SAFETY
Loveland Ski Area is committed to promoting skier/rider safety for our guests all over the mountain. Nothing ruins a great vacation as much as an accident that didn’t have to happen. Please review the information below to ensure your visit is a great and safe one.
Know the Code
The National Ski Areas Association established “Your Responsibility Code” in 1962 as a code of ethics for all skiers on the mountain. Today, the code reflects not only skier safety, but snowboarder and lift safety as well.
Ultimately, safe skiing and snowboarding on the mountain is each person’s responsibility. Following “Your Responsibility Code” will help all skiers and snowboarders have a safer mountain experience.
Skiing and snowboarding can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country and other specialized ski equipment, such as that used by disabled or other skiers. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the code listed below and share with other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing experience.
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.
Be safety conscious and KNOW THE CODE. IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
The Colorado Ski Safety Act
Warning Under Colorado law, a skier assumes the risk of any injury to person or property resulting from any of the inherent dangers and risks of skiing and may not recover from any ski area operator for any injury resulting from any of the inherent dangers and risks of skiing including: changing weather conditions; existing and changing snow conditions; bare spots; rocks; stumps; trees; collision with natural objects, man- made objects or other skiers; variations in the terrain; and the failure of the skiers to ski within their own abilities. CLICK HERE to read the Ski Safety Act in its entirety.
Slippery Surfaces
CAUTION: High alpine winter conditions may exist anywhere on the premises. Use caution walking especially in buildings, on walkways and in parking lots. Melting and freezing as well as water and snow accumulation can cause surfaces to become slippery any time of the day or night. Try to clean the snow off the bottom of ski boots to help prevent a slip and fall. Use footwear with good tread and/or use commercially available products made for the bottom of shoes and boots to give better traction. Keep your center of gravity over your front leg – WALK LIKE A PENGUIN!
Loveland Ski Area Authorized Equipment
Helmets Encouraged at Loveland Ski Area
With the increasing popularity of helmets during the past few years many parents are considering a helmet for their child. The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), together with the help of many others in the ski industry, has developed this site to help educate parents about putting helmets on their children while they’re on the slopes.
NSAA, the trade association for ski areas across the country, promotes the use of helmets for adults and kids. It’s up to you to educate yourself about their benefits and limitations. Visit www.lidsonkids.org for more info.
Children in Backpacks
Children in backpacks are not permitted:
- On any of Loveland’s lifts including the magic carpets
- Beyond the base areas of the Valley and Basin before, during or after operating hours
- If the wearer of the backpack is attached to skis or a snowboard – even in the base area
Children carried in backpacks will be permitted:
- In the parking lots
- Throughout the base areas of the Valley and Basin including inside the buildings
- On the shuttle buses
- As long as the wearer of the backpack is not attached to skis or a snowboard
Chairlift Safety
Loveland Recommends Packs on Laps
Remove your backpack and place it on your lap when loading the chairlift to prevent buckles and straps from snagging on the chair while unloading.
Secure Your Equipment
Loveland Ski Area always recommends securing your equipment when not in use. Cable locks are for sale at the Valley and Basin Sport Shops.
Slow Zones-Family Ski Zones
Families are special guests at Loveland Ski Area and we treat them right. Loveland Ski Area offers Slow Skiing Zones and Family Ski Zones, gentle slopes on the mountain designated for slow family skiing. Slow Skiing Zones have been designated for high traffic areas to slow skiers and snowboarders down when approaching a busy intersection of trails or nearing lift-loading areas where slower speeds make a safer experience.
Tree Well and Deep Snow Safety
Skiing and snowboarding off the groomed runs and in deep powder is one of the most exciting and appealing parts of the sport. However, if you decide to leave the groomed trails you are voluntarily accepting the risk of a deep snow immersion accident. A deep snow or tree well immersion accident occurs when a skier or rider falls into an area of deep unconsolidated snow and becomes immobilized and suffocates. Prevention of falling into a tree well or areas of deep snow is all-important because the odds of surviving deep snow immersion are low. Deaths resulting from these kinds of accidents are referred to as a NARSID or Non-Avalanche Related Snow Immersion Death.
Become educated on how to reduce the risk of NARSID through your own action and awareness. ALWAYS ski or ride with a partner.
Visit deepsnowsafety.org to reduce risk through your own actions and awareness.
Unmanned Aerial Drone Policy
Out of safety concerns for guests, employees, and resort property, Loveland Ski Area prohibits the operation or use of unmanned aerial systems, or aerial drones, by the general public – including recreational users and hobbyists.
This prohibition on drone use extends to any drones launched or operated from Resort property, as well as drones launched from private property outside of the Resort boundaries.
Any violation of this policy may involve suspension of your skiing or snowboarding privileges, or the revocation of your season pass, as well as confiscation of any equipment. Violators will be liable for any damages, including but not limited to, physical or personal injuries, property damage, damages for violations of privacy, regulatory fines and legal fees.