Summer Info Winter Info

Winter Safety

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Ski Patrol

(307) 739-2650 (Emergencies only!)

Email Ski Patrol

patroldispatch@jacksonhole.com

This mountain is like nothing you have experienced before. Its terrain presents everything from groomed slopes to dangerous cliffs, and its weather is just as variable. During periods of low visibility or other inclement weather and snow conditions, the degree of difficulty of these runs for each individual may change. It is important to use extra caution to prevent getting lost or making a mistake that could result in serious injury or death. Please protect yourself by obeying all trail signs and markers.

 Accessibility

Warning: Risk of Avalanche
While snow safety and avalanche mitigation efforts help reduce the risk of avalanches, avalanches and snow slides may occur at ski areas, both inside and outside of the posted boundaries. Avalanches are an inherent risk of the sport due to the nature of snow and its application on steep, mountain terrain. Become educated on how to reduce the risk of injury or death from avalanches through your own actions and awareness. Visit www.jhavalanche.org or contact the JHMR ski patrol for further information on the risks and prevention of avalanche-related injuries or death.

Jackson Hole Awarded Best Overall Safety Program by NSAA

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort was just awarded Best Overall Safety Program by the National Ski Areas Association. Read our blog to learn more!

Blog: A Culture of Safety

Triangle of Safety

Speed

Always control your speed and stay within your limits. In crowded areas, go with the flow and slow down when visibility is limited. Continuously scan ahead for obstacles like rocks, trees, or people. When entering a steep section, reduce speed and ensure it's clear to proceed.

Space

Always yield to downhill skiers/riders as they have the right of way. Maintain space and anticipate traffic. When passing, do so cautiously and ensure there's enough room for safe maneuvering. Communicate your intentions when necessary to respect others' personal space.

Self

You are responsible for your own and others' safety. Take breaks if you're tired or frustrated to avoid accidents. Wear a helmet and ensure your equipment is in good condition. Check in with yourself before starting and stay aware of your surroundings.

Skier and Rider Responsibility Code

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.

  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.

Winter sports involve risk of serious injury or death. Your knowledge, decisions and actions contribute to your safety and that of others. If you need help understanding the Code, please ask any ski patrol employee.

The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Safety Pledge is designed to maintain the spirit and safety of outdoor winter recreation while using mountain.  We recognize that the passion of our guests can sometimes go too far and unfortunately conflicts or errors in judgment take place. It is never acceptable at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort to break the rules and hurt others through our actions.

Safety Pledge: Standards of Behavior

I Pledge...
  • To always abide by the 10 points of Your Responsibility Code.
  • To not use excessive speed in slow zones, family zones and in congested areas (lift mazes, base areas).
  • To observe posted boundaries, closures, warning signs, bamboo and ropes.
  • To not ski or ride in a closed area or closed avalanche zone.
  • To abide the directions of resort personnel. 
  • To be ready to slow down or avoid objects or other people at any time.  To Ski and ride in such a way that I am always able to control myself regardless of conditions and avoid others and objects I may encounter on the run, groomed or otherwise.
  • To stay alert to what’s going on around me, especially other skiers and riders.
  • To plan ahead by easing up at blind spots, checking uphill when merging onto trails, and giving other skiers and riders plenty of room when passing.

By doing these three things every run, I will help keep the slopes safe and enjoyable, for me and everyone else.

Actions That Result in Losing Your Pass

The standards listed below are not exhaustive, but they are the most prevalent behaviors that generate guest complaints, dissatisfaction and injury. These behaviors are not permitted at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and depending on severity, may result in pass suspension or expulsion from the property.

  • Failure to abide by the 10 points of Your Responsibility Code.
  • Excessive speed in slow zones, family zones and in congested areas (lift mazes, base areas).
  • Failure to observe posted boundary, closure and warning signs, bamboo and ropes. Or Skiing/riding in a closed area or closed avalanche zone.
  • Hit and run skiing and/or riding.
  • Line cutting without authorization.
  • Malicious throwing of snowballs or any other items/objects.
  • Littering.
  • Failure to abide by the directions of resort personnel.
  • Violation of Federal, State or County statutes, codes or ordinances.
  • Vandalism.
  • Theft of resort or individual’s property, including ticket/pass fraud.
  • Fighting or physical assault.
  • Use of threatening, abusive, intimidating or insulting language which is likely to cause fear, harassment, alarm or distress or which aims to provoke violence.
  • Unlawful consumption of drugs or alcohol.

