Safety & Policies

Overview

Common Sense, it’s one of the most important things to keep in mind and practice when on the slopes. The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) believes education, helmet use, respect, and common sense are very important when cruising down the mountain. NSAA developed Your Responsibility Code to help skiers and boarders be aware that there are elements of risk in snowsports that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce.

Keep an eye out for our helpful staff if you need assistance anywhere and anytime while at Whiteface.

To report an accident please call (518) 946-8111 or 811 from any mountain phone. (PLEASE DO NOT CALL 911)

SKI NY and its member ski areas created the Mountain Safety Guide to educate our guests on how to ski and snowboard responsibly while having a fun experience. Learning and practicing what is in this guide, using common sense, and making good decisions will contribute to your safety and the safety of all guests.

What to know

Know the Zone

Know the Zone is our Collision Prevention Campaign. Help us reduce guest collisions by knowing the zone. You will find Know the Zone signs at the base and top of every lift at Whiteface, Gore and Belleayre!

Always show courtesy and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing/snowboarding that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Know your ability level and stay within it. Observe the National Ski Areas Association’s Your Responsibility Code listed below to ensure a great day on the hill. 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 room. Know that skiers and riders can turn suddenly, so stay in control to obey the 15- foot zone.

BE READY – Slow down or be ready to slow down and avoid objects or other people. Be sure you can control yourself no matter the conditions.
STAY ALERT – Know who and what is around you, especially other skier and riders and be aware of changing conditions.
PLAN AHEAD – If you are unfamiliar with the terrain, don’t go full-bore. Take it easy, learn the run and make notes where you might want to slow down next.

Our Commitment to Safety

We provide guest education on how to ski and snowboard responsibly.
We offer ski and snowboard lessons from qualified instructors.
We staff a trained ski patrol to provide first aid, assess mountain safety, post warnings, close trails.
We conduct ongoing lift inspections and maintenance, work with regulatory agencies, and staff trained lift operations personnel to operate lifts.
We monitor weather and mountain conditions and modify operations when appropriate.
We provide trail difficulty rating symbols relative to a resort’s specific terrain.
We use required and industry-approved signage to help and educate guests.

Skiers responsibility code

Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
Do not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
Always use retention 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 have the knowledge and ability to load and unload safely.
Always brake your speed when entering a SLOW ZONE. Match your speed to the flow of traffic.

Caution – snowmobiles, snowcats and snowmaking may be encountered at any time

Users shall adhere to all closures, warning signs and ropes at all times as well as all rules and regulations set forth in the Skier’s Responsibility Code and Safety In Skiing Code Part 54 of Title 12 of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York (12 NYCRR Part 54). For the full NYS Skiers Responsibility Code, visit https://www.iskiny.com/explore-new-york/nys-ski-code.

Emergency Notifications

Emergency notices are posted at the base of every lift. Announcements will also be made over the public-address system. Always arrange a meeting place and time with the members of your group in case someone becomes separated.

Risk-Awareness Sessions

It is your responsibility to “Know the Code.” Risk-awareness sessions, where a safety person discusses the day’s conditions and hazards, are conducted by request. Stop at the Guest Services Desk for updates on the day’s conditions.

Mountain Operational Times

Whiteface is open for skiing and riding from 8:30 am until 4:00 pm. There is no Medical Services or Ski Patrol activity beyond these times. People using Whiteface Mountain outside of operational times are responsible for their own safety and rescue.

Approved Recreational Devices

• Only skis and snowboards with metal edges and retention devices are allowed on Whiteface Mountain ski trails.
• Sleds, Inner Tubes, snowmobiles, snow skates, snow bikes, and lunch trays are not allowed on Whiteface Mountain ski trails both during operational and non-operational hours.
• No uphill travel is permitted on Whiteface Mountain ski trails while the ski center is open for operation. (See Uphill Travel Policy for details)
• Whiteface forbids the use of drones on and over its property unless written permission from Management is given. (See Drone Policy for details)

Downhill Equipment Policy

The Olympic Regional Development Authority reviews our equipment policy periodically and this policy is in effect as of October 2018. You are responsible for obeying the New York State Safety in Skiing Code regardless of what equipment you use.

