Our ski patrol is composed of numerous professionals who come from all around the Southeast. Beech Mountain Resort Ski Patrol is a  member of the National Ski Patrol System, Inc., Southern Division, Blue Ridge Region, Carolina Highlands Section. Beech Mountain Patrollers are trained in Outdoor Emergency Care, Toboggan Handling Skills and other specialized areas, including mountaineering, lift evacuation, and other advanced techniques.

Your Responsibility Code

Skiing can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas you may see people using Alpine, Snowboard, Telemark, Cross Country or other specialized 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.

  • 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. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
  • Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

Skier’s Safety Act

Best Skiing in North CarolinaThe highlights of the bill are as follows: A skier/snowboarder shall have the following responsibilities:

  • To know the range of the skier’s/snowboarder’s abilities to negotiate any ski slope or trail and to ski within the limits of such ability;
  • To maintain control of the skier’s/snowboarder’s speed and course at all times when skiing/snowboarding  and to avoid other skiers/snowboarder’s and obvious hazards and inherent risks including variations in terrain, snow, or ice conditions, bare spots and rocks, trees and other forms of forest growth or forest debris;
  • To stay clear of snow grooming equipment, all vehicles, pole lines, lift towers, signs, snow making equipment, and any other equipment on the ski slopes and trails;
  • To heed all posted information and other warnings and to refrain from acting in a manner which may cause or contribute to the injury of the skier/snowboarder’s or others;
  • To wear retention straps, ski brakes, or other devices to prevent runaway skis or snowboards;
  • Before beginning to ski/snowboard from a stationary position or before entering a ski slope or trail from the side, to avoid moving skiers already on the ski slope or trail;
  • To not move uphill on any passengers tramway or use any ski slope or trail while such person’s ability to do so is impaired by the consumption of alcohol or by the use of any narcotic or other drug or while such person is under the influence of alcohol or any narcotic or any drug;
  • If involved in a collision with another skier/snowboarder or person, to not leave the vicinity of the collision before giving his name & current address to an employee of the ski area operator, a member of the ski patrol, or the other skier/snowboarder or person with whom the skier/snowboarder collided, except in those cases when medical treatment is required; in which case, said information shall be provided as soon as practical after the medical treatment has been obtained. If the other person involved in the collision is unknown, the skier shall leave the personal; identification required by this sub-section with the ski area operator;
  • Not to embark upon or disembark from a passenger tramway except at an area that is designated for such purpose;
  • Not to throw or expel any object from a passenger tramway;
  • Not to perform any action that interferes with the operation or running of a passenger tramway;
  • Not to use such tramway unless the skier/snowboarder has the ability to use it with reasonable safety;
  • Not to engage willfully or negligently in any type conduct that contributes to or causes injury to another person or his properties;
  • Not to embark upon a passenger tramway without the authority of the ski area operator;
  • If using freestyle terrain, to know the range of the skier’s/snowboarder’s abilities to negotiate the terrain and to avoid conditions and obstacles beyond the limits of such ability that a visible inspection should have revealed.

Park Safety

ss-logo-08Smart Style Program: See the Video

  1. MAKE A PLAN – Every time you use freestyle terrain, make a plan for each feature you want to use. Your speed, approach and take off will directly affect your maneuver and landing.
  2. LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP – Before getting into freestyle terrain observe all signage and warnings.
    Scope around the jumps first not over 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.
  3. EASY STYLE 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 are prohibited.
  4. RESPECT GETS 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.
Be sure you Know the Code : Your Responsibility Code provides safety tips while on the slopes.