Safety & Conduct

Our goal is to provide a safe, consistent, and fun mountain experience for our different guest segments by enforcing personal responsibility and respect for others and our environment. This goal is embodied by our Mountain Operations Mission Statement:

"To produce the safest experience while protecting each person's freedom by educating and enforcing personal responsibility and respect."

To execute this mission statement and achieve our goal, we have defined standards that reflect the necessary personal responsibility and respect which will allow our guests to safely co-exist on the mountain.

In most cases, we have defined standards and not rules.  Standards are subjective and dependent on the situation and environment.  It is not our practice or intent to create excessive rules as they may not apply in many situations and may restrict the freedom to use the mountain.  

• Your Responsibility Code

   

  Skiing can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country and other specialized ski equipment, such as that used by disabled or other skiers. Regardless of how you decide to 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 the 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.

   

  KNOW THE CODE. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

   

  This is a partial list. Be safety conscious.
  Officially endorsed by: NATIONAL SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION.

• Guest Standards

   

  On-Hill Conduct
  The list of standards below is not exhaustive, but they are the most prevalent behaviors that generate guest complaints, dissatisfaction and injury.  These behaviors, depending on severity, may result in education or application of the “Three Strikes” program.

  • Ducking a roped closure for avalanche danger and/or other hazards.  Mandatory 2 strikes plus 10 day suspension for pass holders and/or referral to law enforcement for prosecution under California Penal Code section 602r.
  • Out of control skiing or snowboarding, or the inability to stop or avoid other people or objects.  This constitutes a violation of the Responsibility Code (Please see “Your Responsibility Code” tab on this page.)
  • Reckless and irresponsible skiing or snowboarding including knowing or blatant disregard for the safety of others, and/or showing a lack of concern for the consequences of one’s own actions.  
  • Malicious, sudden stops that intentionally result in snow spraying other guests.
  • Excessive speed in slow zones, congested areas, and at the base of all lifts.   The speed expected is relevant to how many people are on the run, the conditions such as visibility, and/or snow surface quality.  As a general rule, your speed should match that of the flow of traffic.  You should always brake your speed when entering a slow zone, congested area, or a lift base area. 
  • Jumping terrain barriers, slow fences and/or ducking of intersection flagging.
  • Improper or unsafe trail merging.
  • Failure to use a retention device.  Although we don’t require or check to ensure that each skier/snowboarder has a retention device, you are responsible for a run-way ski or snowboard.
  • Leaving an accident scene if involved in a collision, except to notify authorities or obtain assistance, is illegal and constitutes a violation of our policies, and may result in referral to law enforcement for prosecution under California Penal Code section 653i.  

   

  Penal Code Violations
  The following are examples of conduct which are illegal under California law and/or are in violation of our Guest Standards.  Engaging in any of these forms of conduct may result in disciplinary action under our “Three Strikes” program, and may additionally be the basis of a referral to law enforcement for prosecution.

  • Vandalism: Tagging, graffiti, defacing resort property (PC594)
  • Theft of resort or individual’s property
  • Fighting (PC415)
  • Drugs
  • Verbal or physical assault involving another guest or employee
  • Jibbing and, or bonking resort property outside of terrain parks
  • Public nudity or indecency
  • Hit and run skiing or riding (PC653)
  • Skiing/riding in a closed area or closed avalanche area (PC602r)
  • Malicious throwing of snowballs or other items resulting in bodily harm or property damage

   

  Off-Hill Conduct
  The list of personal conduct standards below is not exhaustive, but they are the most prevalent behaviors that generate guest complaints and dissatisfaction.

  • Please avoid using profanity around others, in particular around families.
  • Please do not smoke in crowded public spaces such as lift lines or anywhere within a distance of 50 feet from building entrances or fueling operations.  Smoking on chairlifts is not prohibited but we ask that you honor other guest requests concerning smoking.  
  • Please focus on loading procedures when in the maze and loading areas.  Guests who exhibit impairment of motor skills from alcohol or other substances will not be allowed to board lifts.  This is for their safety and the safety of others.  Alcohol consumption by guests is not permitted in lift lines and containers must be disposed of before the gantry or 30 feet from the load board.   
  • Please respect other guests and do not cut/duck into full lift lines/crowded mazes or in front of others, particularly during peak periods.
  • Please refrain from throwing snowballs or other items at individuals or property.  In instances where bodily harm or property damage occurs from malicious throwing of snowballs, the guest may also be referred to law enforcement.  
  • Please do not litter on MMSA property or Forest Service land.
  • Please do not use your cell phone beyond the RFID gates or 30 feet from the load board for your own and others safety.  Please focus on loading procedures.
• Three Strikes Program

  The “Three Strikes” program has been in place since the winter season of 2006-2007. 

