Terrain Park Safety

The 4 main points of Smart Style

• Make a Plan
  • Every time you use freestyle terrain, make a plan for each feature you want to use. Take a look at the ATML Method below.
  • Your speed, approach and takeoff will directly affect your maneuver and landing.
• Look Before You Leap
  • Before getting 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
• Easy Style It
  • 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 Gets Respect
  • 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 feature

The ATML Method

Each terrain park feature can be broken down into four zones. Learn to identify these zones and have a plan before using any freestyle terrain.

• Approach Zone is the space for setting your speed and stance to use the feature.
• Takeoff Zone is for making moves that start your trick.
• Maneuver Zone is for controlling your body in teh air and setting up for landing.
• Landing Zone is the prepared slope between the knuckle and the runout beyond it.

Stuff to know

• Know your limits and ability level and select the appropriate Freestyle Terrain for you.
• Your condition, speed, balance, body movements, alignment, trajectory and maneuver difficulty will directly affect your desired outcome.
• Know the intended use of the Freestyle terrain you have chosen. For example, some features are intended to be used in a series with no stopping and some individually with stopping areas; jump takeoffs are for jumping and rail takeoffs are for entering onto rails.
• Your actions can take you out of balance and cause serious injury or death, no matter how the feature is designed or where you land. Land on your feet!
• Transitions are changes in the shape and pitch of the snow or feature, or changes from one type of sliding surface to another. Transitions can be gentle or abrupt, and demand that users be alert and respond to them with accurate movements.
• Know where to land. The sweet spot is between the knuckle and center of the landing zone. Even if you land on or near the sweet spot, you can still be seriously injured or die if your landing posture is not correct.
• Be aware that features change constantly due to snow conditions, weather, usage, grooming and time of day.
• Inverted maneuvers are not recommended.

Know The Code

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. 

• Always stay in control. 
• People ahead of you have the right of way. 
• Stop in a safe place for you and others.
• Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.
• Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment. 
• Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails. 

Know how to use the lifts safely. 

Helmets are recommended while skiing and riding.

Please leave snow bikes, sleds, inner tubes and snow skates at home.

Be safety conscious and KNOW THE CODE. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
This is a partial list.  Officially endorsed by: NATIONAL SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION.

Backcountry Access

Alpine Meadows maintains an open boundary policy which opens our boundaries to an untracked world for experienced skiers and riders in the Lake Tahoe area.  Travel in the backcountry can be exhilarating but it can also present risks and dangers.  The area beyond the ski area boundary is in its natural state and entering the backcountry involves risks including those risks posed by deep snow, avalanches, steep terrain, cliffs and other terrain variations.  We do not perform avalanche control or patrol beyond our boundary and take no additional measures to mitigate the hazards to which skiers/boarders might be exposed.  Persons skiing or riding beyond the ski area boundary assume all risks inherent in the backcountry.  Before you leave the ski area boundary, please take time to educate yourself about the backcountry.  It is unlawful for skiers or riders to cross through Closed Areas to access the ski area boundary.  Ski and ride responsibly.  

Warning: Risk of Avalanche

While snow safety and avalanche mitigation efforts help reduce the risk of avalanches, avalanches and snow slides may occur at ski areas, both inside and outside of the posted boundaries. Avalanches are an inherent risk of the sport due to the nature of snow and its application on steep, mountainous terrain. Become educated on how to reduce the risk of injury or death from avalanches through your own actions and awareness. Visit http://www.avalanche.org or contact the Alpine Meadows ski patrol for further information on the risks and prevention of avalanche-related injuries or death.

Beacon Training Park

Hours: 10:00am - 2:00pm daily

Patrol Staffed Saturdays & Sundays
Hours: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Donated By the Zell family

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. 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. The website www.treewelldeepsnowsafety.com is intended to assist all skiers and riders in learning about the risks and prevention of deep snow immersion accidents.