Tips to Prevent an Accident

  • Know "The Code" and stay in control.
  • If you can't stop, you're going too fast.
  • Practice defensive skiing.
  • Never stop where uphill skiers cannot see you.
  • Always stop on the side of the slope, not the center.
  • Keep your group size small.
  • Look uphill before starting from a stationary position or when merging.
  • Don’t take blind jumps without a spotter.
  • Teach your children the "Rules of the Road."
  • Don’t leave the scene of an accident, wait for Patrol.

Slow Zone Awareness

Know the Slow Zones

Slow Zones

Certain areas (highlighted on the map below) are designated as SLOW ZONES. Please observe the posted slow zone areas by maintaining a speed no faster than the general flow of traffic. Fast and aggressive skiing and riding will not be tolerated.

Maps Page

Lift Safety

Be advised that you cannot board a lift unless you have sufficient physical dexterity, ability and knowledge to negotiate or to use the lift safely or until you have asked for and received information sufficient to enable you to load, ride and unload the lift safely. You may not use a lift or any ski trail when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Kids on chairlifts

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort stresses kids safety on chairlifts. For FAQs on chairlift safety for kids, click the button below.

More Info
Winch snow groomers

As a reminder to all guests of JHMR, please take extra caution when descending the mountain after 4 pm as mountain grooming begins shortly after the mountain close. Given the steep nature of JHMR, grooming machines use winch cables with anchor points to allow for perfect grooming on steep terrain. These cables can span across a mountain run, move dynamically, are difficult to see in low light, and can cause serious harm or death if skiers and riders come in contact with these cables.

To minimize the risk of injury or harm, please descend the mountain immediately at the daily 4 pm mountain close time and stay clear of all snowcat grooming activity at all times.

5 tips to stay safe on our lifts

Need Assistance? Ask the lift attendant for help. The smallest kids should load closest to the attendant.

1) Remove and Carry Packs. Packs tend to get stuck or can push your body weight to the front of the chair, so be sure to remove them and carry them on your lap. Also, do not use phones, music, or games while loading or unloading the chair.
2) It is OK to miss a chair. You can always catch the next one. Your safety is a priority.
3) When loading, watch for the approaching chair. Then sit to the back of the chair once seated!
4 ) Drop something? Let it fall! Any item dropped can be picked up later.
5) Absolutely no horseplay on the lifts! This needs no explanation. Skiing is all fun and games, but lift safety is of the utmost importance.

No uphill traffic allowed.

As written in JHMR’s special use permit with Bridger Teton National Forest, uphill travel is not permitted. Please reference the specific permit language below. 

"Ski trails and other ski area improvements are designed for use by downhill travel by guests utilizing alpine, telemark, skis, or snowboard equipment. These trails and improvements are constructed to be accessed via the resort’s ski lift system. Alternative use of trails and improvements are prohibited or restricted for safety considerations as listed below"

"Use of the Alpine ski trail system for alternative winter activities such as uphill access is restricted due to hazard and safety concerns. All users within the Special Use Permit are required to purchase a Season Pass or daily lift ticket for downhill activities only."

Tree Well Safety

SIS stands for Snow Immersion Suffocation. SIS incidents occur with deep snow or tree well immersions, in which a rider or skier falls into an area of deep, unconsolidated snow and becomes immobilized. The more the person struggles, the more entrapped in the snow they become, risking suffocation.
Learn More

• Always ski and ride with a partner. To minimize your risk, you must know how to travel safely with your partners in ungroomed deep snow areas.
• Always stay in visual contact so your partner(s) can see you if you fall. Visual contact means stopping and watching your partner descend at all times and proceeding downhill while he or she watches you at all times. It does no good if your partner is already waiting for you in the lift line while you are still descending the slope.

• Stay close enough to either pull or dig out. If you have any question about what "close enough" to assist someone in a tree well is, hold your breath while you are reading this. The amount of time before you need air may be how much time your partner has to pull or dig you out of danger. Other factors such as creating an air pocket or the position you fall in may affect this critical timeframe.
• Remember, don't lose visual contact with your partner, or you could lose your friend. It is important to know that most people who have died in deep snow or tree well accidents had been skiing or riding with partners at the time of their accidents. Unfortunately, none of these partners were in visual contact, so they were not able to help in time.

