Safety

Crystal Mountain is committed to promoting responsibility and awareness. There are inherent risks in skiing and snowboarding that common sense and consideration of others can help reduce.

Basic Safety

1. It is your responsibility to maintain control of your speed and course at all times.
2. Ski and snowboard only in areas compatible with your ability.
3. Inverted aerials are not allowed at Crystal Mountain.
4. Always plan ahead for variations in weather and be aware of changing snow surface conditions.
5. Please have your lift ticket or pass visible while loading all chairlifts, and as a precaution, always lock up your unattended equipment to prevent theft.
6. Slow skiing areas have been designated for beginner and congested areas.
7. Slow down and go with the flow in these areas. Avoid skiing through groups, classes or racecourses.
8. After falling on the slopes or chairlift ramp, move away quickly to avoid becoming an obstacle for other skiers or snowboarders.

Trail Symbols

Information on deep snow & tree well safety

The Crystal Mountain environment includes large areas of naturally rugged terrain including cliffs and cornices. Ski with caution; unmarked objects exist.

To Report an Accident

Cross skis above the injured skier or snowboarder. Inform the nearest Lift Operator or Ski Patrol personnel. Report exact location, noting trail name, lift tower number, etc. give as much information as possible.

You are the sole judge of your ability to negotiate any trail, run, or uphill track. Any person who boards a ski lift, or other similar device shall be presumed to have sufficient abilities to use the lift. The ski area has no duty to provide you with instructions on riding any lift, but you must follow any written or verbal instructions that are given regarding the use.

Special Announcement 1/18/08: Crystal Mountain’s very own Patrol Director and Risk Manager, Paul Baugher, was chosen as one of seven to join the National Ski Patrol Safety Team. Paul will serve as a visible ambassador for the NSP and for ski/snowboard safety over the next two years. This is a tremendous opportunity for an NSP member to be recognized for their contributions to slopes safety and make the slopes even safer. For more information please visit www.nsp.org.

Skier Responsibility Code

1. Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
2. People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.
4. Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
5. Always use devices to prevent runaway equipment.
6. Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
7. Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

Officially Endorsed by National Ski Areas Association

Family Skiing Zones

Here at Crystal Mountain, we believe everyone should feel safe and comfortable. In fact, we offer families an area where they can enjoy a relaxed ski run without worrying about being run down by other skiers and boarders. The Slow Skiing Family Zone controlled by the Safety Patrol includes all of Queens Run from top to the bottom on the Forest Queen chairlift. The Safety Patrol also controls the speed of skiers and boarders on the Lucky Shot trail off of the Rainier Express chairlift. In both locations, the bright yellow “Speed Control” banners help to control the flow of skiers and boarders.

Washington State Law

Washington Sate Skiers’ Responsibility Code, R.C.W.79A.45 is an act relating to the duties of operators and users of commercial ski areas. Excerpts from the act include but are not limited to the following: R.C.W.79A.45 030(1)- “In addition to the specific requirements of this section, all skiers shall conduct themselves within the limits of their individual ability and shall not act in a manner that may contribute to the injury of themselves or any other person.“R.C.W.79A.45.030.(7)- “Any person skiing outside the confines of trails open for skiing or runs open for skiing within the ski area boundary shall be responsible for any injuries or losses resulting from his or her action.”

Read the full Chapter: Chapter 79A.45