Skiing and Snowboarding Safety

    MAKE A PLAN. Every time you use Freestyle Terrain, make a plan for each feature you
    want to use. Your speed, approach and takeoff will directly affect your maneuver
    and landing.

    LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP. You are responsible for inspecting Freestyle Terrain before initial use
    and throughout the day. The features vary in size and change constantly due to snow conditions,
    weather, usage, grooming and time of day. Do not jump blindly. Use a spotter when necessary.

    EASY STYLE IT. Always ride or ski in control and within your ability level. Do not attempt Freestyle
    Terrain unless you have sufficient ability and experience to do so safely. You control the degree
    of difficulty you will encounter in using Freestyle Terrain, both on the ground and in the air.

    RESPECT GETS RESPECT. Respect Freestyle Terrain and others. Only one person on a feature
    at a time. Wait your turn and call your start. Always clear the landing area quickly. Respect all
    signs and do not enter Freestyle Terrain or use features when closed.

4. Electronic Devices. Keystone discourages the use of electronic devices – cell phones, music players, or earphones – while skiing and snowboarding, or loading and unloading lifts.

5. Lift Safety. Under Colorado law, you cannot board a lift unless you have sufficient physical dexterity, ability and knowledge to negotiate or to use such lift safely or until you have asked for and received information sufficient to enable you to use the lift safely. You may not use a lift or any ski trail when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

6. CAUTION – snowcats, snowmobiles and snowmaking may be encountered at any time.

7. Slow Zones. Certain areas (indicated on the map in yellow) are designated as SLOW ZONES. Please observe the posted slow areas by maintaining a speed no faster than the general flow of traffic. Space and speed are especially important in these areas. Fast and aggressive skiing will not be tolerated.

8. Helmet Use. Keystone encourages our guests to educate themselves on the benefits and limitations of winter sports helmets. Regardless of whether or not you choose to wear a helmet, every winter sport participant shares responsibility for his or her safety and for that of others using the ski area facilities.

9. Backcountry Warning. Pursuant to the Colorado Ski Safety Act, the ski area assumes no responsibility for skiers going beyond the ski area boundary. To access the backcountry, use designated gates only. Areas beyond the ski area boundary are not patrolled or maintained. Avalanches, unmarked obstacles and other natural hazards exist. Be aware: the backcountry avalanche hazard may be extreme. Rescue in the backcountry, if available, is the responsibility of the Summit County Sheriff. It will be costly and may take time.

10. High-Altitude Environment. Some visitors may experience symptoms associated with [Resort Name]’s high altitude. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, restless sleep, coughing and difficulty in breathing. If symptoms persist or if you have a concern about your health, you should seek medical attention.

Know the Code

Be sure you Know the Code: You're Responsibility Code provides safety tips while on the slopes. Smart Style is a terrain park specific safety program that you should check out before using terrain parks.

    • Each feature can be broken down into 4 zones. Identify these zones and have a plan
      before using any Freestyle Terrain.

    • Approach zone is the space for setting your speed and stance to use the feature.

    • Takeoff zone is for making moves that start your trick.

    • Maneuver zone is for controlling your body in the air and setting up for landing.

    • Landing zone is the prepared slope between the knuckle and the runout beyond it.

Skiing and snowboarding can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country and other specialized ski equipment, such as that used by disabled or other skiers. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, 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. Observe the code listed below and share with other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing experience.

    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.

    8. Be safety conscious and KNOW THE CODE. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

High Altitude Awareness

Above 8,000 feet, altitude illness affects 20 percent to 30 percent of visitors from low elevations to some degree. The first thing most people notice is a shortness of breath, especially when exercising. In addition, the heart is likely to beat faster and one may develop nausea, unusual tiredness, headache, or have difficulty sleeping. Those with one or more of these symptoms may have Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). If the symptoms do not subside shortly, a doctor should be called. Upon arrival in this area, take it easy for the first day or two. Drink two or three times more water or fluid than usual. Limit alcohol consumption for two or three days and minimize caffeine intake. Limit salty foods and increase carbohydrate consumption. Most importantly, listen to your body. Do not push the limits of your physical capabilities.

What to Bring

Tip - Gear to bring for winter trips to Keystone

Temperatures range from 50 degrees Fahrenheit during the day to well below 0 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Avoid wearing cotton clothing in winter because it absorbs moisture and doesn't insulate when it's wet. Click here for more tips on what to bring.