Mountain Safety

While at Boston Mills/Brandywine, we want everyone to have fun—from the most experienced skier to those who are just learning. We like to live by this creed across our resort. So please abide by some simple rules and have fun!

Responsibility Code

 

The National Ski Areas Association established "Your Responsibility Code" in 1966 as a code of ethics for all skiers on the mountain. Today, the code reflects not only skier safety, but snowboarder and lift safety as well. The points listed in the Your Responsibility Code are the rules of the road when you are on the mountain. So, whether you ski with one board or two, or use other specialized equipment, always show courtesy to others so that your paths don't cross.

It is important to remember that there are elements of risk in mountain activities that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Please note, violations of Your Responsibility Code, and the following additional rules, ordinances and/or guidelines may result in criminal prosecution, civil liability and/or loss of lift privileges without compensation or refund:

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 know how and 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.

Winter sports involve risk of serious injury or death. Your knowledge, decisions and actions contribute to your safety and that of others. If you need help understanding the Code, please ask any ski area employee.

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drone shot of lifts

UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) & DRONE USE POLICY

Out of safety concerns for guests, employees, and resort property, Boston Mills and Brandywine (“Resort”) prohibits the operation or use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or aerial drones, by the general public, including recreational users and hobbyists. This prohibition includes drones for filming or videotaping, as well as any drone use by media or journalists operating over all Resort properties. This prohibition on drone operations or use extends to any drones launched or operated from Resort property, as well as drones launched from private property outside of the Resort boundaries. Please contact the resort General Manager at 1-800-875-4241, if you have any questions. Any authorized operation of aerial drones may be governed by Federal Aviation Administration rules and regulations, local law enforcement, and/or U.S. Forest Service rules, as well as those policies separately established by our Resort. Any violation of this policy may involve suspension of your skiing privileges, or the revocation of your season pass, as well as confiscation of any equipment, and may subject violators to any damages, including but not limited to, damages for violations of privacy and/or physical or personal injuries, or regulatory fines and legal fees.

Safety Tips

Ask any Ski Patroller, and they will tell you that they are happy to be of assistance on the slopes—but they would prefer to be ON the snow, skiing/riding and keeping a watchful eye, than in the Patrol Room providing first response care. Nothing ruins a great day of fun on the slopes as much as an accident that didn't have to happen. Ultimately, ski and snowboard safety on the mountain is each person's responsibility.

uphill view of lifts

On the Slopes

  • Always ride or ski in control and within your ability.
  • Do not ride or ski too fast or recklessly.
  • Do not ski slopes too difficult for your ability.
  • When walking or climbing always keep to the side of the trail or slope.
  • If you have a collision resulting in an injury to another person it's your responsibility to stay at the collision site until the Ski Patrol arrives.
  • All injuries must be reported before leaving BMBW.
  • Inverted aerial maneuvers (flips) are not recommended.
  • It is your responsibility to control your body on the ground and in the air.
  • Always clear the landing area quickly.
  • Never jump blindly.
  • Use a spotter when necessary.
  • Look before you leap!
  • One user on a terrain feature at a time.
  • Inspect terrain before using and throughout the day.
  • Do not ride or ski beyond CLOSED AREA signs into a closed area.
  • Do not build up jumps, schuss, or ski out of control.
  • Schussing means skiing straight down the hill extremely fast and/or recklessly.
drone shot of lifts

On the Lifts

  • Do not jump out of chairlifts.
  • Snow Passes must be permanently attached by wire wicket to the skier, so that the passes are easily visible to lift operations.
  • A skier/rider who is alone when entering the lift line should call out "single" so that others may ride the chairlift with him on double, triple or quad lifts.
  • Remove pole straps from wrists before loading on chairlifts. Stand close together in the loading area.
  • Absolutely no cans or bottles are to be taken on ski lifts or ski slopes.
  • Do not cut lift lines.
  • Only BMBW Ski Patrollers and Instructors are allowed to enter the lift line ahead of those already waiting.
  • Get on and off lifts only at loading and unloading areas.
  • Do not swing or bounce chairs while riding chairlift.
  • Do not cross operating rope tow tracks.

Etiquette & Behavior

  • Be courteous to and respect of others. Do not use rude language and/or behavior.
  • No carry-in beer and alcoholic beverages will be allowed on BMBW premises. Such beverages may be confiscated.
  • Do not bring skis, snowboards or poles into the lodge.
  • "Brown Bagging" is allowed only in restricted areas.
  • Snowboarders must follow Your Responsibility Code. Do not sit at the top of the run in such a way as to block the starting area or otherwise obstruct any area of the slope.
  • Do not abuse rental equipment. Do not go on dry pavement with skis on.
  • Snowball throwing will not be tolerated on BMBW property.
  • A ski area representative (including any employee in uniform, not just Ski Patrollers) upon finding a person skiing/riding in a careless, inappropriate or reckless manner, could dispense consequences ranging from a one-on-one Safety Awareness Seminar with a Ski Patroller to a lifetime suspension from BMBW. So take it easy out there. Give people some space!

These actions may not be construed to create an affirmative duty on the part of the ski area operator to protect skiers from their own or from another skier's carelessness or recklessness. If you do not agree with the above, then do not use the facilities at our ski area.

