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Table of Contents
Mountain Safety
At Windham Mountain Club, your safety is our top priority. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-time visitor, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience on the slopes is essential. We are committed to maintaining a safe environment for all our guests through education, awareness, and adherence to mountain safety guidelines.
Ski Patrol Phone Number: 518-310-2723
Ski/NY Warning to Skiers
Responsibility Code
1. Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
2. People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
3. Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
4. Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
5. You must prevent runaway equipment.
6. Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
7. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
8. You must be able to load, ride, and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
9. Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
10. 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, ask an employee.
Click the link here to see New York State legislation regarding the legal duties of skiers.
Park Safety
Terrain Parks are a unique area of the mountain demarcated by orange signage, entrance signs, and snow fencing. Windham Mountain Club has six terrain parks located across the mountain with features ranging in size and difficulty from small to large. They can be found on our trail map and are denoted by orange trail markings. They contain a mixture of snow and non-snow freestyle features designed to be ridden over, jumped, and have tricks done on/around. These features include but are not limited to, jumps, rails, and boxes. These obstacles and features bring their own challenges and navigating them requires complicity in proper terrain park etiquette to ensure your safety and the safety of all other park goers.
Windham Mountain Club is proud to partner with the National Ski Area Association to promote their Park Smart initiative. Park Smart aims to make terrain park safety easier to understand so our terrain parks can be a safe space for everyone to enjoy. The focuses they recommend are as follows:
For more information, follow the link here for an NSAA video outlining Park Smart and terrain park safety.
Lift Safety
Downhill skiing is an inherently risky sport. That risk does not stop while not actively skiing, it also includes chairlift safety. Chairlifts are the preferred method for transport from the bottom of the mountain to the peak at most ski resorts around the globe, and time on the chairlift always takes up a sizeable percentage of any day spent skiing. At Windham Mountain Club we have six chairlifts and four magic carpets, so skiing anywhere on the mountain requires interaction and awareness of how to load and unload a lift, proper lift safety once on the lift, and an awareness of where the lifts are including the locations of lift towers to prevent collisions or other incidents.
For New York state legislation regarding the legal duties of ski lift passengers, follow this link here. For more information about lift safety, follow this link here for lift safety tips and videos directly from NSAA.
Uphill Policy
Uphill Policy at Windham Mountain Club
Uphill travel using skis, splitboard, or snowshoes is permitted during regular open hours with a current lift or uphill travel ticket or season pass. The designated routes will be:
What’s Next > Wanderer (on the East Peak)
What’s Next > Way to Go > Wraparound
Wonderama > Wipeout > Wide Connection
Uphill travel is also allowed during daylight hours when the mountain is not open with an uphill travel ticket or season pass. Prior to ascending during closed hours, travelers must check the “Snow Report” posted on windhammountainclub.com for changes that may occur on the designated routes due to maintenance, snowmaking or other events.
There may be times Uphill travel will be closed to all travelers.
When traveling uphill, travelers must stay to the sides of trails and stay visible from above at all times. Always be aware of the following but not limited to downhill traffic, snowmobiles, grooming tractors, other utility vehicles, winch cat cables, snow guns running and non-running and other natural and manmade obstacles. When ascending open trails always be aware of downhill traffic. Trail markings and closures may not have been put in place at this time or may only be visible to downhill traffic.
It is recommended that travelers take a cell phone with them and let someone know where they are intending to go. Trails are not patrolled when the mountain is closed. Windham Mountain Club also has a designated uphill sign-in kiosk located at the base of the mountain operations office next to D-lift (White Way Express Quad).
Sledding of any kind is not permitted.
Dogs must always be on a leash.
Approved and Prohibited Recreational Devices
Approved Recreational Devices at Windham Mountain Club Allowed Without Restrictions
- Skis
- Snowboards
- Telemark
- Carving Boards
- Alpine tour equipment
- Monoski
- Biskis
Only skis and snowboards with metal edges and retention devices are permitted on Windham Mountain Club trails
Prohibited Devices at Windham Mountain Club
- Children in backpacks or any other carrying device
- Snow skates
- Snow scooters
- Ski Boards
- Snow Bikes
- Sleds
- Drones or other UAs
Sleds, inner tubes, snowmobiles and lunch trays are not permitted on trails both during operational and non-operational hours. Sledding of any kind is prohibited.
Drones and other UAs (Unmanned Aircraft) are not permitted on or over the property. Please see drone policy for further information.
Groomer and Winch Cat Safety
Although it is not common to see snow groomers on the hill during our standard hours of operation, there may be situations that arise in which ski traffic may be in the same area as an active groomer. Groomers will always be escorted by patrol and other operations personnel during our standard operating hours. If you encounter a groomer, please adhere to the following guidelines:
- Follow all directions given by the escort personnel
- Stop and move off to the side of the trail
- Do not continue until instructed to do so
If you are an uphill traveler and you encounter a Groomer after hours, for your safety please adhere to the following:
- Move off to the side of the trail, if possible, come to a complete stop
- If you are on your descent stay back at least 300ft. Do not attempt to pass or go around.
- Never cross a winch cable
Remember, just because you can see them does not mean that they can see you.
Key Safety Tips
1. Know the Code:
Familiarize yourself with the Skier Responsibility Code. It’s crucial to understand and respect the rules to ensure everyone’s safety on the mountain. Remember, safety starts with you.
2. Stay in Control:
Always be aware of your surroundings and maintain control of your speed and direction. This helps prevent accidents and ensures a safe experience for all.
3. Respect Others:
Be mindful of other skiers and snowboarders around you. Yield to those ahead and give plenty of space when passing.
4. Use Proper Equipment:
Ensure your equipment is in good condition and appropriate for your skill level. Properly functioning gear can significantly reduce the risk of injury.
5. Be Prepared for Changing Conditions:
Mountain weather can change rapidly. Dress in layers and be prepared for varying conditions. Check the weather forecast and trail conditions before heading out.
6. Follow Signage and Patrol Instructions:
Pay attention to all posted signs and follow the instructions of the mountain patrol. These guidelines are in place to keep you safe.
7. Hydrate and Rest:
Stay hydrated and take breaks as needed. Fatigue can lead to accidents, so listen to your body and rest when necessary.
Learn More About Mountain Safety
For a comprehensive guide to staying safe on the slopes, including detailed safety tips and important guidelines, please visit the SKI NY Mountain Safety Guide. Your safety is our top priority, and we encourage all guests to review this guide before hitting the slopes.
Stay Safe, Enjoy the Adventure
By following these safety tips and being mindful of others, you contribute to a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone at Windham Mountain Club. Let’s work together to keep our mountain safe and fun for all.
If you have any questions or need assistance, our mountain patrol team is always here to help. Have a safe and memorable experience on the slopes!