Terrain Park Safety

Freestyle Terrain is becoming more popular at 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 resorts, while also delivering a unified message that is clear, concise, and effective.

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. Your speed, approach and take off will directly affect your maneuver and landing
- 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

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.

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.

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.