High Alpine Environment Safety Tips

 

  • Dress in layers. Layering allows you to accommodate your body's constantly changing temperature. For example, dress in polypropylene underwear (top and bottoms), which feels good next to the skin, dries quickly, absorbs sweat and keeps you warm. Wear a turtleneck, sweater and jacket. Do NOT wear cotton as a base layer.
  • Be prepared. Mother Nature has a mind of her own. Bring a headband or hat with you to the slopes, 60 percent of heat-loss is through the head. Wear gloves or mittens (mittens are usually better for those susceptible to cold hands).
  • Drink plenty of water. At 9,700' base elevation, our climate is extremely dry, so it is easy to dehydrate. Staying hydrated (which includes consuming less alcohol than at sea level) also helps you avoid altitude sickness.
  • Know your limits. Learn to ski and snowboard in control.
  • If you're tired, stop before you become fatigued. Injuries usually result from fatigue. Have a seat and enjoy the environment around you. Most of all, have fun.

    Responsible Skiing and Snowboarding

    Get to know the Skier Safety Act

    Your Responsibility Code 

    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.
    1. Always stay in control.
    2. People ahead of you have the right of way.
    3. Stop in a safe place for you and others.
    4. Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.
    5. Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
    6. Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails.
    7. Know how to use the lifts safely.
    KNOW THE CODE. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

    This is a partial list. Be safety conscious.
    Officially endorsed by: NATIONAL SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION.

    Endorsed by the National Ski Areas Association

    Avoid High Altitude Illness

    It's usually a minor problem, is almost totally preventable and can be significantly minimized by following these simple guidelines from the Colorado Altitude Research Institute:

    • Exercise in moderation.
    • Drink more water than usual. When you combine altitude with physical exertion, you need to drink before you get thirsty.
    • Eat food high in carbohydrates, such as grains, pasta, fruits and vegetables and avoid salty foods.
    • Limit alcohol consumption. It's tempting to party the evening you roll into a ski town. However, drinking alcohol and cheating yourself on sleep the night before you ski is a big mistake. Use common sense.
    • Wear water-resistant, layered clothing that can be removed or added as weather changes (i. e., long underwear, turtleneck, sweater, waterproof jacket and pants, nylon socks, glove liners, waterproof gloves, winter hat, sunglasses and goggles).
    • Be sun savvy. Although Colorado tops the list of sunshine states, our sunshine is so intense that skiing without sunscreen or protective eyewear is not recommended. Ultraviolet rays are more powerful at higher elevations. Since resorts are over two miles above sea level, you will need goggles and/or sunglasses that have UV protection. Also, regardless of your skin color or complexion, everyone needs to wear sunscreen, even on overcast days when ultraviolet rays still penetrate cloud cover. Go for at least 15 SPF and apply several times a day. Look for broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
    • Book Now!
    Sign up for hot deals and eNewsletter
    Email: