Safety on the Slopes

Because we're committed to providing a safe environment on the slopes, we strongly encourage our guests to do their part - and to learn a few simple considerations that can greatly reduce unnecessary risk. For more information, take a look at the programs and initiatives below. With what you learn today, you'll help to ensure that everyone can enjoy a safe, satisfying experience on the mountain.

National Ski Patrol

As the leading authority of on-mountain safety, the NSP is dedicated to serving the public and outdoor recreation industry by providing education and accreditation to emergency care and safety service providers. The organization is made up of more than 28,000 members serving over 650 patrols. Their members work on behalf of The Highlands to improve the overall experience for winter enthusiasts.

Know The Code: It's Your Responsibility!

Common sense: it's one of the most important things to keep in mind and practice when on the slopes. The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) believes education, helmet use, respect and common sense are very important when cruising down the mountain. NSAA developed Your Responsibility Code to help skiers and boarders be aware that there are elements of risk in snowsports that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce.

1. 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 when 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.

Uphill Travel

ALL UPHILL TRAVEL IS AT YOUR OWN RISK.

The Highlands Resort allows uphill access via skinning. Skinning is permitted during the winter season one hour prior to operating hours. For the safety of everyone on the mountain, anyone participating in these activities must adhere to the following guidelines:

1. You must have a valid season pass or day ticket.
2. Uphill travel equipment is required to have metal edges, a restraining device or brakes and an industry-approved binding. (Cross country skis are not allowed.)
3. There are three travel routes to choose from. They are:

• • North Camelot to Upper Camelot to Summit.
  • Valley View to South Fork to Sound of Skiing To Upper Camelot to Summit.
  • North Peak Pass to North Peak Warming Hut.

1. If you skin up and descend prior to operating hours, you must travel down along the same route you traveled up.  All trails and terrain parks are closed outside of operating hours, with the exception of the designated uphill routes one hour prior to opening.
2. You must be visible to all traffic and follow “Your Responsibility Code” at all times.
3. No dogs are allowed on the mountain except service dogs, which must be on a leash.
4. Overnight stays on the mountain are not permitted.
5. Area Management reserves the right to close the mountain at any time.
6. The mountain is closed and cleared of all guests and staff at the end of each operating day.
7. Sledding is not permitted on any part of The Highlands property.

Hazards: Participants must be aware of and avoid mountain hazards. Individuals are prohibited from within 25 feet of snowmaking equipment (i.e. snow guns, hydrants and electrical boxes).

Bright Clothing, Reflective Materials & Headlamps: It is strongly recommended that all uphill users wear brightly-colored clothing and have reflective material on clothing, poles or packs to heighten visibility. Flashing lights, such as those commonly used by bicycle riders, make it easy for other users and ski area personnel to see you. Use extra caution if you are descending in the dark or in low light conditions.

Uphill Travel Routes: Be aware of other skiers, riders and vehicles approaching you. Stay to the side of the authorized uphill routes and avoid spots where you may not be visible. When descending, please be aware and considerate of other users and ski area personnel.

Winch Cat Operations: Avoid all grooming operations and especially winch cats. The cable between the anchor and the cat can be difficult to see and may be under the snow. These cables can stretch for thousands of feet and can move very quickly.

Rescue Response: Be aware that there are no patrol services outside of operating hours, and ski area buildings are closed. In case of emergency, call 911 and know that response times could be extended. Be aware that mobile phone service can be unreliable on the mountain.

Lids on Kids

In 2002, Lids on Kids debuted as a resource for consumers to learn about helmet use in skiing and snowboarding. This site contains FAQs about helmet use, fit and sizing information, general slope safety information, related articles and games, and testimonials about helmet use from well-known athletes, including US Ski Team members. You'll see our name - and our tagline "A Helmet-It's a Smart Idea," on posters and promotional materials at resorts nationwide.

NSAA Safety Facts & Tips

The National Ski Areas Association believes these safety facts and tips will help prepare individuals and families for a day on the slopes. With the help of the following information, your adventures down the mountain will be that much more enjoyable. 

• Discover Snow- NSAA Safety Tips

Babies in Backpacks or Carriers on Slopes

As a resort policy, The Highlands, does not allow skiers or snowboarders to carry an infant or toddler in backpacks, chest packs, baby bjorns, or other similar devices on their bodies. This policy stems, in part, from the safety concerns with the infant and/or parent, as well as for the safety of our employees. The basis for this policy, in part, is that national safety standards which govern chairlift design and operations (referred to as the ANSIB77 passenger ropeway standards) require chairlift passengers to be individually able to access chairlifts on their own accord and ability. Also, the chair or carrier’s design may also preclude this type of use of a pack by a guest. In addition, because of safety concerns related to the potential evacuation of chairlifts, and the equipment harnesses employed in such evacuations, our evacuation procedures require that passengers to be unencumbered by such packs carrying infants – for both the safety of the guests, and our employees/ ski patrol who conduct such evacuations. Lastly, there are additional safety concerns related to skiing or snowboarding with an infant in such a pack, especially the potentially elevated risks of skier-skier collisions and potential harm to an infant.