Skiing in its various forms, including the use of snowboards and snow skates, is a dangerous sport with inherent risks. These risks include loading, riding and unloading from ski lifts, variations in snow, steepness and terrain, ice, moguls, rocks, trees and other forms of forest growth and debris (above or below the surface), bare spots, lift towers, utility lines an poles, fencing, snowmaking and snow grooming equipment, and other forms of natural or man-made obstacles on and off designated trails, as well as collisions with equipment, obstacles or other skiers. Trail conditions vary constantly due to weather changes and skier use. Inherent in the sport is the risk of permanent, catastrophic injury or death.

Accepting these risks is a part of the challenge of man against the mountain and the elements. To enjoy skiing, you must also know and be willing to accept the limits of your ability. Skiing challenges your physical condition and may cause stress. You will reduce the risk of skiing and enjoy it more if you are in good physical condition.

Smoking Policy

In order to provide our guests with the best experience possible, we ask that you not smoke or vape in areas where there is a large concentration of people. The following locations are SMOKE-FREE zones:

  1. Inside ski lodges
  2. Lift Lines
  3. Chair Lifts
  4. Within 25 ft surrounding any building
  5. All decks

BMBW Ski Patrol

 
The BM/BW/AV Ski Patrol is one of the largest Ski Patrol chapters in the United States, and been named "National Outstanding Large Alpine Ski Patrol" for the third year by the National Ski Patrol board. This is the highest award that a Ski Patrol can receive. It indicates a well-deserved recognition by their peers across the nation of the wonderful job that they do tending to the skiers and snowboarders at Boston Mills/Brandywine/Alpine Valley.

If you ever have a question or problem while you're out on our slopes, don't hesitate to flag down a Ski Patroller for assistance. You can easily identify a BMBWAV Patroller by their distinctive red parkas, each of which has a cross on the back.

The BM/BW/AV Ski Patrol accepts skiers/snowboarders and nonskiers for membership. If you are interested in learning more about joining the BM/BW/AV Ski Patrol, plan to attend the Meet the Patrol/Patrol Orientation Day outing on Sunday, March 3, 2019 at Brandywine. You can also check out the Patrol's own Recruiting Page, which is a great resource for those who are considering joining the BM/BW/AV Ski Patrol. The next training starts in March.

You can also stop into the Patrol room while you're at the resorts and speak with any Patroller to find out more.

The National Ski Patrol The National Ski Patrol was founded in 1938. During World War II, the NSP was contracted by the War Department to recruit and train a special combat unit called the Tenth Mountain Division. In 1980 the NSP was granted a federal charter. Today, the National Ski Patrol is represented at 98% of all ski resorts and has over 29,000 members serving over 650 ski areas. They are a leading partner in the ski and outdoor recreation community as an adaptable resource of valuable individuals.

Ski Patrollers support and participate in the ski and outdoor recreation community by providing first responder emergency care, search and rescue, and education services. The National Ski Patrol has developed partnerships with the National Ski Area Association, the Professional Ski Instructors of America, and others. Since its inception, the National Ski Patrol (NSP), has followed its creed of "Service and Safety". As snow sports and guest services at areas have evolved over the years, so has the NSP, from a service organization to a modern-day professional education association. Other snow sports, such as snowboarding, tubing, and snow-skating, introduced new equipment and new terrain, which in turn required developing and teaching new safety and emergency care training methods.

National Ski Patrol membership requires completion of the Outdoor Emergency Care training class and a Professional Rescuer CPR class. This education program starts in April and is approximately 120 hours in length. These classes help prepare Patrollers to treat injuries and illnesses with expertise and confidence.
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Stay Safe at Boston Mills Brandywine

UPHILL HIKING & SKIING IS NOT PERMITTED

There is no uphill traffic permitted at Boston Mills/Brandywine.  That includes foot traffic, vehicles of any kind, or any means of traveling up hill that is not by chairlift during operational hours.

Terrain Park Safety

Smart Style

Smart Style is a terrain park specific safety program that you should check out before using terrain parks. Be sure you Know the Code, too: Your Responsibility Code provides safety tips while on the slopes.

The 4 MAIN POINTS OF Smart Style:

MAKE A PLAN

  • Every time you use Freestyle Terrain, make a plan for each feature you want to use.
  • Your speed, approach and takeoff will directly affect your maneuver and landing.

LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP

  • Before getting into freestyle terrain observe all signage and warnings
  • Scope around the jumps first not over them
  • Use your first run as a warm up run and to familiarize yourself with the terrain
  • Be aware that the features change constantly due to weather, usage, grooming and time of day
  • Do not jump blindly and use a spotter when necessary

EASY STYLE IT

  • Know your limits and ski/ride within your ability level
  • Look for small progression parks or features to begin with and work your way up
  • Freestyle skills require maintaining control on the ground and in the air
  • Do not attempt any features unless you have sufficient ability and experience to do so safely
  • Inverted aerials increase your risk of injury and are not recommended

RESPECT GETS RESPECT

  • Respect the terrain and others
  • One person on a feature at a time
  • Wait your turn and call your start
  • Always clear the landing area quickly
  • Respect all signs and stay off closed terrain and features
  • For more hints on how to Smart Style it, including Stuff to Know, the ATML method, Vocab, and helpful videos, check out the Terrain Park Safety Website
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