Mountain Safety
At Homewood Mountain Resort, safety is our top priority—whether you’re visiting in winter, summer, or any time in between. Please review the important updates below regarding summer mountain access, year-round policies, and community safety efforts.
Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility
At Homewood Mountain Resort, safety is our top priority. Our teams are committed to contantly improving our safety practices through robust training and education, following industry best practices, and providing clear and timely information about mountain conditions.
However, we can’t do it alone. We encourage all guests to take an active role in safety every time you ski or ride. This means treating fellow guests and employees with respect, agreeing to follow all safety policies, knowing the Skier Responsibility Code, acknowledging and accepting risks outlined in our release of liability, and reviewing the safety tips from Ski California below.
Together we can work to ensure every day on the mountain is the best it can be.
In an Emergency, Please Contact:
Ski California Mountain Safety Guide
Ski California and its member resorts in California and Nevada created the Mountain Safety Guide to educate our guests on how to ski and snowboard responsibly and safely while having a fun experience. Learning and practicing what is contained in this guide, using common sense, and making good decisions will contribute to your safety and the safety of all guests.
Know the Skier Responsibility Code
- Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
- People ahead or 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 attendant.
- Do not use the 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.
Before You Ski or Ride
Safety starts before you get to the mountain. Here are some tips to help you be prepared for a fun and exciting day on the mountain.
Learn More
Always wear a helmet
Wear a properly fitted helmet with the chin strap securely tightened to help prevent or minimize injuries.
Learn more: https://skicalifornia.org/ski-safety/helmet-safety/
Use properly maintained equipment
Have bindings inspected and correctly adjusted by a certified technician.
Dress for winter
Dress in water– and wind-resistant outerwear and layers to accommodate changing conditions.
Protect yourself from UV rays
Use sunscreen and wear goggles or sunglasses. The sun at altitude is intense, even on cloudy days.
Take a lesson
Every experience level can benefit from professional instruction.
On the Slopes
Skiing and snowboarding are active and exciting outdoor sports with inherent risks. It is YOUR responsibility to be aware of your surroundings, the conditions, and your ability.
Learn More
Ski or Ride in Control
Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Ski or ride at a speed you are able to safely stop and avoid others and objects you may encounter.
Do not enter closed areas
Ropes and closures are in place for your safety.
Look out for hazards and obstacles
Both natural and man-made. Resorts may use poles, flags, discs, ropes, fencing, signs, and other devices to provide visual warnings. No resort can mark all hazards and obstacles. Be aware of changing conditions.
Look out for over-snow vehicles
They may be on the slopes heading uphill or downhill, so stay clear of them at all times.
Chairlift Safety
Lift incidents are almost always avoidable. It’s important (and part of Your Responsibility Code) to know how to load, ride and unload all lifts safely.
Loading
- Remove pole straps from wrists and hold in one hand. Remove backpacks and hold in your lap. Remove back foot from snowboard binding.
- Be lined up with other guests and prepared to load before moving forward from the “Wait Here” area.
- After the chair in front passes, move from the “Wait Here” area to the “Load Here” area.
- At the “Load Here” area, look back and grab the part of the chair that
- is easiest for you, typically a side bar or backrest.
Riding
- When a restraint bar is available, tell others and lower the bar when you can do so safely.
- SIT BACK and remain seated.
- NO HORSEPLAY.
- Do not turn around, or otherwise move on the chair, even if the lift slows or stops. Never jump from the chair.
Unloading
- Check for loose clothing or equipment (such as backpacks) to make sure it will not get caught.
- If a restraint bar is lowered, tell others
- and then raise the bar before the “Unload Here” area.
- Keep your ski tips or the front of your board up and straight ahead.
- After unloading, move away from the unload ramp.
- If you fail to unload at the “Unload Here” area, remain completely seated and wait for further assistance. DO NOT JUMP.
If you need assistance or there is a problem, SPEAK UP, and tell a lift operator.
Deep Snow
Deep snow safety
Fresh snow is fun, but it also creates additional inherent risks. On deep snow days, be prepared and take the necessary precautions for a fun and safe day for you and other skiers and riders.
Avoid Tree Wells
These are voids or depressions in the snow that form around the base of a tree and are often hidden by low branches. Skiers and riders can fall into these wells and die. To avoid tree wells, steer clear of trees and stay in control.
Stay With a Buddy
Always maintain visual contact and stay close enough that you can pull or dig each other out of deep snow.
Carry Information and tools
Have ski patrol phone number saved (530-525-6842) so you can quickly call for help (but be aware of areas without cell coverage). Also, carry a whistle! They are cheap and can alert people to your location quickly.
Avalanche awareness
Many ski resorts have avalanche-prone terrain, and the risk of avalanches cannot be completely eliminated.
Closed areas
Ski Patrols use a variety of techniques and equipment for avalanche mitigation, including explosives. Avalanche mitigation may require terrain closures and delay opening. For your safety, never enter a closed area.
It is illegal to ski or ride in a CLOSED area. (Cal. Penal Code 602(r); NRS 455.100(8))
Changing snow conditions
Both natural and man-made. Resorts may use poles, flags, discs, ropes, fencing, signs, and other devices to provide visual warnings. No resort can mark all hazards and obstacles. Be aware of changing conditions.
Out of bounds
If you leave the ski area boundary, you do so at your own risk. Areas outside the boundary are neither controlled nor patrolled, and ski patrol is under no obligation to conduct a rescue. Avalanche education, proper equipment, and a partner are essential if you choose to enter the backcountry. Contact your local avalanche center or visit the Ski California website for more information.
Uphill Access Policy: Year-Round Closure
Uphill travel is not permitted at any time on Homewood property, including all trails, roads, and ski runs—regardless of season.
This policy helps protect both the public and our staff, particularly during maintenance activities and winter avalanche mitigation operations.