Mountain Education

Lift Education

Be familiar with the type of lift you are riding, and ask for help if you need it.

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Load & Unload

YOUTH EDUCATION

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Trail Markings

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North Carolina Skier Safety Act

Skiing and riding can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country or 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/riding that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the code listed below and share with other skiers/riders the responsibility for a great skiing/riding experience.

RESPONSIBILITY CODE

  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 where 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.

Winter sports involve risk of serious injury or death. Your knowledge, decisions and actions contribute to your safety and that of others. If you need help understanding the Code, please ask any ski area employee.

This is not an exhaustive list; always be aware and in control.
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Terrain Park Education

Freestyle Terrain continues to gain popularity and proper use is important. The National Ski Areas Association and Burton Snowboards have developed the “Smart Style” Freestyle Terrain Safety initiative, a cooperative effort to continue the proper use and progression of freestyle terrain at ski areas.

Always start small by working your way up from beginner features and then advancing. Build your skills and conquer one at a time.

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.

  • Observe all signage and warnings. Scope around the jumps first, not over them
  • Use your first run as a warmup and to familiarize yourself with the terrain
  • Be aware that the features change constantly due to weather, usage, grooming and time of day
  • Do not jump blindly and use a spotter when necessary
  • Respect the terrain and others
  • 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 stay off closed terrain and features
  • Learn and know your limits
  • Land on your feet
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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.

FREESTYLE TERRAIN MAY INCLUDE HALF-PIPES, AS WELL AS TERRAIN PARKS AND TERRAIN FEATURES. THEY ARE PROVIDED FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT AND OFFER ADVENTURE, CHALLENGE AND FUN. HOWEVER, FREESTYLE TERRAIN USE, LIKE ALL SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING, EXPOSES YOU TO THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY. PRIOR TO USING FREESTYLE TERRAIN, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS AND TO FOLLOW “YOUR RESPONSIBILITY CODE”.

Risk Warning

Inherent risks inevitably accompany winter sports, recreational or otherwise, such as skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. Upon purchase of a slope pass at Cataloochee Ski Area or Tube World:

  • Guests understand slope use for any purpose is hazardous and may involve the risk of physical injury or death. Guests assume the risk of injury to person(s)/property resulting from any such inherent dangers and may not recover from any ski area operator for injuries. Inherent risks of these activities include, but are not limited to: changing weather conditions, existing and changing snow conditions, bare spots, rocks, stumps, trees, collisions (whether with natural objects, man-made objects, or other skiers), variations in terrain, the failure of skiers to ski within their own abilities, jumps, and Freestyle Terrain. Snowmaking and snow grooming may be in progress at any time.
  • Guests agree to stay alert at all times, control their own speed, avoid other skiers and obstacles, comply with signage and instructions of employees, and know how to safely load, ride and unload lifts.
  • Guests understand passes may be revoked at any time, without refund, due to conduct that is dangerous, improper, or constitutes fraud and/or nuisance.