Safety at Mt. La Crosse

Chair Lift Safety

The following points will help you load and unload a chair lift properly:

  • Be familiar with the type of lift you are riding, and ask for help if you need it.
  • Before loading, remove backpacks and secure loose items. Remove pole straps from wrists.
  • Look over your shoulder to watch the chair approach.
  • Sit in the chair with your back to the seat rest.
  • If the lift has a restraint bar, wait until everyone is seated. Slowly reach up and lower the bar. Do not attempt to lower the bar if you cannot reach it. Adults should always help kids lower the bar.
  • Be aware of your surroundings while riding the lift. If you drop something, let it fall! You can always ask ski patrol for help retrieving the lost item.
  • As you approach the top terminal, prepare to raise the bar. Look for signs advising you to do so to help with your timing.

Your Responsibility Code

  1. Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
  2. People ahead of you or downhill 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 out of closed trails and areas. 
  8. You must know how to load, unload, and ride ski 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.

Know and Obey the Code.
It’s Your Responsibility.

If you need help understanding the Code, please ask an employee.

Consider Wearing a Helmet

Helmets are Important. We urge all participants to wear a helmet, but to ski or ride as if they are not wearing a helmet. Whether you’re an experienced rider or just hitting the slopes for the first time, wearing a helmet can make all the difference in staying safe and enjoying your time on the mountain.

Collision Safety

Tips for Avoiding Collisions

Complementing the Responsibility Code and its seven tenets, #RideAnotherDay promotes three actions every skier and rider 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 and ride 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 and riders. Being aware of those around you 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. Furthermore, give other skiers and riders lots of room, especially if you are passing them. There’s plenty of space out there, so there’s no need to crowd each other.

By doing these three things every run, you’ll be helping keep the slopes safe and enjoyable, for you and everyone else around you.