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Ski Patrol & Safety

Ski & Ride Safety

Skiing is more fun when you ski with caution and in control!

Slow skiing zones have been established in areas of merging trails and designated beginner runs.

Wolf Creek Ski Area is concerned about the safety of skiers using the mountain.  Fast, reckless, or out-of-control skiers or snowboarders will lose their lift tickets and be asked to leave the mountain.  

Wolf Creek Ski Area does not allow ski bikes on the mountain, except when they are required for adaptive skiers to ski.

Skiers’ & Snowboarders’ Responsibilities

Skiing and snowboarding can be HAZARDOUS.  The Colorado Legislature, recognizing the dangers and risks inherent to the sport, has seen fit to amend the Ski Safety Act to provide as follows:

WARNING:

WARNING:

Under Colorado law, a skier assumes the risk of any injury to person or property resulting from any of the inherent dangers and risks of skiing and may not recover from any ski area operator for any injury resulting from any of the inherent dangers and risks of skiing. Inherent risks of skiing include, but are not limited to: changing weather conditions; existing and changing snow conditions; bare spots; rocks; stumps; trees; collisions with natural objects, man-made objects, or other skiers; variations in terrain; the failure of skiers to ski within their own abilities; cliffs; Extreme Terrain; jumps; and Freestyle Terrain.

Please be advised that, under Colorado law, any person using any of the facilities of a ski area is considered a skier. This includes other activities offered including, but not limited to: sledding, skating, tubing, snowmobiling and riding snowbikes. “Holder” means the user of this ticket AND it means the parent/legal guardian purchasing the ticket on behalf of the Holder when the Holder is under the age of 18. Holder agrees that using a ski area, including its lifts, for any purpose can be HAZARDOUS AND INVOLVES THE RISK OF PHYSICAL INJURY OR DEATH and Holder should obtain their own Life, Health and Accident INSURANCE PRIOR TO PARTICIPATING. Holder understands that he/she is responsible for having sufficient physical dexterity and knowledge to safely load, ride and unload the lifts. Holder understands that he/she has additional duties under Colorado law, including controlling his/her speed and course at all times and maintaining a proper lookout so as to avoid other skiers and obstacles. Holder recognizes that snowcats, snowmobiles and snowmaking equipment may be encountered at any time. CAUTION -- deep snow or tree wells can expose you to the risk of snow immersion injuries or fatalities. Educate yourself on how to reduce the risks and ALWAYS SKI OR RIDE WITH A PARTNER.

PLEASE READ THE full version of the 1979 Colorado Skier Safety Act as amended in 2004 and modified to reflect the passing of CO State Senate Bill 03-253 (C.R.S. § 13-22-107) and the Wolf Creek Ski Area Boundary Management Plan which are available in the Wolf Creek Ski Area ticket office.  The Colorado Ski Safety Act is also available by following this link.

Your Responsibility Code:

  1. Always ski in control and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
  2. People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
  3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
  4. Whenever starting downhill or merging onto a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
  5. Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
  6. Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
  7. Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.
  8. Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
  9. If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.

Please be advised:

The trail designations at Wolf Creek Ski Area are not necessarily the same as a similarly rated trail at another area.  This is a relative system that is valid only at Wolf Creek Ski Area.  Skiers and riders should work their way up, beginning with the easiest trails regardless of their ability level, until they are familiar with the trails at Wolf Creek Ski Area.

Beginner
Easiest
Less Difficult
More Difficult
Most Difficult
Extreme

Snow Safety - Educate Yourself on How to Reduce Avalanche Risks:

  • Be knowledgeable of areas your entering and ski terrain within your ability level
  • Be knowledgeable about safety equipment in addition to carrying it
  • Equipment that should be carried includes:
    • Transceiver/beacon
    • Shovel
    • Probe
    • Cell phone
  • Remain in contact with your party
  • Don’t panic or struggle

Snow Safety - Educate Yourself on How to Reduce Tree Well Risks:

  • Tree wells are empty spaces hidden under low branches buried in the snowpack and are dangerous
  • Ski with a buddy and maintain visual contact - check on one another
  • Stay away from trees with branches touching the snow
  • Be aware tree wells tend to form deeper on the downhill side of trees
  • Visit DeepSnowSafety.org and view the Tree Wells & SIS Safety video

Signs & Boundaries:

Please observe and respect all “CLOSED”, “AVALANCHE AREA”, “SKI AREA BOUNDARY” and all other closures.

Violators may be subject to prosecution!  A more detailed “Boundary Management Plan” is posted throughout the area.

Four backcountry access gates are located on top of Wolf Creek’s ridgeline; refer to trail map for locations.

Ski Patrol

Our professional ski patrol is here to provide you with first aid, directions and to answer questions that will help you (our guest) enjoy our mountain.  The Wolf Creek Ski Patrol continuously ski the mountain to help with problems, give directions, identify hazards and control fast traffic.  Don’t be afraid to ask for their help.  Ski Patrol wear red and black jackets and vests with crosses.  Ski School Instructors wear green jackets and can also be asked for help.

First Aid stations are located:

  • BASE CAMP
  • Top of Treasure chairlifts
  • Top Bonanza chairlifts
  • The Knife Ridge Outpost

Wolf Creek’s Professional Patrol are all certified in one or more of the following groups:

  • Emergency Medical Technician - Basic
  • Emergency Medical Technician - Intermediate
  • Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic

In addition we have 6 heart defibrillators in the following locations:

  • First Aid Room - Base Area
  • Palace - Top of Bonanza Lift
  • Summit Building - Top of Treasure Lift
  • Outpost Building - Top of Alberta Lift

What to do if you see or have an accident requiring help from Ski Patrol

  • Place crossed skis upright in the snow above the scene
  • Report to any Ski Patrol Station or nearest lift attendant
  • Accidents can also be reported by calling 970-264-4325

Electronic Message Boards

  • Located at the bottom of all lifts
  • May Instruct you to report to the First Aid Room in the event the Ski Patrol needs to contact you

Wolf Creek Ski Patrol assesses conditions daily and performs avalanche hazard reduction in all potential avalanche  areas during storm cycles.  Be aware that closures pertaining to these areas are for your safety and that violation of these closures is a serious matter under Colorado law.