SNOW PHONE: (209) 753-2301 EXT 2

Safety at Bear Valley

Safety is important to Bear Valley Mountain Resort. Knowing how to use the slopes is essential to help ensure your individual well being and the safety of other guests.

Please read the following information carefully. Skiing is an adventurous and exhilarating outdoor recreational activity. Natural and man-made obstacles are a part of this alpine experience. Collisions with these objects, especially when skiing fast or out of control, can result in serious or fatal injury. Ski with caution and in control. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED. While skiing you may encounter rocks and trees, changing visibility and snow conditions. Be aware of snowcats and snowmobiles at all times.

BE ALERT; SKI ON DESIGNATED TRAILS ONLY.

Heads Up! Know the Code, It's Your Responsibility
Bear Valley is committed to promoting skier safety. In addition to people using traditional alpine ski equipment, you may be joined on the slopes by snowboarders, telemark skiers, skiers, skiers with disabilities, skiers with specialized equipment and others. Always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing and snowboarding that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Know your ability level and stay within it. Observe "Your Responsibility Code" listed below and share with other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing experience.

  • Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
  • People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
  • You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.
  • Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
  • Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
  • Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
  • Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

    • Alpine County Skier Safety Ordinance
    Alpine County, recognizing risks that are inherent in the sport, has passed the Alpine County Skier Safety Code, which provides inherent risks of the sport and relative responsibilities of the "skier" and the ski area. You must obey the CODE. Under the CODE, any person using the facilities of a ski area is considered a skier. A summary of the inherent risks is listed below:

    WARNING
    Under the Alpine County code, a skier assumes the inherent risk and dangers of skiing including but not limited to: changing weather conditions; variations in the terrain, bare sports; rocks; stumps; trees; cliffs; extreme terrain; collisions with natural objects, under growth, man-made opbjects, freestyle terrain, jumps, or toher skiers; varioation in terrain; and the failure of skiers to ski within their own abilities.

    EXTREME TERRAIN contains cliffs, very steep slopes as well as rocks and other hazards. Skiing or boarding Extreme Terrain is for EXPERTS ONLY. Freestyle Terrain Areas are designated with an orange oval and may contain jumps, hits, ramps, banks, fun boxes, jibs, rails, half pipes, quarter pipes, snowcross, bump terrain and other constructed or natural terrain features. Prior to using Freestyle Terrain, you are responsible for familiarizing yourself with Freestyle Terrain and obeying all instructions, warnings and signs. Freestyle skills require maintaining control on the ground, and in the air. Use of Freestyle Terrain exposes you to the risk of serious injury or death. Inverted aerials are not allowed. You assume the risk.

    FREESTYLE TERRAIN
    SMART STYLE - LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP
    You are responsible for inspecting Freestyle Terrain before initial use and throughout the day. The features vary in size and change constantly due to snow conditions, weather, usage, grooming and time of day. Do not jump blindly. Use a spotter.

    EASY STYLE IT
    Always ride or ski in control and within your ability level. Do not attempt Freestyle Terrain unless you have sufficient ability and experience to do so safely. You control the degree of difficulty you will encounter in using Freestyle Terrain, both on the ground and in the air.

    RESPECT GETS RESPECT
    Respect Freestyle Terrain and others. Only 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 do not enter Freestyle Terrain or use features when closed.

    LIFT SAFETY
    Under the Alpine County CODE, you cannot board a lift unless you have sufficient physical dexterity, ability and knowledge to negotiate or to use such lift safely, or until you have asked for and received information sufficient to enable you to use the lift safely. You may not use a lift or any ski trail when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

    LIFT INFORMATION
    You must have sufficient physical dexterity, ability and knowledge to safely board, ride and unload lifts.
    For access on our lifts, retention devices are required on all equipment. Jumping from a lift, cutting lines or littering from a lift are some of the causes for ticket revocation.
    We reserve the right to close trails and/or lifts at any time due to weather conditions.

    Please read all lift instructions posted in each lift maze. If you are unfamiliar with a lift, ask the attendant for assistance. REMOVE BACKPACKS BEFORE LOADING. Single riders should sit on the side of a double chairlift that is closest to the lift towers. Always be alert on chairlifts. Please check that loose clothing and equipment are not caught in the lift before you unload.
    In case of lift problems, Ski Patrol will evacuate you.

    NEVER JUMP FROM A LIFT! IT'S DANGEROUS; DON'T DO IT!

    Please note the following procedures for children:

  • Place child on the side of the lift nearest the attendant.
  • Remove the child's poles and carry them yourself.
  • Have attendant slow the chairlift in advance if necessary.
  • Have child listen carefully to attendant's instructions.
  • When unloading, have child keep ski tips up.
    • LIFT OPERATION
  • If you are unfamiliar with a lift, ask an attendant for assistance.
  • If your lift stops for a prolonged period, remain seated; you will be assisted by the ski patrol. NEVER JUMP FROM A LIFT!
  • Those skiers found misusing lift tickets, transferring lift tickets, or attempting to gain lift access without lift tickets, may be subject to criminal arrest and prosecution.
    • CAUTION
  • Snowcats, snowmobiles and snowmaking may be encountered at any time.
  • Slow Zones: Certain areas (indicated on the map in yellow) are designated as SLOW ZONES. Please observe the posted slow areas by maintaining a speed no faster than the general flow of traffic. Space and speed are especially important in these areas. Fast and aggressive skiing will not be tolerated.