Backcountry Safety

Know Before You Go

Before you venture into the backcountry, you must recognize the risk involved. While we neither encourage nor discourage backcountry travel, we do advocate continual education and the practice of safe backcountry skills. This video is merely a primer for those interested in learning more about backcountry safety; it is not a substitute for thorough education, preparation and awareness. Your safety — and the safety of others — depends on knowledge and preparation.

https://vimeo.com/143089888

This video was produced by Apres Visuals in collaboration with Bridger Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, Teton County Search and Rescue and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

Learn More
Backcountry SOS App
Quickly and accurately provide your status and location to first-responders in a backcountry emergency.
Backcountry SOS App
Resources For Further Education

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort - Backcountry Guides
• Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Forecast Center - http://www.jhavalanche.org/
• American Avalanche Institue - http://www.americanavalancheinstitute.com/
• American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education - http://avtraining.org/
• Utah Avalanche Center - http://utahavalanchecenter.org/
• Colorado Avalanche Information Center - http://avalanche.state.co.us/index.php
• Sierra Avalanche Center - http://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/
• Northwest Weather and Avalance Center - http://www.nwac.us/
• Alaska Avalanche Information Center - http://alaskasnow.org/
• BCA Education - http://www.backcountryaccess.com/education

Helmet Use

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort encourages you to educate yourself on the benefits and limitations of helmets. If you choose to wear one, please ski or ride as if you are not wearing one. Every winter sport participant shares responsibility for his or her safety and for that of others using the ski area facilities.

Check www.lidsonkids.org for important helmet safety information complete with simple helmet sizing instructions to help ensure a proper fit. National Ski Areas Association will continue to add content to the site as it becomes available.

Freestyle Terrain Areas

Freestyle terrain areas are designated with an orange oval and may contain jumps, hits, 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 Freestyle 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 the risk.

Freestyle terrain has designations for relative size at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Each feature can be broken down into four zones. Identify these zones and have a plan before using any freestyle terrain, and keep the following safety tips in mind:

  1. Make a plan. Every time you use freestyle terrain, make a plan for each feature you want to use. Your speed, approach and takeoff will directly affect your maneuver and landing.
  2. Look before you leap. Always scope around the jumps first, not over them. Know your landings are clear, and clear yourself out of the landing area.
  3.  Easy style it. Start small and work your way up. (Inverted aerials are not recommended).
  4. Respect gets respect. Show everyone respect from the lift line through the park.

What to do if Involved in an Accident

Wyoming ski safety laws require individuals involved in skier/skier collisions to...
  1. Stop at the scene
  2. Render aid
  3. Provide their name, address, and identification
You should also report the accident to ski patrol.

How to Report an Accident

In the event of an emergency on the mountain, please call 307-739-2650.

If you are involved in an accident on the hill, the Skier Responsibility Code and state law requires you to stop and assist. Ensure that the emergency services are alerted. Depending on the circumstances and location of the accident, there are two ways to do this:

  1. Phone the ski patrol. There should be an emergency number on the resort map, or you may see it at the base station of the resort. Saving it on your mobile phone before you hit the slopes is a good idea. To contact ski patrol, please call 307.739.2650.

  2. Ask someone else to ski/board down to the nearest lift station where the lift attendant can be alerted, and they can contact the ski patrol.

The ski patrol will want to know three details:

  1. The exact location of the incident. Try to give as much information as possible. Many runs will have numbered lift towers nearby that are a great help. If you have a GPS, you can obviously give the exact coordinates.

  2. The nature of the accident. Relay what happened and list any potential hazards.

  3. The number of injured parties and an idea of the type of injuries (if possible). Let them know if children are involved. Finally, in particular, alert the ski patrol if there is someone who is unconscious, not breathing or who has head or spinal injuries.

Once the emergency services have been alerted (e.g., the ski patrol), prioritize the following:

  • Safety: consider yourself, the scene and the casualty (in that order)
  • Airway: control cervical spine, if necessary
  • Breathing: provide adequate ventilation
  • Circulation: control hemorrhage

Aerial Drone Policy

Out of safety concerns for guests, employees and resort property, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort prohibits the operation or use of unmanned aerial vehicles, or aerial drones, by the general public - including recreational users and hobbyists.
This prohibition includes drones for filming or videotaping, as well as any drone use by media or journalists operating above property owned or managed by Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. This prohibition on drone use extends to any drones launched or operated from resort property, as well as drones launched from private property outside of the resort boundaries.
Any violation of this policy may involve suspension of your skiing or snowboarding privileges, or the revocation of your season pass, as well as confiscation of any equipment. Violators will be liable for any damages, including but not limited to physical or personal injuries, property damage, damages for violations of privacy, regulatory fines and legal fees.