly identify terrain features. Goggles should form an uninterrupted seal on your face, extending above your eyebrows and below your cheekbones. Watch for gaps, especially around your nose.

Gloves and mittens: Look for waterproof, breathable fabrics. Mittens, in general, are warmer than gloves. Snowboarding gloves and mittens often have a reinforced palm because of extra wear from adjusting bindings and balancing on the snow. Don't buy gloves or mittens that are too tight. There should be a little air space at the tips of your fingers, which acts as additional insulation.

Socks: Wear one pair of light-weight or medium-weight socks specific for snowsports. Some socks have wicking properties similar to long underwear, meaning your feet will stay dry and comfortable. Avoid cotton because it retains moisture. Resist the temptation of putting on too many pairs of socks.

Lost Trail Ski Area Retail Shop offers a variety of accessories for your last minute needs.

Skier Responsibility Code

As a "skier" you assume the risk of and accept the responsibility for injuries resulting from the inherent risks of skiing/riding, which include, but are not limited to:

• Changing weather conditions
• Variations or steepness in terrain
• Snow or ice conditions
• Surface or sub-surface conditions such as bare spots, forest growth, rocks, stumps, impact with lift towers and other structures and their components
• Collisions with other skiers, users or persons
• A "skier's" failure to ski within his own ability.
• Skiers include, among others, alpine/downhill skiers, telemark skiers, mono-skiers and snowboarders.

• Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
• People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
• You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.
• Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
• Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
• Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
• Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

Freestyle Terrain is popular at ski resorts and proper use is important. The National Ski Areas Association and Burton Snowboards have developed the “Smart Style” Freestyle Terrain Safety initiative, a cooperative effort to continue the proper use and progression of freestyle terrain at mountain ski resorts, while also delivering a unified message that is clear, concise and effective.

The 3 main points of Smart Style include:

• Look Before You Leap