January is Ski + Snowboard Safety Month

By Ali Dickson

Safety is always our top priority for each skier every season. This winter, from chairlift safety to downhill etiquette to COVID-19 regulations, we’ve got the tips you need to keep you and your family safe on the slopes.

BEFORE COMING TO DOWNHILL SKI RESORT 

• Get ready to sweat. Skiing and snowboarding are active sports, so be sure you are prepared for the activity level. Pre-purchase your adventure. To ensure physical distancing practices, all lift tickets, lessons and rentals must be pre-purchased online in advance. Learn more at tahoedonner.com/downhill.
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean you don’t need water. Due to COVID-19 regulations, no water is available from hydration stations, so make sure to bring plenty with you!
• Check your equipment. Make sure your skis, snowboards and boots are in good working order and ready to rock and roll. If you need equipment, rent quality skis or snowboards and gear right from Tahoe Donner. Our rental shop can do tunes, waxes and repairs.
• Learn from a pro. Book a private lesson. Nothing makes you a better skier or rider faster than a private lesson, so book yours in advance with Tahoe Donner’s professional instructors.
• Dress up – helmet included. Make sure you are dressed for any occasion. Layers are recommended, and a helmet can protect children and adults alike. Helmets can be purchased or rented at Downhill Ski Resort.
• Understand chairlift safety. Know how to load, ride and unload before using a chairlift. Remove pole straps or unbuckle your back snowboard binding, check for loose clothing and move away from the exit ramp after unloading. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask mountain staff!
• Think of your car as a lodge this season. Indoor availability will be prohibited at amenities this season due to COVID-19, so be prepared to use an outdoor restroom, eat at your car and boot up in the parking lot.
• Know your “Responsibility Code.” Learn the full code to stay in control, give those ahead of you the right of way and yield to others uphill from you at tahoedonner.com/downhill.
• Pick up a Mountain Safety Guide at the resort or view and download one online here.

KNOW YOUR COVID-19 SAFETY EXPECTATIONS 

Before arriving, make sure you know how to have fun at Tahoe Donner safely:

• Stay home if you feel sick or may have been exposed to COVID-19. Maintain physical distancing of at least six feet with those outside your household.
• Household members can ride lifts together; non-household members may ride together if at least one seat is vacant between them. We will not ask you to share a lift with someone outside your household if you are not comfortable doing so.
• Face coverings over your nose and mouth are required at all times indoors, around base areas, in slow zones and learning areas, in lift lines, on lifts, in unloading areas, in parking lots, on shuttles and anywhere physical distancing can’t be maintained.

Learn more about COVID-19 safety policies at Tahoe Donner Downhill.

ONCE YOU GET TO DOWNHILL SKI RESORT 

• Mask up! Face coverings are required in lift lines, in buildings, all around the base area and anywhere physical distancing cannot be maintained.
• Ski with the people you live with. Stick with those who live within your immediate household on the slopes to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
• Follow the “Responsibility Code.” Put your knowledge into action to protect you and those around you.
• Know your ability. Choose trails and runs that match both your experience and ability level. Every mountain is different, so start on easy green trails and work your way up.

• Note all warning signs. These signs exist for your safety and can safely guide you around our mountain.
• Stay in bounds. There is no avalanche control or ski patrol assistance if you ski out of Downhill Ski Resort boundaries. Stash a map in your pocket for an easy reference.
• Stay with a partner and avoid tree wells. This is especially important if you find yourself in deep snow. Steer clear of trees!
• Avoid vehicles on the hill. Vehicles, such as snowmobiles or snowcats, may be on the hill when you are skiing.
• Respect other guests. Everyone is on the hill to have a good time, so respect and courtesy are expected of all skiers.
• Be smart in the park. Follow all terrain safety rules and work your way up when handling features in our terrain parks. Learn more about terrain park safety on our website.
• Report any safety concern. Ski patrol and mountain personnel are here to keep you safe. If you see something, find a staff person or call (530) 587-9430.