Ski and Snowboard Safety

Stay Safe on the Slopes

​Huff Hills Ski wants you to be safe while you enjoy your day skiing or snowboarding. Keep yourself in the know with the info below.


Your Responsibility Code:




When Using the Terrain Park, Please:


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

  • Before getting into freestyle terrain, observe all signage and warnings.
  • Look around the jumps before hitting them.
  • Use your first run as a warm up run 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.


Ease Into It

  • Know your limits and ski/ride within your ability level.
  • Look for small progression parks or features to begin with and work your way up.
  • Freestyle skills require maintaining control on the ground and in the air.
  • Do not attempt any features unless you have sufficient ability and experience to do so safely.
  • Inverted aerials increase your risk of injury and are not recommended.


Respect

  • ​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.






Collision Safety:

Be Ready

  • Always be ready to avoid objects or people.
  • Slow down when coming into high traffic areas, especially at the bottom of the hill.


Stay Alert

  • Stay alert for other people and unexpected traffic.


Plan Ahead

  • Plan ahead for blind spots and when skiing or riding on unfamiliar runs.
  • Watch for merging traffic.
  • Give other skiers and riders room.


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Lift Safety:


  • ASK FOR HELP
  • If you are not familiar with the lift, ask for guidance.
  • Remove backpacks. It will be safer if the backpacks are on your lap.
  • Watch the chair approach.
  • Sit with your back to the seat rest.
  • As you approach the top of the lift, get ready to get off.
  • Keep the tips of your skis/board up as you step out of the chair.
  • Move out of the way of the lift quickly.

Uphill Travel Policy:

Click for uphill access status on the snow report page.


Uphill access passes are free and available at  estore.huffhills.com/uphill-access


All uphill users must have an uphill pass and follow all policies.

Users without a pass or not following policies will be considered trespassers.


You are responsible for your safety outside of normal operating hours. Ski Patrol services are unavailable outside of normal Huff Hills operating hours. For emergencies, please call 911.


  • Dogs are prohibited during operating hours of 8:00 AM-6:00 PM on operations days.  During non-operational hours, dogs must be under voice control or leashed and owners must pick up all dog waste.
  • Uphillers must remain visible at all times. Uphillers must stay on the side of the trail and single file. We strongly suggest using lights and reflective clothing for nighttime ascents or early morning ascents.
  • Uphillers must have an uphill pass, and have signed the lift ticket waiver.
  • Uphillers must be aware that the slopes are in use 24 hours a day by employees, and to be on guard for snow cats and other vehicular traffic operated by ski area employees.
  • Uphillers must use designated uphill tracks at Huff Hills. Designated trails are marked by orange signs.
  • Uphillers must be aware of downhill traffic and avoid blind spots.
  • Uphillers must stay away from all snowmaking equipment and may not cross snowmaking lines at any time.
  • All uphillers must have a valid lift ticket or pass to ride up any lifts.
  • Uphill traffic may be restricted due to pre-season preparation, snowmaking, or ski area construction and maintenance activities.
  • Uphill traffic may be restricted or closed due to safety reasons, business levels, or operational considerations.
  • If uphill traffic is closed, "Uphill Travel Closed" signs will be placed in the base area at the bottom of approved travel routes, and uphill status will be noted on the Snow Report page.
  • As with downhill traffic, uphill traffic must obey all on-mountain signage, including closed runs and rope lines.
  • Uphill traffic is prohibited from using terrain park features.
  • Some trails may be closed to uphill traffic during pre/post season while snowmaking and grooming operations are in effect. Please respect these closures at all times.


Blue Lift Area Recommended Routes (Marked with orange discs)

·      Uphill on Pheasant Run, or Wild Turkey to the top of the Blue Lift.

Green Lift Area  Recommended Routes (No markings, follow T bar line or race rope tow line for approved route)

·      Uphill on Race Hill or up T Bar Line

Other Important Tips and Resources:

Dress Appropriately

  • Always dress warm enough in layers to adapt to the temperature.
  • Wear a helmet for safety.
  • Goggles are recommended to protect your eyes.


Keep Your Partner in Sight

  • Skiing/riding with a partner is recommended.
  • Know where your partner is at all times.


Know Your Limits

  • Go slow on unfamiliar runs.
  • Ski at your own skill level and practice to grow those skills.


Huff Hills is here to answer any questions and will always help you stay safe on the slopes!


More safety resources are linked here!

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