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 snow sports 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 that we all have an exceptional winter experience.

The Skier & Rider's Responsibility Code is the foundation of ski area safety. Know the 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.

Your knowledge, decisions, and actions contribute to your safety and of the safety of others. If you need help understanding the Code, please ask any ski area employee.

Published by the National Ski Areas Association

LOOK: Look behind for chair coming into the Load area.
LOAD: Ski pole straps should be removed from wrist, held in one hand allowing a free hand and sit in chair.
LOWER: Lower the bar promptly. The bar should remain down until indicated at the top of the lift.
LIFT: Raise 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.

Our qualified lift staff can assist with loading small children and guests of any age. Don't hesitate to ask for lift assistance, if needed.

Watch these Lift Safety videos for tips on how to load, ride, and unload a chairlift.
How to Ride a Ski Lift
How to Load a Chairlift
How to Ride a Chairlift
How to Unload a Chairlift

Or learn more about Lift Safety on the National Ski Areas Association website.

Terrain parks offer a set of challenges and risks that may not be present on other parts of the mountain. Terrain parks are designated with an orange oval and features will differ between resorts but 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 Terrain Parks, it is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the terrain, obey all instructions, warnings and signs.

Be Park SMART:

• START SMALL - Work your way up. Build your skills.
• MAKE A PLAN - Every feature. Every time.
• ALWAYS LOOK - Before you drop.
• RESPECT - The features and other users.
• TAKE IT EASY - Know your limits. Land on your feet.
  

Learn more about Park SMART by visiting NSAA: https://nsaa.org/terrainparksafety/

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 by skiers and riders—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 and snowboarders 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 and snowboarders 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 to 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, being careful 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 out the victim 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.

Uphill access is a privilege, not a right. Whether you are travelling uphill or downhill, you must observe and adhere to the Skier Responsibility Code and all resort warnings, signage and information. Thank you in advance for your agreement to and cooperation with this policy and our rules and guidelines. Failure to comply with any aspect of this policy, including requests of ski patrol or other on mountain personnel, may result in suspension or loss of ski/ride privileges.

• The Uphill access season will open as conditions allow.
• Skier services are not generally available outside of normal operating hours. In the event of an emergency during those times, you should call 911.
• During operating hours 9:00am-4:30pm, no uphill traffic is allowed. If you have not reached the top of Thunderhead or Storm Peak by 9:00am, you are required to turn around.
• Uphill users are strongly encouraged to use the following recommended routes*:

Wild Blue Way to Shortcut, Vogue, Sitz, Jess' Cut-Off, and then up Heavenly Daze to Thunderhead
Up Right-O-Way to Giggle Gulch, Short Cut or Yoo Hoo then to Trick Roper or Boulevard to access Heavenly Daze
Up Right-O-Way to either Vagabond or BC Ski Way to So What to Why Not
Upper mountain from either Thunderhead or Rainbow Saddle - continue up Rainbow to Calf Roper to Buddy's Run, or Thunderhead to Arc to Duster to High Noon
*NOTE: Uphill Access from Wild Blue Way to Shortcut to Vogue is unavailable duringNight Skiing operations.

Uphill Usership

• Users must be aware that maintenance, construction and other operations may be underway at any time and that they may encounter snowmobiles, snowcats (including winch operations) and other vehicles operated by resort personnel at any time, day or night.
• Users must adhere to all posted signs and warnings, including all closed signs, ropes, vehicles working or other closure indicators.
• Uphill users may not enter closed trails, including trails that have not been opened for the season.
• Users must avoid all types of machinery, including snowmaking equipment, which can be particularly hazardous due to visibility, difficult surfaces, pressurized equipment and large hoses in the snow.
• Users must not cross snowmaking lines at any time or interfere in any way with snowmaking operations. Uphill access is strongly discouraged during pre-season setup and post-season breakdown and may be restricted at any time in the sole discretion of SSRC. Please observe all posted signage and remain visible at all times.
• Users should always keep to the side of runs and be visible from above at all times. Wear reflective clothing and have a light source.
• All users, whether skiing, skinning, snowshoeing, hiking, walking or otherwise, must have proper equipment necessary to safely ascend and descend their chosen route or they may be turned around or taken down by ski patrol. This includes that traction devices are required for hikers and walkers.
• No dogs are allowed on the mountain at any time (both during and outside of regular operating hours, day or night), except ADA service dogs. SSRC has determined that this is a safety matter for the animals, our staff and other guests. Failure to comply may result in immediate suspension and/or long-term loss of ski/ride privileges, including uphill access.
• Boot packing is prohibited.
• Users must watch the Uphill Access Safety Education video and purchase an Uphill Access Armband, which must be worn at all times.

