Ski Safe

LIFT SAFETY:

While riding our chairlifts, we ask you to follow our lift safety policies. These policies help us to provide a safe ski and snowboard experience for all guests. It's important to remember that our lifts are heavy machinery. For your safety, we ask you to follow our tips for loading, riding and unloading all ski lifts at Banff Sunshine.

WHEN LOADING THE CHAIR

1. Get prepared and be ready! Remove your pole straps and hold your ski poles in one hand. Check for loose clothing and equipment. Remove backpacks.
2. Group up with your crew and move through the lift line. Line up with your group at the wait board and follow the chair in front of you to the load board. If you need the chair slowed for loading, let the lift attendant know.
3. Line up with the yellow “load here” signs. Remember to keep your skis straight ahead and look behind you for the oncoming chair.
4. Grab onto the side or back of the chair and scooch yourself towards the back. If you're skiing with kids, you may need to help pull them up onto the chair.
5. Sit back, lower the safety bar, and enjoy the ride. Please let the other riders on the chair know that you're lowering the bar to avoid any head collisions.

WHEN RIDING THE CHAIR

1. For your safety and the safety of others do not horse around, throw things off the chair, or swing/bounce the chair.
2. If you're getting things out of your pocket use caution. It is easy to drop your phone, glove, pole and other items on skiers and riders below.

1. When coming into the terminal, keep your ski tips up, and lift the safety bar once everyone is ready. We like to say "BAR."
2. Check for loose equipment and clothing, and ensure that none of your gear is caught in the chair.
3. When aligned with the "unload here" sign, stand up and slide down the ramp.
4. Do not hold onto the chair!
5. Move out of the way and to the side quickly so the next chair has plenty of room to unload.
6. If you happen to fall or leave something behind, clear out of the way as soon as you are able. Our lift operators are able to assist you.

Our Mountain Operations, Snow Safety and Ski Patrol teams work hard to keep you safe while skiing and snowboarding at Banff Sunshine Village. They work hard to open up all of our terrain, including Delirium Dive and The Wild West. The safety of our guests and staff is our top priority. Skiing and snowboarding are inherently dangerous sports and part of that danger includes avalanches.

While the Snow Safety team works hard to mitigate and reduce avalanche risk, they may still occur at ski areas, both inside and outside of the posted boundaries. For your safety, we have a shared user responsibility for our freeride zones of Delirium Dive and The Wild West. Both of our freeride zones are extreme ski zones with both terrain and snow risks. At Banff Sunshine Village we encourage all guests and team members to educate themselves on how they can reduce the risk of snow related injury or death from avalanches through actions and knowledge. To learn more about avalanche safety, visit the Canadian Avalanche Association.

The terrain park is a fun place to ride! When riding in our Sunshine Terrain Parks, be park smart! Consider the risks that accompany skiing or riding on terrain park features. Start small, work your way up and build your skill.

• S - Start Small
• M - Make a plan. Every feature. Every time.
• A - Always look before you drop.
• R - Respect the features and other users.
• T - Take it easy! Know your limits. Land on your feet.

At Banff Sunshine Village, helmets are encouraged in all of our terrain parks. For more information on our terrain parks, visit the terrain parks page.

Additional Banff Sunshine Village Safety Tips:

• Respect all mountain signage and slow zones

• When skiing with a group, identify potential meeting spots in case you and your crew get separated while skiing or snowboarding.

• Always ski or ride with a buddy, and be mindful of tree wells, trees, and other hazards that may be present on the slopes.

• When skiing or snowboarding at Sunshine, keep off of closed runs. Trail closures are in place for your safety. Any skier or snowboarder caught in a closed zone will have their lift ticket revoked.

• For your safety, and the safety of other skiers and snowboarders, be mindful of where you stop on the hill. When resting, move over to the side of the run. Never stop under a roller, jump, cat track, or on a blind corner, as uphill skiers will not be able to see you.

• Conditions and visibility on the mountain can change quickly. When your visibility is compromised, we encourage you to slow down, and opt for ski terrain below treeline. Treelined runs aid visibility, as they help define the edges of a trail. In poor visibility conditions use our coloured run markers and fencing for visual aids.

• Learn how to read the snow. When the snow is packed it can ride faster. Likewise, when the snow is softer it can ride much slower.

• When skiing and snowboarding, be aware of other skiers and snowboarders. Always look uphill before you commence downhill, and yield to other skiers and snowboarders.

• Ski and ride in control, and at your ability level, at all times. It is important that you are able to stop or turn quickly to avoid marked and unmarked hazards, including other guests. It is advisable to take lessons to learn and improve your ski and snowboard skills.

• Always be aware of your surroundings.

• Dress for the weather. Cold temperatures can increase your chances for frostbite. Use the buddy system to keep an eye on any exposed skin you may have. Go inside immediately if you or your buddy notice any white skin, as this can be an early indication of frostbite. Noses and faces can be an easy target for frostbite.

• On the mountain, the risk of sunburn is increased due to the high altitude and the light reflection of the sun of the snow. Protect yourself by always wearing goggles or sunglasses, a helmet or hat, and sunscreen. Ensure you stay hydrated.

• When walking in ski boots or snowboard boots, use the handrails and watch your step. Ski boots can be slippery to walk in.

• At Banff Sunshine Village, guests may encounter snowmobiles or snowcats during hours of operation. Give these vehicles space.

• When riding in our terrain parks, we recommend following a progression system. Start small, and work your way up as you gain skill and confidence. Always ensure that the landing of a feature is clear before proceeding and ride in your ability zone.