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Skier Safety

SKI PATROL
Have a problem or need to report an incident? Call Tahoe Donner Ski Patrol at (530) 582-9621 for emergency assistance.

Our highly trained Professional Ski Patrol circulates continuously around the mountain conducting mountain safety. Our volunteer unit of the National Ski Patrol helps ensure the safety of all our patrons on the hill.

If you are interested in volunteering at Tahoe Donner, please visit the National Ski Patrol website to learn more.

SKIER RESPONSIBILITY CODE
We want you to enjoy your time at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Resort and stay safe. Please show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing. Common sense and personal awareness can help reduce risk of injury.

Cross Country Skier’s Code of Ethics…

At ski resorts, you are introduced to a variety of people who have different ski levels, and types of equipment. It is important to remember that you must always be responsible, aware of your surroundings, use common sense and show courtesy to others in order to enjoy the slopes. There are guidelines to follow to keep you and others safe on the slopes and reduce the risk of getting injured skiing.

  • Always check posted trail conditions and obey all signs and posted warnings.
  • Always buy a trail pass when skiing at a commercial center.
  • When stopping, step off the trail quickly to leave room for other skiers to pass. Don’t block intersections and avoid stopping in the middle of hills. Do not stop where you not visible to others.
  • Always maintain control of your speed and direction. Ski in such a manner that you can stop or avoid other skiers or hazards.
  • On double-tracked trails, ski single-file and to the right except when overtaking.
  • Ski within your abilities and time allowances.
  • When a skier behind calls out “track,” move to the right to give them room to pass.
  • Don’t walk in the set tracks or on the groomed trail because footprints decrease grip and glide. Keep to the side of the trail.
  • Skating on classically groomed trails will similarly disrupt the grip and glide of classic skiers.
  • Ski in the specified direction on one-way trails.
  • Avoid cutting off other skiers when entering trails or overtaking.
  • Do not litter.
  • Stick to the trails and respect private property.
  • Descending skiers have the right-of-way on hills.
  • Never take your dog on the trails unless it is a dog-friendly trail.

In Case of an Accident…

  • Place a pair of crossed skis in an “X” position close to the injured skier.
  • Do not attempt to move the injured person.
  • Be sure that they are kept warm.
  • Look around for trail markers or landmarks that can be used to determine your location.
  • Call for help. Tahoe Donner Ski Patrol phone number is (530) 582-9621.
  • Enlist the aid of a fellow skier.

Know The Symbols…

You’ve arrived. You’re geared up and have a lift ticket. Now what? Go get a trail map at the base lodge or lift-ticket window. Take a few minutes to check it out. The lifts and the trails are marked on the map. The colored symbols next to the trails are the keys to enjoying your first few days on the slopes. Their shape and color indicate the difficulty of the trail.

Here’s what they mean:

  • Green Circle: Easier, Beginner
  • Blue Square/Blue Circle: More Difficult Intermediate
  • Black Diamond: Most Difficult, Expert
  • Safety Symbol – Yellow Triangle With an Exclamation Point (!): Use Extra Caution
    • You’ll find them posted on signs on the trails

The same trail symbols are used at every resort in the country, but as Albert Einstein must have said, “It’s all relative.” A Green Circle trail at one resort might be as tough as a Blue Square at another. Not a big deal. The trail ratings are consistent within each resort. So all the “Greens” at a ski area will be about the same difficulty, as will the “Blues” and the “Blacks.” Realize that difficulty ratings are based on good snow conditions, so icy conditions could make the trails much more treacherous.

Learn more about the XC Skier Responsibility Code.