Safety and Conduct

KNOW THE CODE
Snowsports offer us a great way to enjoy winter and all it has to offer. There are certain inherent risks with snowsports and our goal is to provide guests with a safe and enjoyable mountain experience. Safety starts with you: proper preparation, common sense, and personal awareness can help you reduce your risk on the slopes and ensure everyone has an exceptional winter experience. The Skier's Responsibility Code is the foundation of ski area safety. Know the code, it's your responsibility.

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. Stay 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.
    

Your knowledge, decisions, and actions contribute to your safety and the safety of others. If you need help understanding the code, please ask a ski area employee.
Published by the National Ski Areas Association.

LOOK: Look behind for chair coming into the load area.
LOAD: Remove ski pole straps from wrist and hold them in one hand, freeing the other, and sit on the chair.
LOWER: Lower the bar promptly. The bar should remain down until indicated at the top of the lift.
LIFT: Raise the bar once indicated to do so by the signs at the top of the lift.
STAND: Once at the unload ramp, stand and unload safely.
LEAVE: Clear the ramp area quickly to alleviate congestion around the unload ramp.

Special considerations for children:

• A small child (defined as a child shorter than 51" to the top of their helmet) may be assisted by the lift operator unless instructed differently by their parent or guardian.

• Children should sit on the outside next to the armrest for added security.

• Remind children to sit against the backrest.

Skiing in deep powder snow at a ski resort is a unique and exhilarating experience, but it comes with its share of hidden dangers, namely tree wells and snow immersion suffocation. These hazards—often underestimated or overlooked—pose a significant risk in areas with heavy snowfall and tree-lined slopes.

WHAT ARE TREE WELLS?

• Tree wells are hollow spaces that form around the base of trees when snow accumulates but doesn't completely fill in the area directly beneath the branches: leaving a void composed of low hanging branches, loose snow, and air. Tree wells can be incredibly deep, oftentimes deep enough to completely submerge a full grown adult male.

• These voids can be hidden from view by the tree’s low hanging branches and there is no easy way to identify if a particular tree has a dangerous tree well by sight. All tree wells should be treated as dangerous.

• Skiers may inadvertently fall —usually headfirst— into these wells while riding through treed areas. Even experienced skiers can be caught off-guard.

SNOW IMMERSION SUFFOCATION (SIS)

• Snow immersion suffocation (SIS) occurs when a person becomes trapped in deep snow, with their head below the surface leaving them unable to breathe properly.

• Besides falling into tree wells, merely falling in deep snow can lead to this perilous condition. 30% of SIS accidents occur in areas of deep snow other than tree wells which includes steep drops, creek beds, below cliffs, etc.

• Once trapped in a tree well or deep snow, individuals often struggle to free themselves while the loose snow packs in around them, immobilizing them while breathing becomes difficult.

• Even if the head is only slightly submerged, inhaling snow can block airways, leading to suffocation within minutes. This is a life-threatening situation that can lead to suffocation within minutes.

• Panic and disorientation can exacerbate the situation, making it challenging to escape.

• Many underestimate the strength necessary to free themselves from deep snow. In 90% of cases, self-rescue is impossible and outside assistance will be required.

MITIGATION AND SAFETY TIPS

• Skiers should be aware of the risks associated with tree wells and snow immersion suffocation, especially in areas with heavy snowfall and tree-lined slopes.

• These hazards are at their highest during and after periods of intense snowfall. Powder fever can exacerbate the dangers as skiers overlook the risks while chasing untracked turns in deep snow.

• It is essential to ski with a buddy who can provide aid in case of an emergency. Do not lose sight of each other. Ski short pitches and stop to regroup often.

• If you lose sight of your partner, assume they need help and render assistance immediately.

• Carry necessary safety equipment, including an avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel, to increase your chances of rescue in deep snow situations. Having a whistle somewhere accessible can be a great way to alert others to your location.

• Learn how to use this equipment effectively, routinely practice using this equipment and consider taking avalanche safety courses.

• If you must fall, attempt to fall feet first to maintain your airway.

• Avoid skiing too close to trees or dense forests, especially in unfamiliar terrain.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU GO DOWN

• Remain calm and slow down your breathing to conserve air.

• Do whatever you can to keep your head above the surface of the snow, including rolling, grabbing tree branches or the tree trunk. If possible, keep your feet below the level of your head.

• If immersed, create space around your face to ensure a clear airway while waiting for assistance.

• Yell or whistle to alert others of your location.

• If possible, use your cell phone to call ski patrol or emergency services.

• Trust that help is on the way.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR FRIEND GOES DOWN

• Don’t leave to get help. Stay with your partner.

