SAFETY ON THE HILL

 

The Canadian Ski Patrol, Sault Ste. Marie Zone, is excited to continue keeping the Searchmont ski and snowboard community safe and sound! Since 1941, the CSP has been all about providing top-notch first aid and rescue services to skiers and snowboarders. Our awesome team of highly-trained volunteers and staff is ready to jump into action whenever needed, whether it’s for a quick fix or a more serious emergency.

At Searchmont, we’ve got you covered! With clearly marked trails, easy-to-read signage, and our dedicated patrol always keeping an eye out, your safety is our number one priority.

Skiing and boarding are Epic, But there's Some Risks!

 

Stay Safe While You Enjoy the Slopes!

Skiing, snowboarding, and other mountain activities are thrilling, but they do come with some risks. To make sure you’re prepared and stay safe, we’ve put together key safety information in the Safety and Risk Awareness section of our website. It covers the potential risks and hazards you might face at a ski area.

Whether you’re hitting the slopes yourself or overseeing young adventurers, take a few minutes to check out this important info. It’s all about making sure your time at the mountain is both fun and safe!

Before you dive into all the fun, let’s keep it real – skiing and snowboarding come with some risks. By hitting the slopes, you’re agreeing to take on these risks, including the chance of personal injury, property loss, or worse. It’s all part of the adventure! And yes, this includes situations where someone might’ve been careless, contracts weren’t honored, or safety measures slipped up. You’ll see signs posted around the ski area, breaking it down, but here’s the quick scoop:

Skiing & Snowboarding Hazards 🏂🎿
From lift rides to navigating wild terrain, here are just a few of the wild cards you might run into:

  • Getting on, riding, or jumping off those ski lifts 🚡
  • Weather that changes faster than your playlist 🌨️
  • Rocks, ice, and other natural obstacles ⛷️
  • Trees, tree wells, and hidden tree stumps – watch out for forest surprises! 🌲
  • Sneaky snow or ice conditions lurking under your feet ❄️
  • Terrain changes that could make you say “where did that come from?”
  • Man-made snow and its funky surface surprises 🌨️
  • Rough, variable conditions that’ll test your skills 🌬️
  • Streams, creeks, and hidden snowpack holes 🌊
  • Cliffs and crevasses – maybe steer clear of those!
  • Snowcat roads, banks, and cut-banks 🚜
  • Collisions with ski lifts, fences, snow machines, or other gear 🚧
  • Running into snowcats, snowmobiles, or even other humans 🧑‍🤝‍🧑
  • Wild encounters – and yes, moose are possible! 🦌
  • Losing balance or control, and the inevitable slips and falls 💥
  • Mishaps during snow school – even with the pros!
  • Sketchy first aid situations (hopefully not, but we’re covering all the bases here)
  • Not staying in control or within the marked trails 🎿
  • And don’t forget – NEGLIGENCE by just about anyone around you, including the ski area staff, volunteers, or other guests.
 

By choosing to ride with us, you’re acknowledging these risks and taking responsibility for yourself. So keep it safe, stay aware, and have an awesome time on the slopes!

Alpine Responsibility Code – The Fun Version!

Ready to hit the slopes? Awesome! But first, let’s make sure everyone has a blast by following these super easy rules – they’re the same at all ski areas in Canada, so you’re covered no matter where you shred!

🎿 Stay in control! Be the master of your skis or snowboard – always be ready to stop or dodge anything that comes your way.

⛷️ Those ahead of you rule! If someone’s in front of you, it’s on you to steer clear of them. No sneaky passes!

🚫 No blocking! Don’t stop in the middle of a trail, especially where people can’t see you from above. Stay visible and keep the flow going.

👀 Look before you leap! Before you zoom down or merge onto a trail, give a look uphill and let others go first. Safety first, speed second.

💥 Crash landing? Stay put! If you’re in or witness a crash, stick around. Help out, and make sure Ski Patrol knows who you are.

🎒 Secure that gear! Use proper straps to keep your equipment from taking an unwanted solo trip down the mountain.

🚨 Obey the signs! They’re there for a reason. Respect all posted signs and warnings – they’re not just for decoration.

❌ No-go zones! Closed trails or areas are off-limits. Don’t cross those ropes or barriers, no matter how tempting!

🍻 Sober skiing only! If you’ve had alcohol or drugs, skip the slopes. Save it for après-ski fun.

🚡 Lift skills required! Make sure you’re physically ready to load, ride, and unload lifts safely. Not sure? Ask the friendly lift attendant for a hand!

Now you’re ready for an epic day on the mountain! 🎉

Trail Difficulty

 

Cracking the Code: What Do Circles, Squares, and Diamonds Mean?

Ever wondered what those shapes mean when you hit the slopes? They’re not just for decoration! Ski resorts use green circles, blue squares, and black diamonds to let you know how tough the trails are. It’s a system you’ll find all over North America and beyond, helping skiers and snowboarders choose their adventure level.

Here’s the scoop: Green circles are your beginner-friendly, easy-going slopes. Blue squares? A bit more challenging, perfect for intermediate thrill-seekers. And if you’re up for a wild ride, black diamonds mark the expert-only territory.

Each resort sets these ratings based on its own terrain, so what’s a “blue” at one place might be a “black” somewhere else. Typically, you’ll see the trails divided up as 25% green, 50% blue, and 25% black. Happy shredding!

Freestyle Terrain

Freestyle Terrain has four levels of progression—so whether you’re just starting out or chasing big air, there’s something for everyone! The key is to start small and gradually work your way up. Take your time to get to know the terrain before trying out any tricks.

Remember, when you’re in the Freestyle Terrain, you’re taking on the risk. Any injuries that happen are on you, and the ski area operator’s liability is waived by the terms of your ticket or season pass. So, play it smart and stay safe!

Want more tips on park safety? Check out terrainparksafety.org before you shred!

Lift Like a Pro: Ride Smart, Stay Safe!

Getting to the top is half the fun, but only if you do it right! Master the art of safe lift riding by putting that safety bar down—no shortcuts here! Keep your gear in check, stay alert, and follow the lift crew’s cues. The lift is your ride to adventure, so sit back, hold on tight, and enjoy the view.