PURCHASE UPHILL ACCESS ARMBAND

Areas beyond the ski area boundary are not patrolled or maintained; avalanche and other hazards exist. Access to public lands outside the boundary is provided through marked access points. Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation assumes no responsibility for the safety and welfare of skiers going beyond the ski area boundary.


SKIING/RIDING OUTSIDE THE BOUNDARY
We strongly recommend that you do not ski outside the ski area boundary. Unlike many other ski areas, leaving the ski area boundary can lead you into cliffs and drainages that are all but impossible to get out of especially in deep snow.

FINANCIAL AND OTHER IMPACTS
Rescue may also be very slow given the nature of the terrain and can result in hypothermia. Remember you are not only putting your OWN life at risk but your rescuers lives and safety as well! If you don’t know, don’t go. Most people that require rescue said that they were “just following tracks”. Most often they were following other lost individuals. If Steamboat resort is not obligated to rescue skiers or riders outside the area operating boundary, but if Steamboat ski patrol does participate in your rescue you may be charged up to $500 per person for such service.

10 MUST HAVE ITEMS FOR BACKCOUNTRY TRAVEL

• Backcountry shovel
• Avalanche probe (extended)
• Backpack
• Avalanche probe (folded)
• Extra dry gloves and a flashlight
• Water
• First aid kit
• Avalanche transceiver
• Extra dry hat
• Food that is high in energy

Backcountry terrain is rugged and has not had any sort of preventative avalanche control work performed. Before heading into the backcountry be prepared and let someone know where you are going and when you should be back. You should realize your actions affect not just yourself, but also every other member of your party and potentially any other winter enthusiast who may be required to help in the case of an accident. If you feel something is above your ability level, it is your responsibility to make the wise judgment and inform your group.

Learn more on the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) website.

Sledding and tubing are NOT permitted on resort property at any time of the day or night.

• Resort terrain is not suitable for sledding, tubing, or anything of the like and may increase the risk of loss of control, collision with objects, natural or man-made, causing serious injury or death.
• Maintenance of the Resort is a 24-hour operation. Snowmaking, grooming, and chairlift maintenance occur during and outside of operational hours. During these operations, unauthorized persons are exposing 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.
• Any mountain access outside of our operating hours must follow the Uphill Access Policy.

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
• Snowboards
• Telemark Skis
• Mono Skis
• Snowblades
• Ski Bike*
• Snow Trike*
• Snow Scooter*
• Snow Deck (must have a leash)
• Snowshoes (permitted on the Steamboat Gondola only and guests must stay on the designated snowshoe trails)

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

*Ski Bikes, Trikes, and Scooters: Bike, trike, and scooter users must be able to load the lift without slowing or stopping, and no conversion bikes are allowed. Only one rider per bike, trike, or scooter. Bikes, trikes, and scooters must be able to fall over if separated from rider and have a leash. Bikes, trikes, and scooters are NOT permitted in Terrain Parks.

If you have any questions about Steamboat Ski Resort Corporation’s essential eligibility criteria for activities, SnowSports School, or Bike School please contact the Safety Department at (970) 871-5141. We require 5 days notice for assessing requests for reasonable accommodations.

SnowSports School
Physical requirements for participation in SnowSports School group lesson products for kids programs, 1st grade to 15 years old and adult programs, 16 and up.