• Call for additional resources with your phone. Yell and whistle for assistance from others nearby.

• Evaluate the scene for your own safety. Do not put yourself in danger during the rescue.

• Begin rescue efforts immediately. Dig directly towards your partner’s airway. Take care not to knock more snow into the hole. Clear all snow from their mouth, nose, and face, and maintain their access to air throughout the rescue.

• Do not pull the victim out the way they fell in. Tunnel in towards the head from the side. Expand this tunnel until they can be extricated.

Skiing in deep snow can be a great experience, but it is essential to understand the hidden dangers of tree wells and snow immersion suffocation. Being aware of these hazards, practicing safe skiing techniques, and being prepared with the right equipment can significantly reduce the risks associated with skiing in deep snow conditions.

Community Guidelines and Expectations
As part of this global mountain community, we invite you to review our community guidelines and expectations. These shared principles keep everyone safe, accountable, and regarded with respect. All guests and employees are expected to observe the following guidelines and share the mountains.

SAFETY
Practice safe skiing habits by following YOUR Responsibility Code.

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.

ACCOUNTABILITY

• Take personal responsibility for your actions and safety.
• Be aware of your physical limitations, and ski terrain appropriate for your ability level.
• Arrive prepared for varied mountain conditions.

RESPECT AND INCLUSION

• Treat everyone with respect, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
• Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or any other protected characteristic will not be tolerated.
• Our mountains are for everyone to enjoy free from discrimination, hate speech, harassment, personal attacks, and vulgar behavior.
• Respect and protect our natural environment.

Deer Valley Resort (the “Resort”) does not allow uphill travel of any kind within its Resort boundaries. This includes hiking, snowshoeing, skinning, or any other method of travel. No homeowners or members of the general public are allowed uphill travel access on the Resort property at any time. In addition, backcountry skiers may not enter into the resort through roped boundaries at any time.

Snowmaking operations, grooming equipment, snowmobiles, and other operational exercises can present hazards to uphill users on a 24-hour basis. Deer Valley Resort cannot represent to the public that there is a safe area or time to allow uphill travel or access into the resort from the backcountry.

Those seeking an uphill travel experience can access the Bonanza Flat Conservation Area, 1,534 acres of backcountry terrain adjacent to Deer Valley Resort. This terrain can be accessed by parking at the trailhead just east of Empire Canyon Lodge on State Highway 224. Access to the Bonanza Flat Conservation Area is via Guardsman Pass from the trailhead. Please note, backcountry skiers are not allowed to ski into Deer Valley Resort boundaries from this area.

Sledding and tubing are prohibited on resort property at any time, day or night.

• Resort terrain is not suitable for sledding, tubing, or anything of the like and may increase the risk of losing control and colliding with objects (natural or man-made). Doing so may lead to serious injury or death.

• Maintenance of the Resort is a 24-hour operation. Snowmaking, grooming, and chairlift maintenance occur during and outside operational hours. During these operations, unauthorized persons on the premises expose themselves to extreme hazards. In addition to the dangers posed by the highly pressurized snowmaking equipment, our snowcats and snowmobiles continually traverse the slopes during grooming activities.

Deer Valley is a ski-only resort; only resort users with approved snow-sliding devices will be permitted to ski and ride on resort property. All sliding devices must have a retention device.

APPROVED SNOW SLIDING DEVICES:

• Downhill Skis
• Telemark Skis
• Mono Skis
• Snow Blades
  

APPROVED ADA ADAPTIVE SNOW SLIDING DEVICES:

• Sit Skis
• Mono Skis
• Bi-Skis

NON-APPROVED DEVICES:

• Cross-Country Skis
• Boot Skis
• Snow Skate
• Snow Surfers
• Skis/Snowboards with Plastic Edges
• Dual Board Snowboards
• Tandem Devices
• Sleds, Tubes, or Toboggans
• Body Sled
• Fat Tire Bikes
• Snowboards
• Ski Bikes
• Snow Trikes
• Snow Scooters
• Snow Deck
• Snowshoes
  

TIPS FOR AVOIDING A COLLISION
Complementing Your Responsibility Code and its 10 tenets, the Snow Angel Foundation - Ride Another Day, promotes 3 actions every skier can take to help keep themselves and those around safer on the slopes.

1. BE READY
Be ready to slow down or avoid objects or other people at any time. Ski in such a way that you are always able to control yourself regardless of conditions and avoid others and objects you may encounter on the run, groomed or otherwise.

2. STAY ALERT
Stay alert to what’s going on around you, especially other skiers. Being aware of those around and changing conditions will help you have a fun and safe day on the hill.

