Ski Safety at the Camden Snow Bowl

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Learn how to ski and ride safely for yourself and others on the mountain.

Courtesy and Control = It's Your Responsibility

At ski areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country and other specialized ski equipment, including that used by disabled or other skiers. Regardless of how you 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 and obey the Code, joining with other skiers in sharing the responsibility for a great on-hill experience.

Officially endorsed by the National Ski Areas Association.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY CODE

  • Always stay in control. You must be able to stop and/or avoid other people or objects.

  • People ahead of downhill 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 collision 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.

Ride Another Day

Five year-old Elise Johnson was just learning to ski when an out of control rider struck and killed her. Elise's parents, Kelli and Chauncy Johnson, wanted to help prevent such accidents befalling other families. The Johnson family generously offered a donation to create the #RideAnotherDay campaign in partnership with NSAA. The campaign encourages awareness, responsibility and common sense to reduce the risk of on-mountain collisions between skiers and riders. Watch and read the video and article below to learn more about the Johnson's story and what you can do to help make ski slopes safer.

Tips for Avoiding Collisions

Complementing the Responsibility Code and its tenets, #RideAnotherDay promotes three actions every skier and rider can take to help keep themselves and those around them safer on the slopes.

1. Be Ready: Be ready to slow down or avoid objects or other people at any time. Ski and ride in such a way that you are always able to control yourself regardless of conditions and avoid others and objects you may encounter on the run, groomed or otherwise.

2. Stay Alert: Stay alert to what’s going on around you, especially other skiers and riders. Being aware of those around and changing conditions will help you have a fun and safe day on the hill.

3. Plan Ahead: Ease up at blind spots, check uphill when merging onto trails, and give other skiers plenty of room when passing. Look out for spots on the run where traffic merges or you can't see what's coming next. If you are unfamiliar with a run, take it easy the first time down it and make note of places where you'll want to slow down, such as cat tracks and rollers. Also, give other skiers and riders lots or room, especially if you are passing them. There's plenty of space out there, so there's no need to crowd each other.

By doing these three things every run, you'll be helping keep the slopes safe and enjoyable, for you and everyone else.

WARNING:
Assumption of Risk

Under Maine 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, including, but not limited to: existing and changing weather conditions; existing and changing snow conditions, such as ice, hardpack, powder, packed powder, corn, crust and slush and cut-up, granular and machine-made snow; surface or subsurface conditions, such as dirt, grass, bare spots, rocks, stumps, trees, forest growth or other natural objects and collisions with such natural objects; lift towers, lights, signs, posts, fences, mazes or enclosures, hydrants, water or air pipes, snowmaking and snow-grooming equipment, marked or lit trail maintenance vehicles and snowmobiles, and other man-made structures or objects; variations in steepness or terrain, whether natural or as a result of slope design, snowmaking or grooming operations, including, but not limited to, freestyle terrain, jumps, roads and catwalks or other terrain modifications; the presence of and collisions with other skiers; and the failure of skiers to ski safely, in control or within their own abilities.  The Assumption of Risk also applies to the toboggan chute, skating, tubing and other winter activities at the Camden Snow Bowl.

Maine State Statute: Title 32, §15217 - Skiers' and tramway passengers' responsibilities