Student is able to independently complete the following tasks:

• Properly put on and take off equipment (this skill is taught in beginner lessons, and participants should be able to learn how to do this independently following a reasonable amount of instruction, with the exception of young children in the KVC programs)
• Load, ride and unload lifts safely as stated in the NSAA 'Your Responsibility Code' independently (this skill is taught in beginner lessons, and participants should be able to learn how to safely do this independently following a reasonable amount of instruction, with the exception of young children in the KVC programs)
• Ability to get up after falling and re-adjust equipment as necessary in a reasonable amount of time independently
• Attend lunch and manage all personal care independently
• Perform all functions of the lesson within a reasonable time frame while adapting to the flow of the group which includes functions such as stopping, starting and lift line routines
• Continue with the group throughout the day without causing detours in terrain selection, additional breaks or other changes in the normal course of the lesson plan as designed for the entire group
• Ability to follow 'Your Responsibility Code'
• The inclusion of a student with disabilities into a group lesson is most successful when the individual is at a Level 4 / advanced beginner ability level and above. Guests requiring reasonable accommodations who are level 1-3 skiers and riders, and those who cannot meet the requirements above, should take advantage of our renowned adaptive learning programs through STARS as listed below.

S.T.A.R.S.

STARS and Steamboat are proud to offer nationally recognized adaptive programs for SnowSports participants. There are two primary programs available. These programs and their physical requirement are listed below.

ADAPTIVE PRIVATE LESSONS
Qualified professionals are available to teach adaptive guests. Lessons are available by reservation only and advanced booking is required. Equipment and special lift tickets available during lesson only. Reservations required. Physical Requirements for Basic Participation in Adaptive Private Lessons

• 1st grade and up
• All on-snow ski and ride ability levels accepted
• Some physical limitations apply. Please contact a STARS representative for more details and to reserve your private SnowSports experience at 888-330-1454

Please contact STARS to inquire about the rental of adaptive ski and snowboard equipment.

ADAPTIVE INCLUSION PROGRAM (COMPANION ASSISTANCE)
Steamboat's Inclusion Program allows special needs children, age’s 1st grade to age 15, to join regular group lessons with a specially trained instructor. We then work with the child's parent or guardian to determine whether the child is ready to participate in a group lesson format, or needs to remain with our private program as described above. Must call for reservations and have taken a private lesson first. Physical Requirements for Basic Participation in Adaptive Inclusion Program

• 1st grade up to 15 years of age
• Level 4 / advanced beginner ability level and above. Not available in beginner (level 1-3) lessons

PERSONAL COMPANION GUIDELINES

A guest may have a companion or guide that assists them with their SnowSports experience. Typically a companion is someone who knows the individual personally and has assisted in other experiences ranging from everyday living to travel or other sports. Within a lesson setting companions can be an important part of the SnowSports experience but they also can be a detriment. It is important to remember the following guidelines when participating in a lesson with both the STARS and Steamboat SnowSports School programs.

• The instructor is the primary decision maker for the student
• Companions that are not specifically trained or are not a part of the STARS program are allowed to participate at the discretion of the Instructor
• Companion must have the adequate skiing ability to ski or ride with the group. (Generally skill level 6/intermediate and above)
• If a Companion joins a lesson from the student perspective as well, fees may apply
  
  

Steamboat offers both companion pass and adaptive pass special pricing for those who qualify. Please contact the STARS Office for more information at:
Toll free:(888) 330-1454
Local:(970) 870-1950
Fax:(970) 870-1970
Email:info@steamboatstars.com
Located in the lower level of One Steamboat Place
Steamboat Springs, CO 80477

Visit the S.T.A.R.S. Website

Activities
If you have any questions about Steamboat Ski Resort Corporation’s essential eligibility criteria for activities, please contact the Safety Department at 970-871-5141. Please provide 72 hours notice for unusual accommodation of disability or equipment, for example, accommodating miniature service ponies.

RIDING THE GONDOLA

May remain in wheelchair.

