Safety

At Swain we take your safety seriously.

Please read the following resources to help keep you and others safe on our slopes.

NYS Ski Code

TO BE A SAFE SKIER NYS LAW REQUIRES YOU TO KNOW AND OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING DUTIES OF SKIERS:
  1. Not to ski in any area not designated for skiing
  2. Not to ski beyond their limits or ability to overcome variations in slope, trail configuration and surface or subsurface conditions which may be caused or altered by weather, slope or trail maintenance work by the ski area operator, or skier use
  3. To abide by the directions of the ski area operator
  4. To remain in constant control of speed and course at all times while skiing so as to avoid contact with plainly visible or clearly marked obstacles and with other skiers and passengers on surface operating tramways
  5. To familiarize themselves with posted information before skiing any slope or trail, including all information posted pursuant to subdivision five of section 18-103 of this article
  6. Not to cross the uphill track of any surface lift, except at points clearly designated by the ski area operator
  7. Not to ski on a slope or trail or portion thereof that has been designated as “closed” by the ski area operator
  8. Not to leave the scene of any accident resulting in personal injury to another party until such times as the ski area operator arrives, except for the purpose of summoning aid
  9. Not to overtake another skier in such a manner as to cause contact with the skier being overtaken and to yield the right of way to the skier being overtaken
  10. Not to willfully stop on any slope or trail where such stopping is likely to cause a collision with other skiers or vehicles
  11. To yield to other skiers when entering a trail or starting downhill
  12. To wear retention straps or other devices to prevent runaway skis
  13. To report any personal injury to the ski area operator before leaving the ski area
  14. Not to willfully remove, deface, alter or otherwise damage signage, warning devices or implements, or other safety devices placed and maintained by the ski area operator pursuant to the requirements of section 18-103 of this article
TO BE A SAFE LIFT PASSENGER NYS LAW REQUIRES YOU TO KNOW AND OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING DUTIES OF PASSENGERS:
  1. To familiarize themselves with the safe use of any tramway prior to its use
  2. To remain in the tramway if the operation of a passenger tramway, as defined pursuant to section two hundred two-c of the labor law, is interrupted for any reason, until instructions or aid are provided by the ski area operator
  3. To board or disembark from passenger tramways only at points or areas designated by the ski area operator;
  4. Not to eject any objects or material from a passenger tramway
  5. To use restraint devices in accordance with posted instructions
  6. To wear retention straps or other devices to prevent runaway skis
  7. Not to interfere with the operation of a passenger tramway
  8. Not to place or caused to be placed on the uphill track of a surface lift any object which may interfere with its normal operation
  9. Not to wear loose scarves, clothing, or accessories or expose long hair which may become entangle with any part of the device
SKIERS SHALL HAVE THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL DUTIES TO ENABLE THEM TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS AS TO THE ADVISABILITY OF THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE SPORT:
  • To seek out, read, review, and understand, in advance to skiing, the ‘WARNING TO SKIERS’ displayed where tickets are sold
  • To obtain such education in the sport of skiing as the individual skier shall deem appropriate to his or her level of ability, including the familiarization with skills and duties necessary to reduce the risk of injury in such sport.
Full Article 18 Linked Here © 1989/90 Ski Areas of New York, Inc. Ski NY Mountain Safety Guide

Responsibility Code

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

Your 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. You must avoid them.
  • Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
  • Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
  • You must prevent runaway equipment.
  • Read and obey all signs, warnings and hazard markings.
  • Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
  • You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
  • Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
  • If you are involved in a collosion or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.

KNOW AND OBEY THE CODE. IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

If you need help understanding the Code, please ask an employee.

This is a partial list. Be safety conscious.

Officially endorsed by: NATIONAL SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION.
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ABC’s of Riding the Chairlift

A – Attention! Ask the Attendant if you are unsure or if you need help with the lift.

B – Bottom to Bottom, Back to Back! Keep your bottom on the seat and your back against the back of the chair.

C – Careful! Don’t fool around on the lift. Lower the restraint bar and face forward for the whole ride.

Lids on Kids

NSAA supports the use of snow sport helmets. With the encouragement of resorts and parents as well as helmet education, snow sport helmet use has increased year after year. Please read through www.lidsonkids.org for more information, safety tips and research to help better understand the benefits of helmet use and snow sport safety.

Park Smart

1. Start Small

If you are just getting into the park for the first time, or first time that day, start with small features and work your way up. If you aren’t sure about how to use a feature, build your skills first.

When starting out, look for small progression parks and features and then work your way up to medium or large parks and features. Freestyle Terrain comes in different sizes so make sure and start small and work your way up before going into larger parks.

2. Make a Plan

Every time you use freestyle terrain have a plan for each feature you are going to use.

Remember, your speed, approach and take-off will directly affect your maneuver and landing.

ATML
When first inspecting the jumps consider the following elements of each jump:
(A) The approach zone is for setting your speed and stance
(T) The Take-off zone is for making moves that start your trick
(M) The Maneuver zone is for controlling your style
(L) The Landing Zone is for getting straight and riding away clean.

3. Always Look

Before you drop. Before getting into freestyle terrain observe all signage and warnings.

