Mountain Safety

 
DON'T BE THAT GUY... PLAY BY THE RULES

Mountain Safety

While at Crotched Mountain we want everyone to have fun from the most experienced skier to those just learning. As they say in Smart Style - Respect Gets Respect. We like to live by this creed across our resort. So please abide by some simple rules and have fun!

Responsibility Code

The National Ski Areas Association established "Your Responsibility Code" in 1966 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. The points listed in the Your Responsibility Code are the rules of the road when you are on the mountain.

So, whether you ski with one board or two, or use other specialized equipment, always show courtesy to others so that your paths don't cross.

It is important to remember that there are elements of risk in mountain activities that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Please note, violations of Your Responsibility Code, and the following additional rules, ordinances and/or guidelines may result in criminal prosecution, civil liability and/or loss of lift privileges without compensation or refund:

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.

Winter sports involve risk of serious injury or death. Your knowledge, decisions and actions contribute to your safety and that of others. If you need help understanding the Code, please ask any ski area employee.

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Ski Patrol

The Crotched Mountain Ski Patrol is part of the National Ski Patrol System. It is a group of highly dedicated men and women who are skilled in the art of helping injured skiers and snowboarders, as well as maintaining a safe and controlled skiing environment. The Crotched Mountain Ski Patrol, in the spirit and dedication to aiding those in need, is a new entity, which will consist of primarily volunteers who work with a small number of professional patrollers.

Each year, all Ski Patrollers are trained or participate in refresher courses in accordance with national standards. The members are also CPR certified. We are proud to say that all of our patrollers meet, and most exceed the national standard. Training for candidates begins in September.

If you are interested in joining Crotched Mountains Ski Patrols dynamic team, this is a great opportunity to help others and become part of an energetic and devoted group. Join us and put a whole new dimension into your skiing and life. The Crotched Ski Patrol, it's all downhill from there.

Kids on Lifts

Ensure that even the youngest skier and riders are safe on the lifts. Questions? Contact the Crotched Patrol department.

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Winter Uphill Policy

 

Crotched Mountain is committed to safety and the guest experience.

Uphill travel is permitted once Crotched Mountain opens for the season on designated routes only, beginning at 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 12:30am Saturdays and 5:30p.m. on Sundays.  All uphill users must begin return to the base 15 minutes prior to lift opening for operations (weekends and holidays: 8:45 a.m.; weekdays: 8:45 a.m.). Absolutely NO uphill travel on active snowmaking trails during non-operational hours.
Uphill and downhill travel routes:

  • Galaxy to Moonwalk 
  • Supernova to Milkyway

Please travel single file on the right-hand-side of the trail heading uphill.

Regardless of where you are at 15 minutes before lifts open, you must head downhill at that time. No uphill travel is permitted after lifts open.

Uphill and downhill travel is only permitted on designated routes. Do not travel downhill on glade trails or closed trails. When traveling downhill you must observe the Skier Responsibility Code. A valid lift ticket or season pass with a valid reservation for the day is required to access any lift. Pets are not authorized to travel with uphill users on the mountain.

During nonoperational times, skiers and riders shall:

  • Be as visible as possible to others. Use headlamps and other lights. Wear bright, reflective clothing.
  • Avoid areas where resort equipment may be working. When approaching a grooming machine or snowmobile, step off to the side of the trail and use a light to draw the attention of the operator.
  • Never follow a grooming machine.
  • Stay away from snowmaking equipment. Do not ski or step on hoses.
  • Be aware of the location of any winch operations. Signs that winching may be in progress include a red beacon on the ground or on a snow cat, mounds of snow that have been piled at the top of the trail that is being winched, or a posted warning that winching is in progress.
  • Know that Resort Emergency Services are not available during nonoperational periods. If you or a member of your party is injured, call 911. Know your route and be prepared to share it with emergency correspondence.
  • Obey all signage and closures.

Crotched Mountain has the right to cancel the uphill travel policy at any time due to weather conditions or operations on the mountain.

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UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) & DRONE USE POLICY

Out of safety concerns for guests, employees, and resort property, Crotched Mountain, prohibits the operation or use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or aerial drones, by the general public, including recreational users and hobbyists. This prohibition includes drones for filming or videotaping, as well as any drone use by media or journalists operating over all Resort properties. This prohibition on drone operations or use extends to any drones launched or operated from Resort property, as well as drones launched from private property outside of the Resort boundaries. Please contact the resort General Manager at 1-800-875-4241, if you have any questions. Any authorized operation of aerial drones may be governed by Federal Aviation Administration rules and regulations, local law enforcement, and/or U.S. Forest Service rules, as well as those policies separately established by our Resort. Any violation of this policy may involve suspension of your skiing privileges, or the revocation of your season pass, as well as confiscation of any equipment, and may subject violators to any damages, including but not limited to, damages for violations of privacy and/or physical or personal injuries, or regulatory fines and legal fees.

Snowskates Policy

Snowskates are welcomed and allowed at Crotched Mountain on the hill as long as the rules are expressly followed as outlined below.

  1. Your valid lift ticket or season pass must be worn and visible at all times.
  2. Snowskates are only allowed on the Crotched Rocket lift & the Magic Carpet
  3. Have a full metal edge (Burton, Lib Tech, Id, Hovland, Ralston are manufacturers with a full metal edge)
  4. Have a leash attached to themselves and the board
  5. Can, as safely and reasonably possible, slide on and off the lift

Ski Boundary & Tree Skiing Policy

  1. Trees and backcountry areas beyond Ski Area Boundary are not maintained or patrolled.
  2. Trees may contain hazards that will not be marked.
  3. Trees are recommended for EXPERTS ONLY.
  4. When you pass beyond the Ski Area Boundary, you leave the area of Ski Patrol services.
  5. You are responsible for your own actions, your own rescue and the cost of your rescue.

Smoking Policy

In order to provide our guests with the best experience possible, we ask that you not smoke or vape in areas where there is a large concentration of people. The following locations are SMOKE-FREE zones:

  1. Inside ski lodges
  2. Lift Lines
  3. Chair Lifts
  4. Within 25 ft surrounding any building
  5. All decks

Dog Policy

Everybody at Crotched Mountain loves dogs, we know that pets are family, and we especially want you to enjoy your time with us, so please observe the following rules so everybody can enjoy their time:

  1. Pets must be on a leash and under control at all times.
  2. Practice canine courtesy by cleaning up and removing dog waste.
  3. Pets are not allowed on the slopes during operating hours.
  4. Service animals are welcomed at any time; they must be under control and on a leash/harness.
  5. Crotched Mountain reserves the right to ask that a pet is removed for any reason.
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Launching Winter 23/24

MEET THE NEW MY EPIC APP WITH MOBILE PASS
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Take an Epic expert with you wherever you go on the mountain. My Epic app provides you:

  • Mobile Pass & Lift ticket
  • Interactive trail maps, with trail and grooming status
  • Real-time weather, snow totals and mountain cams
  • Your on-mountain GPS location and stat tracking
  • Resort updates and safety information
  • And more!
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