Play it Safe!

Vail Mountain reminds you to - Play It Safe!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vail's Award Winning 'Yellow Jacket' Program
It's no surprise that as a leader in the snowsport industry, Vail is also recognized as a leader in promoting safety on the slopes. For the past three years, Vail has won the National Ski Areas Association Safety Award for having an exemplary program not only for an exceptional 'National Safety Awareness Week' (held in January on every year), but for our dedication to mountain safety education and enforcement every day of the season.

The Yellow Jacket program includes:
-Our Yellow Jacket group is tasked with educating, enforcing, monitoring, and providing positive reinforcement of Your Responsibility Code.
-Vail features a Yellow Jacket run of the day where the group will have an increased presence to monitor the trail throughout the ski day.
-Continued teaching of responsibility on the mountain in all ski and snowboard classes and private lessons through the Vail Ski and Snowboard School.
-Increased awareness with our guests through National Safety Awareness Week activities.
-Community outreach through educational sessions with local schools, merchants and other local organizations.
-'Space NOT Speed' campaign is an ongoing conversation with all who ski and ride Vail Mountain keeping respect for each others space and appropriate speed in appropriate places in the forefront of all who visit.
-Watch TV8 for daily public service announcements to find out more information on our educational programs for both guests and locals.

Suggestions for a Safe and Fun Day on Vail Mountain!
-PICK A MEETING PLACE for family and friends to meet at the end of your day.
-PLEASE USE SUN SCREEN. The suns effects are much stronger in our high alpine environment.
-PROPER SKI SOCKS will keep your feet warm and dry in your ski boots.
-DRESS YOUR SELF WITH LAYERS. You can peel a layer off if you get warm. The weather conditions can change rapidly.
-WARM HATS, GLOVES, AND NECK GATORS will warm and keep you comfortable during your day.
-HELMETS. Vail encourages our guest to consider the advantages and disadvantages a helmet has to offer. It is a personal choice. Regardless of your choice, individual skiers and snowboarders share in the responsibility of their own safety and of those around them.
-QUICK SNACKS AND FLUIDS will help your energy up as you enjoy your day.
-GRAB A DAILY GROOMING REPORT from our Guest Service staff to inform you of groomed runs and upcoming activities.
-We have found that on slope education is one of the best ways to communicate our message of responsible skiing and riding. So don't be surprised if one of our Yellow Jacket staff skis up to you to chat about ski and snowboard safety. Please be aware of your surroundings and ski and ride at an appropriate rate and within your abilities.
-All of our resorts ask for everyone's help in promoting responsible skiing and snowboarding, as well as, having the time of your life while on our slopes.

Skier Responsibility Code:
-Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
-People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
-Do not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
-Whenever starting downhill or merging onto a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
-Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
-Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
-Before using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

Slow Skiing Zones
Remember, you are sharing the slopes with others. Always use caution. Certain areas, indicated on the Vail trail map with a yellow grid, are designated as slow skiing zone areas. Please ski or snowboard slowly in the areas which may experience higher traffic.

Freestyle Terrain
-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 riding, 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'.
-Freestyle Terrain contains man-made and natural terrain variations.
-Freestyle Terrain changes constantly due to weather and use.
-Inspect Freestyle Terrain before using and throughout the day.
-In jumping and using this terrain, you assume the risk of serious injury.
-One user on a Terrain feature at a time.
-It is your responsibility to control your body on the ground and in the air.
-Always clear the landing area quickly.
-Always ride or ski in control and within your ability.