Pats Peak Safety
Terrain Designations
Skiers and riders should be advised that a green circle, blue square or black diamond trail at Pats Peak is not necessarily the same as a green circle, blue square or black diamond trail at other resorts. The system is a relative rating of trails at each resort and does not compare trail difficulty between resorts. Skiers and riders should begin with the easiest terrain and then move up in difficulty as their ability permits.
Electronic Devices
Pats Peak strongly discourages the use of electronic devices, including cell phones, personal entertainment and communication devices and any other electronic equipment that utilizes head/earphones while skiing and snowboarding, or loading and unloading lifts.
Caution
Snowcats, snowmobiles and snowmaking and other mountain vehicles may be encountered at any time.
Slow Zones
Certain areas are designated as slow/family zones. Please observe the posted slow areas by maintaining a speed no faster than the general flow of traffic. Space and speed are especially important in these areas. Fast and aggressive skiing will not be tolerated.
Reckless Skiing/Riding
Pats Peak Ski Patrol monitors reckless skiing or riding. Passes may be suspended or revoked for skiing or riding that is considered to put other guests at risk. Always ski/ride in control. Please notify ski patrol if you are involved in a collision or witness reckless skiing/riding.
PLEASE NOTE: Employees in uniform are available to assist with safety questions and are empowered to suspend or revoke the skiing or riding privileges of anyone demonstrating reckless or inappropriate behavior
Helmet Use
Pats Peak encourages our guests to educate themselves on the benefits and limitations of helmets. Regardless of whether or not you choose to wear a helmet, every winter sport participant shares responsibility for their safety, and for that of others using the ski area facilities.
Accidents on Trails
If you come across an injured skier or rider, remain calm. If you are a skier, and are able to do so, cross your skis above the injured person so that he/she is visible from above. Alternatively, ask someone to stand above the injured person. If you have a cell phone and have service, contact the Pats Peak Ski Patrol. Patrol is available whenever the lifts are running. (603) 428-7911
Your Responsibility Code
Pats Peak Ski Area is committed to promoting safe skiing and riding. Always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing and snowboarding that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Know your ability level and stay within it. Observe the Your Responsibility Code listed below and share with other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing experience.
- 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.
Be advised that Pats Peak Ski Area does not mark all potential obstacles and hazards. When marked, poles, flags, fencing, signage, padding and other forms of marking are used to inform skiers and riders of the location of potential obstacles or hazards. These markers are no guarantee of your safety. It is part of your responsibility under the Your Responsibility Code.
Drone Policy
Due to safety and privacy concerns for guests, employees and property, the operation or use of unmanned aerial systems, or drones, is prohibited above or within Pats Peak Ski Area.
Riding Lifts
Anyone riding a surface or aerial lift must have a valid pass.
Pats Peak requires all snowboarders to remove the rear foot from the binding to move through lift lines and to load and unload the lifts.
Pats Peak strongly encourages removing backpacks while riding lifts.
Foot traffic is allowed for uploading with a valid pass.
Downloading a lift is not allowed.
Infants/Children in Carriers/Backpacks
Due to the nature of our ground-based lift evacuation equipment, lift passengers must be able to get onto the lift evacuation T-Seat device independently with only verbal instruction from the ground. Infant/Child carrying devices are not specifically rate for rescue from heights equipment and therefore cannot be considered an effective device for evacuation (NSAA Aerial Evacuation Resource Guide.)
See also: ANSI B77.1-2017 4.3.6.2 Passenger dexterity and ability
- Children riding aerial lifts shall not be in a carrier of any kind.
- Children riding lifts shall have the appropriate ticket (seasons pass or day pass) and be able to sit on the ski lift on their own.
Approved Sliding Devices
Pats Peak Ski Area allows the following sliding devices:
- Skis with retention devices
- Snowboards with retention devices
- Approved adaptive equipment
- Snowbikes
Sliding devices must have a leash AND a metal edge. Failure to meet both requirements shall not be allowed.
Tubes/Sleds/Similar Devices:
- Only tubes supplied by Pats Peak are allowed and only in designated areas/times.
- Sleds or anything resembling a sled without a leash and metal edge are prohibited at all times.