3. PLAN AHEAD
Ease up at blind spots, check uphill when merging onto trails, and give other skiers plenty of room when passing. Look out for spots on the run where traffic merges or you can't see what's coming next. If you are unfamiliar with a run, take it easy the first time down it and make note of places where you'll want to slow down, such as cat tracks and rollers. Also, give other skiers room (KNOW the ZONE), especially if you are passing them. There's plenty of space out there, so there's no need to crowd each other.

KNOW THE ZONE


EVERY SKIER GETS 15 FEET
While on the hill, avoid collisions by giving others 15 feet of space on all sides. If kids are present, go slower and give them even more space. Know that skiers can turn suddenly, so stay in control to obey the 15-foot zone.

PEOPLE HAVE THE DOWNHILL RIGHT OF WAY
1. It is your responsibility to avoid skiers downhill from you.
2. Give all skiers at least 15 feet of space when passing.
3. Watch your speed and pay attention to others' sudden changes in direction and speed.

IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN A COLLISION OR INCIDENT

If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee. Your knowledge, decisions, and actions contribute to your safety and the safety of others. If you need help understanding the code, please ask a ski area employee.

PARK CITY CRIMINAL CODE 8-2-8 C & D
Any skier involved in a collision resulting in injury to any person shall immediately stop at the scene of such collision and provide such care and treatment to any injured person as is reasonably necessary and must give his or her name, address, and phone number to a member of the ski patrol before leaving the vicinity of the collision.

The Ski Patrol performs avalanche mitigation and snow safety efforts in certain areas at Deer Valley. Please observe all closures and signage and keep out of closed areas until the Ski Patrol opens them.

Avalanches are an inherent risk of skiing. Deer Valley’s efforts reduce the risk of avalanches; however, avalanches may occur at any time both inside and outside the resort’s boundaries. Deep snow and tree wells can create a suffocation hazard. Do not ski alone.

Deer Valley Resort is private property. All forms of third-party commercial activity on our property are prohibited without our prior written consent, including the solicitation or provision of ski instruction, tours and guides, commercial photography and videography, and other products and services offered for sale. For more information on authorized ski instruction at Deer Valley, please visit the Ski School page.

• Stay in control. Yield to riders going at different speeds and announce yourself when approaching them
• Know your limits. Ride within your ability. Start small and work your way up
• Protect yourself. Be self-sufficient and aware of changing weather and terrain conditions. Water, tools, protective gear, gloves, sturdy shoes and sunscreen are recommended. Helmets are required for all bikers
• Inspect and maintain your equipment. Know your components and their operation prior to riding
• Inspect the trails and features. When in doubt, walk your bike
• Be lift smart. Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely If you need help understanding the Code, please ask an employee
• Obey signs and warnings. Obey all trail signs and markings and only ride/hike on designated trails
• Be visible. Don’t stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible to others
• Look and yield to others. Always yield to vehicles, horses, hikers, uphill and slow riders
• Cooperate. Notify the lift operator for first aid assistance or call 435-615-6208. If involved in or witness to an incident, identify yourself to staff

You must ride in control and within your own ability. Yield to riders going at different speeds and announce yourself when approaching them. You are using these premises at your own risk and assume all risks in this activity.

Read and obey all signs. Allowed equipment on the downhill mountain bike flow trails is limited to mountain bikes and adaptive equipment bikes unless approved by resort’s senior management.

Please note that kids shotgun seats are not permitted on the mountain bike flow trails, nor are they permitted on the Homestake Express or Sterling Express chairlifts.

You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the Lift Operator.

Follow these instructions to load the chairlift properly. Please ask the Lift Operator for any assistance.

• Children should be accompanied by an adult
• Step on the RED line. Wait for the Operator to call on you
• After the chair passes you, place bikes on the bike tray (No bike, go to the next step)
• Proceed to the GREEN line marked “LOAD HERE”
• Look over your shoulder for the chair, as it approaches you, sit down
• Lift feet up across the deck

Please preserve the beauty of wildflowers for everyone's enjoyment. In high-altitude environments, the growing season is brief, and these delicate flowers play a crucial role in the ecosystem. Stay on designated trails to ensure the fragile ecosystem thrives, and refrain from cutting switchbacks. Additionally, please note that hiking is not permitted on any mountain biking flow trails. Exercise caution and watch for falling limbs and trees while on the trails.

You must wear a helmet while riding at Deer Valley Resort. The Bike Park is designed for downhill biking and should be enjoyed with appropriate equipment and protective gear. Bike Park trails are designed for freeride/downhill full suspension bikes. Lower your seat and stand on your pedals for safety.

Using jumps, features, and performing airborne maneuvers can cause equipment failure and significantly increases the risk of serious injury.