    • Helmet Use

      Bear Valley encourages our guests to educate themselves on the benefits and limitations of winter sports helmets. Regardless of whether or not you choose to wear a helmet, every winter sport participant shares responsibility for his or her safety and for that of others using the ski area facilities.

    Backcountry Warning

      Pursuant to the CODE, the ski area assumes no responsibility for skiers going beyond the ski area boundary. To access the backcountry, use designated gates only/soft boundaries. Areas beyond the ski area boundary are not patrolled or maintained. Avalanches, unmarked obstacles and other natural hazards exist. Be aware: the backcountry avalanche hazard may be extreme. Rescue in the backcountry, if available, is the responsibility of the Alpine County Sheriff. It will be costly and may take time.

    High-Altitude Environment

      Some visitors may experience symptoms associated with Bear Valley's high altitude. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, restless sleep, coughing and difficulty in breathing. If symptoms persist or if you have a concern about your health, you should seek medical attention.

    NO JUMP BUILDING

      We are home to more natural jumps, jibs and jibes than we can keep track of. If you can't seem to find air go to one of our four terrain parks.

    SKIING WITH CHILDREN

      Carrying small children in packs is not allowed. And carrying your parents hurts, so don't do it.

    TRAIL SIGNS

      We post signs for your information and well-being. Read 'em and live 'em. Color codes indicate the relative skiing difficulty of trails for Bear Valley only. Careful, life is different up here everything is elevated.

    SKI AREA BOUNDARY

  • Skiing beyond the ski area boundary is not recommended.
  • Avalanche danger and other hazards DO exist. BE WARNED.
  • Areas beyond the ski area boundary are unpatrolled and unmaintained.
  • Pursuant to the CODE, the ski area assumes no responsibility for the safety and welfare of skiers going beyond the ski area boundary. Skiers are solely responsible for their own safety beyond this boundary.
  • Access to public lands beyond the ski area boundaries exists through U.S Forest Service Backcountry Access Points. Rescue in the backcountry is a responsibility of the Alpine County Sheriff's Office.
  • Entering or exiting the ski area boundary at locations other than the Backcountry Access Point is illegal.

    • Determine a "Hard Boundary" from a "Soft Boundary"
    Awesome terrain is abundant at Bear Valley, but it is imperative you know where you are going. Traveling beyond designated Bear Valley boundaries can be very dangerous. There are two types of boundary markers- Soft and Hard. Both have posted boundary signage, and the HARD boundary is further designated with corral tape or rope and marked "Closed." Take a course with our backcountry specialists at Mountain Adventure Seminars to learn how to stay safe. Be aware that anyone crossing a ski area boundary is leaving Bear Valley Mountain Resort services, including avalanche hazard reduction measures. These are areas of increased risk that have many unmarked hazards including, but not limited to avalanches, cliffs, rivers, creeks, and hidden obstacles. Rescue if available, may be delayed and all rescue costs will be the responsibility of the rescued party.

    TO REPORT AN ACCIDENT

  • Place crossed skis in snow above injured skier to form an "X" pattern.
  • Observe distinguishing characteristics of both the skier and the immediate area. Alert the ski patrol by notifying any mountain employee.
  • UNDER ALPINE COUNTY CODE, IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, YOU MUST STAY ON THE SCENE, until the ski patrol arrives; provide your name and address to the ski patrol.

    • SKI PATROL / FIRST AID

      Our ski patrol is staffed by professionals who want to help you. Stop by a ski patrol hut for information or assistance. First aid treatment is available.

    PROTECTION FROM THE WEATHER

      High-altitude weather can reach extremes. Skiers should, therefore, follow these safety precautions:
  • Please use proper eye and skin care protection.
  • Dress appropriately for changing weather.
  • Use sun-screen by the gallon. Bacon is good crispy, our friends are not.

    • KIDS AND PARENTS, FRIENDS AND FAMILY

  • DON'T RELY ON CELL PHONES; WE CAN'T EMPHASIZE THIS ENOUGH. RECEPTION HERE IS SPORATIC.
  • If your kids don't have an i.d., give them your business card or a luggage tag with information about where you are staying or how to reach you.
  • Show your kids what a ski patroller looks like, and tell the kids to find a patroller if they get lost or worried. We hate to see scared little beans, and a parent who's lost their child is, well, quite indescribable.
  • Designate a meeting area. Make sure that everyone in your party knows this place. If all else fails, and you can't find your friends or family, plan to meet them here.