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Gregg's ski safety tip of the week |
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Thursday, 06 March 2008 |
By Gregg Schmidt
MMSA Hill Safety Manager
 When you go past a boundary sign you are in the backcountry. This means there are no chair lifts! And usually no easy way out!
Knowing and understanding the skier/snowboarder responsibility codes enables everyone to enjoy the mountain in the safest manner possible. This rule could save your life: “Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails.”
On the hill, you will encounter many signs. Many are directional and allow beginner through expert riders and skiers to navigate their way around the mountain. Look over a trail map before you and the family ski or ride as this will enhance your experience on the mountain. You will also encounter warning signs designed to heighten your awareness of natural and man-made obstacles that may be encountered at any time. Slow banners are placed at many locations around the mountain which should remind skiers and riders to greatly reduce their speed allowing everyone to enjoy the hill. The Hill Safety Team and Ski Patrol monitor these areas and will revoke your pass if these warnings are not observed.
Mammoth Mountain would like to provide as much ride-able and ski-able terrain as possible, but the need for closed areas is always present. These signs are for your protection. You should never enter a closed area, as this could result in the loss of your pass, arrest and citation or serious injury and death. Permanent closures exist throughout the mountain which are marked with signs, rope and other fencing material depending on the location. Rope attached to signs is impractical in many locations on the mountain, although these signs are just as legally binding as signs with rope attached. Closed avalanche danger signs exist during and after many storms. Entering these closed areas endangers your life as well as others. Ski Patrol takes this offense very seriously.
Mammoth Mountain has an open boundary policy, which simply means we do not deny backcountry access. When you go past a boundary sign you are in the backcountry. This means there are no chair lifts! And usually no easy way out!
Anyone venturing past the boundary signs should have backcountry travel skills and know the area in which they are traveling as many hazards exist. You will encounter uncontrolled avalanche paths, cliffs, creeks and other natural hazards. Friends that you lead into the backcountry are your responsibility, as they tend to get lost frequently. The cost of backcountry rescues is substantial. People who are rescued are held financially responsible for the personnel and equipment needed to perform the rescue operation. The price could run up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars, or worse, your life or the life of a friend.
The signs placed around the Mountain are designed to heighten your awareness and give valuable information, so that your experience will be a good one. If you have any questions about the hill please ask a Patroller for assistance as we are glad to help. Ski and ride with respect and courtesy and enjoy the hill.
Gregg Schmidt took over as Hill Safety Manager for Mammoth Mountain Ski Area this year. Look forward to Gregg's weekly on-hill safety tips in the Mammoth Times.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 13 March 2008 )
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