Mountain Safety & Your Responsibility
Skiing and snowboarding are inherently enjoyable activities, but they also involve risks. As employees of Stowe Mountain Resort, we are expected to ski and ride within our abilities and act responsibly at all times while on the mountain.
At Stowe and across all Vail Resorts properties, on-mountain safety is a shared responsibility. Every employee plays an important role in creating a safe environment for guests, coworkers, and themselves.
Employees who are involved in a slope safety violation may lose skiing or riding privileges and may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Your Responsibility Code
Please keep the following principles in mind whenever you are skiing or riding:
Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
People ahead of you have the right-of-way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
Stop only where you are visible from above and do not obstruct trails or traffic.
Before starting downhill or entering a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
Prevent runaway equipment.
Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
Stay off closed trails and out of closed areas.
Know how to load, ride, and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask a lift attendant.
Do not use lifts, terrain, or mountain facilities while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
If you are involved in a collision or incident, exchange contact information and notify a ski area employee.
By following these ten points, we can significantly reduce the risk of injury, collisions, and other incidents, helping to create a safer mountain experience for everyone.
Why Was the Code Updated?
The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) first introduced the Skier Responsibility Code in 1962. Over the past six decades, the Code has evolved to reflect changes in mountain sports, guest behavior, and industry best practices.
The current version of Your Responsibility Code, introduced in 2022, expanded the Code from seven points to ten. The updates modernized existing language, clarified skier and rider responsibilities, and added two important safety principles:
Do not ski or ride while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
If involved in a collision or incident, exchange information and notify ski area personnel.
These updates reinforce the importance of personal responsibility and help ensure a safer experience for everyone on the mountain.
As mountain sports continue to evolve, so does our commitment to safety. Please take time to review and follow Your Responsibility Code throughout the season. Staying in control, respecting others, and making responsible decisions are the best ways to help keep our mountain safe for all.
