You've arrived. You're geared up and have a lift ticket. Now what? Go get a trail map at the lodge or lift-ticket window. Take a few minutes to check it out. The lifts and the trails are marked on the map. The colored symbols next to the trails are the keys to enjoying your first few days on the slopes. Their shape and color indicate the difficulty of the trail.
Here's what they mean:
Prior to Hitting the Slopes
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.
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:
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:
• Before entering 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
• 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 the terrain and others (Freestyle terrain is for everyone regardless of equipment or ability)
• 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
For more information visit: http://www.freestyleterrain.org/Contact LTSA Ski Patrollers wearing red parkas with white crosses. They can be reached through a lift attendant or other LTSA employees.