Wheelchair Access: Wait in the standard queue. A number of our cabins are built to accept wheelchairs. Lift Operators will stop the gondola and place a ramp in front of your cabin. Your family or companion will need to assist you into the cabin if required.

This attraction requires ambulatory guests to navigate a 10” step into and out of the cabin when loading and unloading. The cabin speed can be slowed upon request to assist in loading and unloading. Well-trained service dogs are welcome on gondola cabins in winter. Please keep service animals on a leash or under direct control at all times.

Directions to the Gondola: From the Transit Center, stay right towards the Wildhorse Gondola and head straight towards the Ticket Office. Once at the Ticket Office, turn right and straight ahead will be an elevator. Take the elevator down one level and follow the pathway to the righthand side of the Gondola to the elevator.


THUNDERHEAD BUILDING RESTAURANTS
This includes Hazie's, Stoker, Western BBQ, Red's Bar, Sunset Happy Hour, and the Champagne Powder Room. Once at the Thunderhead building, use of a back of the house elevator available will help diners reach all levels of the building. Please inquire with the gondola attendant for elevator access.

RIDING A CHAIRLIFT

May remain in adaptive ski equipment.

Adaptive access: Wait in the standard queue. The lift operator and your companion will need to assist in lifting the adaptive ski equipment onto the chair to load, and off the chair to unload.

Must be able to effectively communicate with the lift operator independently or with the assistance of a companion. For safety reasons, service dogs and comfort animals are not allowed on chairlifts.

HAYMAKER SLEIGH RIDE ACTIVITY PORTION OF HAYMAKER WINTER DINING

Must be ambulatory.

Guests must be able to walk by themselves, or be assisted by members of their party to experience this attraction.

The Haymaker Sleigh Ride requires guests to navigate 3 stairs in and out of the sleigh, as well as snow-covered stairs and roads while wearing footwear of your choice in varied snow conditions including, but not limited to, deep powder snow, ice, groomed snow, and snow debris. Well trained service dogs are welcome on Haymaker sleigh. Please keep service dogs on a leash at all times.

FOUR POINTS NIGHT DINING VIA PASSENGER CAT

Must be ambulatory.

Four Points night dining requires ambulatory guests to navigate 3 metal stairs into and out of the passenger cat, as well as snow-covered stairs and roads while wearing footwear of your choice in varied snow conditions including, but not limited to, deep powder snow, ice, groomed snow and snow debris. Well trained service dogs are welcome on the passenger cat. Please keep service dogs on a leash at all times.

RAGNAR'S SLEIGH RIDE DINNER

Must be ambulatory.

Guests must be able to walk by themselves, or be assisted by members of their party to experience this attraction.

Ragnar's Sleigh Ride Dinner requires guests to navigate 3 stairs in and out of the sleigh, as well as snow-covered stairs and roads while wearing footwear of your choice in varied snow conditions including, but not limited to, deep powder snow, ice, groomed snow and snow debris. Well trained service dogs are welcome on the Ragnar's Sleigh. Please keep service dogs on a leash at all times.

DAY OR NIGHT AMBASSADOR SNOWSHOE TOUR

Must be ambulatory.

Guests must be able to walk by themselves, or be assisted by members of their party to experience Day or Night Ambassador Snowshoe Tour.

This attraction requires guests to navigate snow-covered roads and trails while wearing snowshoes in varied snow conditions including, but not limited to, deep powder snow, ice, groomed snow and snow debris. Well-trained service dogs are welcome on the snowshoe tours. Please keep service dogs on a leash at all times, and please be prepared to clean up after them.

Bike School
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION IN STEAMBOAT BIKE SCHOOL GROUP LESSON PRODUCTS

• Must be age 8 and up and fit on a minimum of a 20” wheeled bike
• Prior riding experience required with familiarity with hand controls and gears
• Some prior off road riding experience; group lessons are only available for students with at least an intermediate level of biking proficiency. Novice lessons are only offered as private lessons.
  