  We use a severity and escalation approach.  Violations with mild severity will most likely result in education and a warning.  More severe violations will result in a ticket/pass punch.  Relatively minor violations where the guest’s response escalates the situation may result in higher consequences.  We track guests who receive multiple violations in order to educate and hold each person accountable.

  • 1st Violation/Strike: The guest is usually allowed continued privileges depending on their attitude and the nature of the violation.
  • 2nd Violation/Strike: Ticket holders will generally have their access revoked for the rest of the day without refund, and will be issued a minimum 24 hour suspension from further skiing or riding.  Daily guests may be suspended for 10 days or more depending on their attitude and the nature of the violation.  Pass holders will generally have their pass suspended for a minimum of 24 hours, but may be suspended for 10 days or more depending on their attitude and the nature of the violation.
  • 3rd Violation/Strike:  Pass holders and daily ticket purchasers will be suspended indefinitely.  Management will reevaluate eligibility for future ticket and pass purchases anytime a guest receives a third warning/strike in one season.

  Three Strikes Matrix
  (This Matrix is for general guidance.  MMSA reserves the right to impose disciplinary action other than as set forth herein.)

  	1st Violation / Strike	2nd Violation / Strike	3rd Violation / Strike
  Off Hill Conduct	Verbal Warning with continued ticket or  season pass privileges	24 hour to 10 day  suspension day/multi-day ticket or season pass	Ticket or season pass revoked
  Responsibility Code	Verbal Warning with continued ticket or  season pass privileges	24 hour to 10 day  suspension day/multi-day ticket or season pass	Ticket or season pass revoked
  Penal Code	24 hour to 10 day  suspension day/multi-day ticket or season pass	Evaluate ticket or season pass revocation	Ticket or season pass revoked
  Skiing/Riding in Closed Areas	-Day ticket revoked -Multi-day ticket receives 24 hour suspension -Season pass: 2 strikes 10 day suspension	Ticket or season pass revoked
  Collisions	- Day/multi-day/pass pulled for 24 hours or more - 24 hour to 10 day suspension for season pass	- Ticket revoked - 10 day season pass suspension	Season pass revoked
  Lost Equipment	- Day ticket revoked - 24 hour suspension day/multi-day ticket or season pass	- 24 hour suspension day/multi-day ticket or season pass	Season pass revoked

• Smart Style - Freestyle Terrain Safety Initiative

   

  FREESTYLE TERRAIN

  Freestyle Terrain areas are designated with an orange oval and may contain jumps, take-offs, 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 the 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 recommended. You assume all risk.

   

  SMART STYLE

  Make a Plan. Every time you use freestyle terrain, make a plan for each feature you use. Your speed, approach and take-off will directly affect your maneuver and landing.

   

  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. Before getting into freestyle terrain, observe all signage and warnings.  Use your first run as a warm run and to familiarize yourself with the park layout and features.  Do not jump blindly. Use a spotter when necessary. 

  Use the ATML Method when first inspecting jumps. Consider the following elements of each jump:

  • (A) The approach zone is for setting your speed and stance
  • (T) The Take-off zone is for making moves that start your trick
  • (M) The Maneuver zone is for controlling your style
  • (L) The Landing Zone is for getting straight and riding away clean.

   

  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.

  • Know your limits and ride within your ability.
  • Freestyle Terrain comes in different sizes. When starting out, look for small progression parks and features and then work your way up to medium or large parks and features.
  • Stay in control both on the ground and in the air.
  • Remember you can control how big or small you take the feature by varying speed and take off.
  • Inverted aerials increase the chance of serious injury and are not recommended.

   

  Respect Gets Respect. Remember that respect is important both in the park and throughout the rest of the resort. So be smart when you are heading down the mountain or on the lift and save your best tricks for the park.

  • Respect the terrain and all others.
  • One person on a feature at a time.
  • Wait your turn and call your drop-in.
  • Always clear the landing area quickly.
  • Respect all signs and stay off closed features.

   

  To see Smart Style in action watch this video, courtesy of the National Ski Areas Association.

