Mountain Safety & Policies

Winterplace Ski Resort is concerned about the safety of our skiers. 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 injury. Ski and Ride with caution and in control.

Expect The Unexpected

Snowcats, snowmobiles, and snowmaking may be encountered at any time.

While skiing, you may encounter rocks and trees and changing visibility and snow conditions.
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.

BE ALERT! SKI ON DESIGNATED TRAILS ONLY!

Know The Code

The National Ski Areas Association established the "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. Ultimately, safe skiing and snowboarding on the mountain is each person's responsibility. The following Responsibility Code helps all skiers and snowboarders have a safer experience.

Your Responsibility Code

Safety on the slopes is everyone's responsibility. Ski safely - not only for yourself but for others as well.
Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid objects.
People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
Do not stop where you obstruct the trail or are not visible from above.
Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, 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 know how to load, ride, and unload safely.

West Virginia Skiing Responsibility Act

The purchaser and user of this ticket (the Holder) agrees and understand that skiing, snowboarding, and other snow riding activities can be HAZARDOUS. The holder understands and assumes the risks and hazards in riding the lift and engaging in activities accessible from the lift. The Holder is responsible for reading and understanding all signage, instructions, posted information, and other warnings on the use of ski lifts and the use of skiing areas and the activities permitted in such areas and agrees to comply with them. The holder acknowledges that there are many dangers and risks, inherent and otherwise in the sport, that injuries are a common and ordinary occurrence, and that Winterplace and any of its officers, directors managers, owners, investors, affiliates, agents, or employees will not be held responsible or liable for any injury or harm to the holder, or to any minor under holder's supervision, or accompanying holder, regardless of cause. Trail conditions may vary across the mountain with weather conditions and skier use. The West Virginia Skiing Responsibility Act requires you to know the range of your ability to negotiate any ski slope or trail, ski within the limits of your own ability, maintain reasonable Control of your speed and course at all times, heed all posted warnings, ski only on a skiing area designated by Winterplace, refrain from acting in a manner which may cause or contribute to the injury of anyone, maintain a proper lookout so as to avoid other skiers and objects, and ski in a manner to avoid obstacles and hazards including but not limited to: other skiers, natural and man-made objects, pole lines, lift towers, bare spots, rocks, stumps, trees, moguls, and icy terrain that may exist throughout the area. The West Virginia Skiing Responsibility Act prohibits you from placing any object in the skiing area or on the uphill track or lift which may cause a passenger or skier to fall, crossing the track of any lift or rope tow except at a designated location, failing to wear retention straps or other devices to help prevent runaway skis or snowboards, skiing on a slope or trail that has been posted as CLOSED, using any ski slope while your ability to do so is impaired by the consumption of alcohol, the use of any controlled substance or other drug or while you are under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance or other drug. Before beginning to ski from a stationary position or before entering a ski slope or trail from the side, the skier shall have the duty to avoid moving skiers already on the ski slope or trail. Be aware that snowmaking and snow grooming may be in progress at any time. The holder agrees to freely accept any and all risks of personal and property damage that may occur while participating in any way in any of the forms of skiing or other activities at Winterplace.

Fast, reckless, irresponsible, and out-of-control skiing may result in immediate suspension of skiing privileges. Winterplace reserves the right to revoke the use of this ticket in any instance where, solely in judgment of any ski area representative, the holder acts in any manner that endangers or may endanger the safety of the holder or any person. This ticket will not be replaced if lost or stolen. This ticket is void if the ticket is broken and must be visible at all times. This ticket is not refundable due to inclement and variable weather conditions and/or snow conditions.

MISCONDUCT MAY RESULT IN REVOCATION WITHOUT REFUND.

Ticket must be detached for transfer to new clothing by ticket office personnel only.

Be Aware. Ski & Ride With Care!

We encourage skiers and riders to wear a helmet - but to ski or ride as if they are not wearing a helmet. Skiing and snowboarding in a controlled and responsible manner - not helmets only - is a primary safety consideration for all skiers and boarders. A skier's behavior has as much to do with the safety of the sport as does any piece of equipment.

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.

Respect Gets Respect

Be considerate to fellow skiers and riders. Fast riding and destructive behavior will not be tolerated at Winterplace. Respect Freestyle Terrain and others using the features. Only one person on a feature at a time. Wait for your turn and call your start. Always clear the landing area quickly. Respect all signs and do not enter the terrain park or use features when closed.

Lift Information

You must have sufficient physical dexterity, ability, and knowledge to safely board, ride and unload lifts. For access to 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 check that loose clothing and equipment are not caught in the lift before you unload. In the case of lift problems, Ski Patrol will assist you.

Never jump from a lift! It's dangerous - Don't do it!

Please note the following procedures for children:

Place the 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 the child listen carefully to the attendant's instructions.
When unloading, have the 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.

To Report an Accident

Place crossed skis in snow above injured skier to form an "X" pattern.
Alert ski patrol by contacting the nearest lift attendant or by notifying any mountain employee.
STAY ON THE SCENE, until the ski patrol arrives; provide your name and address to ski patrol.

Ski Patrol / First Aid

Our ski patrol is staffed by professionals who want to help you. Stop by the ski patrol station at the top of the mountain, the information desk at the Resort Center, The MountainHouse, or First Aid Room under Mickey's Mountain Cafe. See trail map for details of locations.

Kids, Parents, Friends, & Family

If your kids don't have an ID, give them your business card or a luggage tag with information about where you are staying or how to reach you - cell phone number.
If you become separated from your group, alert a Winterplace Employee to assist you in reuniting with your group.
The information desk at the Resort Center or The MountainHouse: Make sure that everyone in your party knows of these locations. If all else fails and you can't find your friends or family, plan to meet them there.

Policies

Drones

Out of safety concerns for guests, employees and resort property, as well as concerns for individual privacy, Winterplace Ski Area prohibits the operation or use of unmanned aerial systems, or drones, by the general public - including recreational users and hobbyists - without the prior written authorization from the Ski Area. This prohibition includes drones used for filming or videotaping, as well as any drone used by media or journalists operating above or within Winterplace Ski Resort boundaries. This prohibition on drone operations or use extends to any drones launched or operated from Ski Area property, as well as drones launched from private property outside of the Ski Area boundaries. Please contact a resort representative (800) 607-7669 if you any questions or if you any questions.

Pets

No pets are permitted inside Winterplace facilities. Pets outside facilities must be leashed at all times. Please pick up after pets.

Picnicking

Designated Picnic Area to be used for those packing their lunch. Winterplace food establishments are licensed restaurants. Cooking devices or food from other restaurants is not allowed.

Coolers/ Boxes and personal food items should be stored in the designated storage area, located adjacent to the retail shop in the Resort Center and on the MountainHouse Deck. Once you are finished eating please return cooler to the storage area.

Ski and Snowboard Equipment is not allowed in the food court or dining areas. Please use ski/board racks outside or the ski check.

Photo Release

Winterplace Ski Resort will be shooting photography and video during the season for promotional use. By purchasing a lift ticket, we have the right to use your image in any print, interactive, or broadcast materials. No compensation will be given.