  

STUDENT IS ABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING TASKS:

• Get on and off, and ride a bicycle with no assistance.
• Pedal, steer, stop and negotiate a bike over a variety of terrain including flat, uphill, downhill, loose dirt, rocks, roots, stumps, and other natural and manmade terrain.
• Comprehend and respond to specific direction from coaches/staff in order to progress in skill level, address concerns regarding specific terrain, follow flow of lesson and activity.
• Properly put on and take off equipment with minimal assistance.
• Load, ride and unload lifts or shuttle safely with minimal assistance.
• Ability to get up after falling and re-adjust equipment as necessary in a reasonable amount of time with minimal assistance.
• Perform all functions of the lesson within a reasonable time frame while adapting to the flow of the group which includes functions such as stopping, starting, cornering, and lift routines.
• Continue with the group throughout the day without requiring detours in terrain selection, additional breaks or other changes in the normal course of the lesson plan as designed for the entire group.
• Ability to follow the “Mtn. Bikers Responsibility Code.”

Students who cannot meet the above requirements, may wish to take advantage of the renowned adaptive learning programs available through S.T.A.R.S.

PERSONAL COMPANION GUIDELINES
A guest may have a companion or guide that assists them with their Mountain Bike and/or Bike Park experience. Typically a companion is someone who knows the individual personally and has assisted in other experiences ranging from everyday living to travel or other sports. It is important to remember the following guidelines when participating in a lesson as a companion in Steamboat Bike School programs.

• The instructor must be the primary decision maker for the student
• Companions that are not specifically trained or are not a part of the STARS program are allowed to participate at the discretion of the Instructor.
• Companion must have the adequate mountain biking ability to ride at the skill level of the group.
• If a Companion joins a lesson from the student perspective as well, fees may apply

Helmets are strongly recommended while skiing or riding as they may make a difference in reducing and/or preventing some types of head injuries. Here at Steamboat, employees who are required or elect to ski or ride while in uniform or as part of their job duties must wear a helmet. Students in our SnowSports School who are age 17 and under will be required to wear a helmet during any group or private lesson. We highly encourage all students in our SnowSports School to wear helmets. Additionally, students of any age and in any class (group or private) will be required to wear a helmet if they are using a terrain park that is fenced and designated with the Terrain Park orange, oval signage.

Make sure the helmet you wear fits properly and it has not been damaged. Bear in mind a helmet will not prevent all head injuries and you must at all times ski/ride in control as part of Your Responsibility Code. Skiers and snowboarders are encouraged to educate themselves on the benefits and limitations of helmet usage. If you need a helmet, there are rental helmets available at our four Steamboat Sports rental shops, conveniently located in the base area.

LIDS ON KIDS

In addition to our Steamboat Sports rental locations, kids can also find helmets inside the Mountain Camp facility (meeting center for Young Kids Lesson) that Steamboat supports the National Ski Areas Association's Lids on Kids initiative: www.lidsonkids.org

Colorado has low humidity, which can create dry, dangerous fire conditions during the warm months. Help us be fire safe by doing the following:

If you see smoke, fire, or suspicious activity, note the location the best you can and report it by calling 911.

Dispose of cigarettes and other burned materials in designated smoking receptacles. Please do not throw anything out of Gondola cabins, in trash bins or on the ground.

Smoke only in designated smoking areas.

Don't leave fires unattended, keep them small and manageable, and do not build a fire in hazardous, windy or dry areas and conditions.

Properly extinguish fires with water until you can handle the embers.

Check with the local sheriff's office, fire department or federal forest agency for any fire restrictions or bans before lighting a campfire.

Out of safety concerns for guests, employees, and resort property, as well as concerns for individual privacy, Steamboat Resort (“Resort”) prohibits the operation or use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or drones, by anyone – including recreational users and hobbyists – without prior written authorization from the Resort. This prohibition includes drones used for any purpose whatsoever, whether filming or videotaping, for commercial or personal purposes, or by media or journalists.