  
  

• Safety Tips

  NSAA Recommended Safety Tips

  Tips for Prior to Hitting the Slope

  • Get in shape.
    Don't try to ski yourself into shape. You'll enjoy skiing more if you're physically fit.
  • Obtain proper equipment.
    Be sure to have your ski or snowboard bindings adjusted correctly at a local ski shop. You can rent good ski or snowboarding equipment at resorts.
  • When buying skiwear.
    Look for fabric that is water and wind-resistant. Look for wind flaps to shield zippers, snug cuffs at wrists and ankles, collars that can be snuggled up to the chin and drawstrings that can be adjusted for comfort and keep wind out. Be sure to buy quality clothing and products.
  • Dress in layers.
    Layering allows you to accommodate your body's constantly changing temperature. For example, dress in polypropylene underwear (top and bottoms), which feels good next to the skin, dries quickly, absorbs sweat and keeps you warm. Wear a turtleneck, sweater and jacket.
  • Be prepared.
    Mother Nature has a mind of her own. Bring a headband or hat with you to the slopes, 60 percent of heat-loss is through the head. Wear gloves or mittens (mittens are usually better for those susceptible to cold hands).
  • Wear sun protection.
    The sun reflects off the snow and is stronger than you think, even on cloudy days!
  • Always wear eye protection.
    Have sunglasses and goggles with you. Skiing and snowboarding are a lot more fun when you can see.

  Tips for while on the Slopes

  • Take a lesson.
    Like anything, you'll improve the most when you receive some guidance. The best way to become a good skier or snowboarder is to take a lesson from a qualified instructor.
  • ALWAYS SKI OR RIDE WITH A BUDDY.
    When skiing or riding in deep powder, it is often difficult to get up after a fall. It is especially difficult for snowboarders as their board can anchor them down. Ski Patrol states that it is imperative for skiers and snowboarders to use the buddy system in these conditions. Always arrange a meeting place when you get off a chair, such as the bottom of a chairlift, in case you do get separated. Ensure that the meeting place is close by in case your buddy needs help. If your buddy does not turn up, either search for them immediately or ask a Mammoth Mountain employee to assist you.
  • Warm-up.
    The all-important warm-up run prepares you mentally and physically for the day ahead.
  • The key to successful skiing/snowboarding is control.
    To have it, you must be aware of your technique, the terrain and the skiers and snowboarders around you. Be aware of the snow conditions and how they can change. As conditions turn firm, the skiing gets hard and fast. Begin a run slowly. Skiing and snowboarding require a mental and physical presence.
  • If you find yourself on a slope that exceeds your ability level.
    Always leave your skis on and side step down the slope. Snowboarders should keep their board on and sit low to the ground, using their edge to slow their sliding. In soft conditions snowboarders may take off their snowboard, have the leash around his/her wrist to prevent a runaway board, and walk down the hill.
  • Drink plenty of water.
    Be careful not to become dehydrated.
  • Curb alcohol consumption.
    Skiing and snowboarding do not mix well with alcohol or drugs.
  • Know your limits.
    Learn to ski and snowboard smoothly—and in control. Stop before you become fatigued and, most of all have fun.
  • If you’re tired.
    Stop skiing. In this day and age of multi-passenger gondolas and high-speed chairlifts, you can get a lot more time on the slopes compared to the days of the past when guests were limited to fixed grip chairlifts.
  • Your Responsibility Code.
    Always follow the seven safety rules of the slopes laid out in the Responsibility Code above.
• Avalanche Rescue System & Emergency Hotline

   

  Avalanche Rescue System

  Mammoth Mountain Ski Patrol utilizes standard 457 kHz avalanche transceivers and the RECCO avalanche rescue system to facilitate rapid location of burials.  Neither of these systems prevent avalanches or guarantee location or survival. Knowledge and common sense are the most efficient way to avoid accidents.

   

  IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY

  Call the Mammoth Mountain Emergency Hotline: 760.934.0611

  If you do not have a phone, advise a lift operator or any uniformed employee of the nature and location of the injury and a description of the injured person. 

   

• Skier / Boarder Liability

  WARNING:

  Snowboarding, skiing, and other snow related activities contain numerous inherent risks that may result in personal injury, death, or property damage.

  YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY.

  Holders must follow MMSA’s rules and “Your Responsibility Code.”

  USER ASSUMES ALL RISKS INHERENT IN THE SPORT. This Pass may be suspended or revoked without refund for failure to comply with rules, misconduct, nuisance, reckless behavior, or fraudulent use. This Pass is non-transferable. Holder is bound by all MMSA rules, the Release of Liability and Indemnity Agreement, and the Conditions of Use.

  Click here to view the 2012/13 Liability Release.

At Mammoth, we believe that our children deserve a higher standard of care on the mountain, from our own staff and other guests.  Their size and lack of experience can make them more vulnerable, and it is up to all of us to be more aware and in control whenever kids are around.

We emphasize the following three ideas when it comes to keeping our kids safe at Mammoth.  Practice them during your stay, and always be ready to help a kid on the mountain!