Use your first run as a warm run and to familiarize yourself with the park layout and features

Remember that the features change constantly due to weather, usage and time of day so it is important to continue to inspect features through out the day.

4. Respect

The features and other users.

One person on a feature at a time.

Wait your turn and call your drop-in.

Always clear the landing area quickly.

Respect all signs and stay off closed features.

Remember that respect is important both in the park, and on the rest of the resort. So be smart when you are heading down the mountain or to the lift and save your best tricks for the park.

5. Take it Easy

Know your limits. Land on your feet.

Ride within your ability and consider taking a lesson if you want to build your knowledge, skills, and bag of tricks.

Stay in control both on the ground and in the air.

Remember you can control how big or small you take the feature by varying speed and take off.

Inverted aerials increase the chance of serious injury and are not recommended.

YOU ARE IN CONTROL
Don’t get in the backseat
Control your speed
Land on your feet
YOU ARE IN CONTROL…

Chairlift Saftey

  • Need assistance? Ask the lift attendant for help. Smallest kids should load closest to the attendant.
  • Remove & carry packs. Do not use phones, music or games while loading or unloading.
  • It is OK to miss a chair and wait for the next one.
  • When loading, watch for approaching chair and then sit to the back once seated!
  • Drop something? Let it FALL. Any item dropped can be picked up later.
  • Absolutely NO horseplay on the lifts!!

GET ON

As a chair passes you at the “Wait Here” sign, move ahead quickly to the “Load Here” sign and line up evenly. When the next chair comes behind you, sit on the seat, and slide back as far as you can – to keep from falling off the chair.

SIT BACK, SIT STILL, HOLD ON

Sit way back to keep from falling from the chair and enjoy the ride to the top! No horsing around, it’s dangerous when you are riding up in the air.

AT THE TOP, PLAN AHEAD TO UNLOAD

At the “Unload Here” sign it is time to get off. Stand up, and ski down the ramp. Watch for others ahead and ski around them.  Move out of the way quickly, so others can unload too.

THIS IS A PARTIAL LIST.  IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ALWAYS BE SAFETY CONSCIOUS.

Kids on Lifts

Using a chair lift or gondola while skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, or even just sightseeing, is an exceptionally safe and secure mode of transportation. Nonetheless incidents and accidents can happen – especially when people are unaware of loading, riding and unloading procedures. Educate your children about loading, riding and unloading lifts. Be sure to emphasize courteous behavior and utilize these Tips for Responsible Lift Use to get your points across. Slope safety and personal responsibility should be discussed prior to hitting the slopes or using a lift.

Keep in mind, when your child loads a lift chair without you, they may not always be riding with another adult. Remember, it’s your responsibility to know how to use and ride the lift safely as well as your child’s. Having the knowledge and dexterity to use the lift properly will ensure fun for everyone.

For more information visit kidsonlifts.org.

Drone Policy

Due to safety and privacy concerns, Swain Resort prohibits the operation or use on or above Resort property of unmanned aerial systems, or drones, by the general public—including model aircraft by recreational users and hobbyists—without the prior written authorization from Swain Resort.  This prohibition includes drones used for filming or videotaping, as well as any drone use by media or journalists operating above or within the area boundaries.  This prohibition extends to any devices launched or operated from Resort property, as well as any  launched from private property outside of the Resort boundaries.

Please contact Celeste Schoonover at [email protected] if you have any questions or if you seek prior authorization to operate any such devices. Any authorized operation of drones on or above Resort property will be governed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations, local law enforcement, (and / or U.S. Forest Service rules), as well as those policies separately established by this Resort, which may include certification, training, insurance coverage, indemnification requirements, and waivers or releases of liability.  Any violation of this policy may involve suspension of your access privileges to the Resort, or the revocation of your season pass, as well as confiscation of any  prohibited equipment, and may subject violators to any liability for damages, including, but not limited to, damages for trespass, violations of privacy, and physical injuries to persons and/or property, as well as legal fees.

Personal Safety

  • The trail rating system is on a scale relative to the terrain at Swain Resort
  • Groomers, snowmobiles, and snow making equipment may be encountered
  • Common sense goes a long way!
  • If it is cold, dress properly (including a hat), protect your face and take frequent breaks.
  • If it is sunny, don’t forget the sunscreen and eye protection.
  • At all times, carry ID and a phone number to call in case of emergency.

Uphill Travel

Emergencies
CAUTION: If you access trails outside of normal operating hours, please be aware that you do so AT YOUR OWN RISK. There will be no Ski Patrol on the mountain during this time, and hazards may not be marked. In case of emergency, call 911 and understand that response times will be longer. Use extra caution and stay away from equipment and machinery.
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.
  • You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.
  • Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
  • Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
  • Observe all posted signs and warnings. Stay off closed trails and out of closed areas.
  • Travel uphill only on designated routes.
  • During non-operating hours, you must descend the mountain on the designated uphill route. For your safety and that of our staff, do not deviate from the designated route.
  • Travel on the edge of the trail and don’t stand more than two people side-by-side across the trail.
  • Don’t stop in high traffic areas.