This prohibition extends to any drones launched or operated from Resort property, as well as drones launched from private property outside of the Resort but flying within Resort boundaries and/or above Resort facilities, both anywhere on the mountain and in the base area.

If drone use is authorized by Steamboat Security for an event, such use must be in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations, local law enforcement, and US Forest Service rules, as well as those policies separately established by the Resort. The FAA Summary of Small Unmanned Aircraft Rule (Part 107) is available here. The required authorizations, regulations and rules generally require an application to the FAA, FAA certification, substantial training, and many restrictions covering safety and national security, and other requirements.

SSRC requirements include filing an application at least 30 days prior to the event, signing an Event License, US Forest Service authorization and providing proof of UAS insurance coverage, among others.

Any violation of this policy may involve suspension of your skiing or riding privileges, in addition to penalties or other actions that may be taken by any of the other regulatory agencies noted above.

Steamboat is located 6,900 feet (2,103 meters) above sea level and rises to more than 10,000 feet (3,220 meters). The air is thinner and less oxygen is available. People coming from lower elevations may experience altitude sickness. This usually occurs within the first 48 hours. You may experience headache, dizziness, nausea, sleep problems, loss of appetite, coughing and/or difficulty breathing. The best remedy is to follow the guidelines below:

• Exercise in moderation the first few days
• Drink more water than usual
• Reduce alcohol intake, which has a greater effect at this altitude
• Eat food high in carbohydrates and low in fat: grains, pasta, fruits and vegetables; and, avoid salty foods and caffeine.
• Hydrate and refuel regularly, not just at lunch

Altitude illness is usually a minor problem; however, if symptoms persist you should seek medical attention. High elevation can also accentuate existing health problems. If you have a respiratory or vascular illness, consult your doctor before your trip. Seek medical assistance if problems persist or get worse. Call Patrol for evaluation or assistance.

The Yampa Valley Medical Center (970-879-1322) provides care 24 hours a day including emergency services, labs, respiratory therapy, family practice, sports medicine, and more.www.yvmc.org

CLOTHING
Staying warm and comfortable on the slopes is easy. The best clothing choice is water-resistant, layered clothing which can be removed or added with weather changes. Be sure to wear appropriate gloves, and hat or helmet, especially on cold days to protect against frostbite. Remember, Steamboat's weather can change day-to-day or even hour-to-hour, so be prepared for any type of weather condition.

ULTRAVIOLET RAYS
Ultraviolet rays are more powerful at Steamboat's elevation. Regardless of your skin color or complexion, everyone needs to wear a protective sunscreen even on overcast days when ultraviolet rays can penetrate cloud cover. A good pair of goggles or sunglasses that not only cut glare but also filter the ultraviolet rays is strongly recommended.

Encountering wildlife is very common occurrence, whether you are exploring Colorado's beautiful trails and forests, walking the Yampa River Core Trail, or simply sitting in your backyard. It is important to never touch or approach wildlife and remember these tips to keep you and the wildlife safe:

Black Bears are very common in northwest Colorado. If you encounter a bear, avoid eye contact, walk away slowly facing the bear, do not run, speak softly or not at all, and fight back if attacked. Black bears spend most of their waking hours eating any food they can access. Remember to lock your house, garage and car doors, put away pet food and bird feeders, and properly use and lock your trash in a bear proof trash container or dumpsters.

Mountain Lions(cougars) roam the trails of Routt County. While attacks are rare, they are known to happen even in broad daylight. If you encounter a mountain lion, act like a predator - maintain eye contact, waive/raise your hands, don't run or turn your back, do anything to make yourself appear larger, make lots of noise, and fight back if attacked.

Moose are magnificent animals and truly a site to see, however they are one of the most aggressive wild animals you can encounter in Routt County. Moose are known to charge people and animals such as dogs. If you encounter a moose, stay as far away as possible, look for signs of aggression (lowered head, ears pinned back, snorting/licking its snout), and back away slowly. If it charges you, run as fast as possible and hide behind a tree, rock or other large object.