Due to existing fire dangers, smoking is strictly prohibited on the mountain, in public buildings and in public areas. Deer Valley extends this policy to the chairlifts as well.

Expect jumps and various features on most trails and it's important to inspect features before use. Do not stop in areas where you are not visible from above to other riders or while you obstruct a trail. Wooden features become slippery when wet and can change over time due to use, weather, or maintenance. Remember, you have to control the degree of risk when using the jumps and features. Ride-arounds may be available.

Inclement weather is frequent in mountain areas. If you observe the onset of storms or adverse weather conditions, it's crucial to seek shelter immediately. Avoid ridge tops and steer clear of lift terminals, lift towers, power lines, open ski runs, the tallest tree in the vicinity, fences, and signposts for your safety.

Mountain Biking is different than road or soft surface trail riding. It is confined to trails where rocks, dirt, loose gravel, stumps, and trees may be encountered at any time. Changing weather conditions and terrain variations, including steepness, natural, and man-made obstacles and features, and other dangers or conditions may be encountered on the mountain and are inherent risks.

Trees pose a potential hazard, especially during windy conditions. It's crucial to remain vigilant and watch for any fallen trees or branches obstructing the trail. Additionally, for safety reasons, biking on trails that are currently under construction is strictly prohibited.

The summer season provides the resort time to conduct maintenance of our winter season snowmaking and chairlift equipment, perform summer trail maintenance, and embarking on our most recent major terrain expansion. Trail closures and the presence of heavy equipment will be observed on the mountain through the summer months. Please be alert and follow the guidance below.

• Stay alert, watch for detour signs and obey all trail closures
• Slow down and yield to vehicles
• Stay away from closed chairlifts and do not climb chairlift tower ladders
• Report hazards or concerns by calling 435-615-6208
• Know before you go, trail closures and updates are available the the Mountain Report.

Drinking water is available at Snow Park and Silver Lake Lodge. Don't drink from streams. Carry water while biking or hiking and increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration.

• Only trained service dogs or leashed dogs on designated hiking trails in the summer are allowed.
• Hiking with your pets can be fun and rewarding, be sure to keep your pet on a leash and avoid areas known for wildlife encounters.
• Practice “Leave No Trace” ethics and clean up your dog’s waste.
• Plan for your dog’s needs on the trail as well as your own. Be prepared with plenty of water and don’t hike beyond your or your pets’ limits.
• Guests with dogs perceived as bad mannered can be asked to leave resort property.
• Dogs are not allowed on chairlifts.

We prohibit the operation of unmanned aerial systems or drones by commercial and recreational users without prior written authorization from Deer Valley Resort.

Deer Valley Resort base sits at 6,570 feet above sea level. The altitude in the mid-mountain area is 8,100 feet with the summit at Empire reaching 9,570 feet. The air is thinner, and less oxygen is available the higher the altitude. People from lower elevations may experience altitude sickness. This usually occurs within the first 48 hours. You may experience headaches, nausea, insomnia, and loss of appetite.

The best remedy for this is to take it easy your first day here: increase fluid intake, decrease salt, alcohol, and caffeine intake, and consume high-carbohydrate, low-fat foods. High elevation can exacerbate existing health problems, such as respiratory or vascular illnesses. If you have this type of illness, consult your physician before your trip and seek medical assistance if problems persist or get worse.

"Activities" means all forms of skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, up-hilling, tubing, biking, hiking, zip-lining, golf and other uses of Resort property, including equipment rentals, lessons, clinics, guided tours, Resort-provided transportation, training, competitions and special events. "Resort" means each area, resort, facility and operation accessed for or in connection with any Activities. The user understands and agrees as follows: The Activities are hazardous and carry inherent risks of injury. Weather conditions may be extreme and vary rapidly. Hazards are generally not marked. Rocks, cliffs, trees and difficult terrain exist throughout the Resort. Snowmaking, grooming and trail maintenance equipment, including snowmaking guns, snowcats, snowmobiles and other vehicles, may be in use and must be avoided. The user assumes sole responsibility for identifying and safely navigating all hazards, remaining in complete control while participating in Activities, and following all signs, warnings and responsibility codes posted or otherwise published by the Resort. As a condition of and as consideration for participation in the Activities, the user expressly assumes all risks of INJURY (including DEATH) and property damage and fully releases and indemnifies the Resort and its staff, landowners and affiliates from all claims and losses related in any way to participation in Activities, even if resulting from the released parties' NEGLIGENCE. Exclusive jurisdiction for any claim related to the Activities shall be the state/province in which the Resort is located. To the extent any provision herein is found unenforceable, it shall be deemed severed and the remaining provisions shall remain effective. This waiver is in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other waiver to which the user is bound.