Safety is our number one priority at Aspen Snowmass. We do everything we can to make your experience as safe as possible, but there are a few things you can do to make your time here safe too. Below are a few tips to make your experience as safe as possible:


SKI PATROL

Please do not hesitate to ask ski patrol for help or information. Emergency phone numbers are listed in the legend for each individual mountain. Report all accidents to ski patrol immediately. Ski patrol closes the trails whenever it is deemed necessary. Respect all closed trail signs. Skiers/snowboarders shall not enter a trail that is closed. All skiers/snowboarders involved in a collision must leave their names and addresses with ski patrol.
  • Know your ability level and ski/ride within it.
  • Natural and man-made objects exist and may not be marked.
  • Mountain operations continue during the day including snowmaking, grooming activities and the use of snowmobiles on the ski area.
  • It is a violation of CO law to leave the scene of an accident if you are involved in a collision.

HELMETS


We strongly recommend helmet usage for all skiers and snowboarders, regardless of their age or ability. Helmets are required for children/teens ages 17 and under participating in Ski & Snowboard Schools lessons and for all participants, regardless of age, in terrain pipe & park lessons.

LIFT SAFETY

If you're new to skiing or snowboarding, make sure you know how to safely ride a lift before you take your first ride. Learn more by watching this video:
Animated ski lift safety demonstration
Animated ski lift safety demonstration

How To Safely Ride A Lift


BACKCOUNTRY

Backcountry travel can be extremely dangerous and can result in serious injury or death. There is no ski patrol, avalanche control or services beyond the ski area boundaries. If you choose to take responsibility for your actions, access to public lands beyond the ski area boundary may be made through U.S. Forest Service access points. Rescue in the backcountry is under the jurisdiction of the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office. Backcountry rescues, if available and possible, are difficult and expensive.


TREE WELL AND DEEP SNOW SAFETY


If you decide to leave the groomed trails, you are voluntarily accepting the risk of a deep snow immersion accident. A deep snow or tree well immersion accident occurs when a skier or rider falls into an area of deep unconsolidated snow and becomes immobilized and suffocates. Deaths resulting from these kinds of accidents are referred to as a NARSID or Non-Avalanche Related Snow Immersion Death. Visit www.treewelldeepsnowsafety.com and become educated on how to reduce risk through your own action and awareness.


UPHILLING


Aspen Snowmass allows uphilling at its ski areas. Please keep in mind that uphilling is a privilege and not a right. Our rules are put in place to minimize conflicts between uphill and downhill traffic on the slopes and maximize everyone’s safety and enjoyment. Please be aware that no ski area services, including Ski Patrol, are available during hours that the ski areas are not open for business. Please call 911 in the event of an emergency during non-operational hours. You are responsible for your own safety at all times while on Aspen Skiing Company property.

Please refer to the specific uphill policy for each mountain:

Snowmass Uphill Policies
Aspen Mountain Uphill Policies
Aspen Highlands Uphill Policies
Buttermilk Uphill Policies