The lifts and trails are designed for use by guests on a wide variety of skiing and riding equipment incorporating an array of different binding systems. While within ski area boundaries, each guest shall have a device on their skiing and riding equipment that is capable of restraining or stopping it in the event it becomes detached from the user. The Whiteface Mountain Safety Patrol retains the right to prohibit any type of equipment at their discretion.

Whiteface Mountain prohibits skiing or snowboarding while carrying a child in a backpack or other suspension device.

Allowed without restrictions on all areas:

• Skis
• Snowboards
• Telemark
• Carving boards
• Alpine touring equipment
• Monoski (disabled)
• Biskis (disabled)

*Please note: Metal edges are required for all of the equipment listed above

Prohibited:

• Children in backpacks or other carrying devices
• Airboards
• Snow skates
• Snow scooters
• Swissbobs
• Ski boards
• Snowbikes
• Bike boards
• Sleds or snow toys of any type

Animal policy

In accordance with the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act and NYS Human Rights Law, ORDA welcomes service animals and service animals in training who have been trained to assist a person with a disability, to assure access by individuals with disabilities to the ORDA venues, programs, activities, services, and events that are open to members of the public. No other animals will be permitted.

Here to Help

How to Report an Accident

Any mountain employee can help you. Look for Ski Patrol in the red jackets or Mountain Hosts in the orange jackets. If you are hurt or know of someone else who is, these folks are there to help.
Stop at the top or bottom of any lift. The lift personnel can help you.
Call (518) 946-8111 or 811 from any mountain phone. (PLEASE DO NOT CALL 911)

*MOST IMPORTANTLY: Please know the name of the trail the injured person is on. This saves time in getting help to them

Ski Patrol & First Aid Stations

The main Medical Services Area (MSA) is located in the Main Level of the Base Lodge. Ski Patrol stations are located at the tops of Little Whiteface, Summit Quad, and Lookout Triple; the base of the Summit Quad (on skier’s left); and at Bear Den Lodge during holiday periods.

Interested in joining the Patrol team that covers the greatest vertical east of the Rockies?  We are looking for advanced skiers and riders with a passion for snowsports and an interest in wilderness first aid.

Ski Patrollers hold a critical role in keeping the mountain safe. Patrol is responsible for reporting and rectifying safety hazards, responding to emergencies, inspecting lifts and trails for potential safety issues, assisting in evacuations, participating in search and rescue operations, and providing general assistance to guests and staff.

Ski Patrollers at Whiteface work for approximately four months each year, from early December to late March. Whiteface is looking for Full-time and Volunteer Patrollers.

Mountain Hosts

Mountain Hosts are here to provide excellent customer service to our valued guests from the beginning of their day through the end. When you arrive at Whiteface, our Hosts will guide you through our designated unloading lanes, assist you unloading your equipment, and get you on your way to enjoying your day at Whiteface as quickly as possible. Hosts lead our very popular First Tracks program on weekends and over holiday periods. Hosts are also stationed at the top of several lifts to answer any questions you may have about trail conditions and ability ratings and are available for guided tours of our mountain upon request at the Customer Service desk. Never be shy about requesting this service, we love to do it!

The Mountain Host supports our Ski Patrol in speed control throughout the ski area to ensure that all of our customers are enjoying themselves in a safe and responsible manner. Hosts are on the mountain to assist you in any way you need—whether it’s to help you get your skis back on after a fall, get trail directions, or just to recommend one of our many great places to have lunch on the mountain. At the end of the day, we will help you through our designated loading lanes and get you on your way home or to your hotel after a great day of skiing or riding at Whiteface!

NYS General Obligations Law Article 18 states, “All persons using a ski trail or slope at a New York State ski area are considered to be skiers.”

Purpose

To promote safety in skiing and riding by maintaining a reasonable amount of control over the conduct and behavior of skiers and riders on the mountain.
To comply with all aspects of NYS General Obligations Law Article 18 Safety in Skiing Code.

Definition of Reckless Skiing & Riding

The skier/rider who is skiing/riding in a manner that is beyond their ability to control their actions.
Any person involved in activities that may result in personal injury to themselves or to others.
Any person who fails to abide by the New York State Safety in Skiing Code (found at General Obligations Law Article 18) particularly that section entitled “Duties of Skiers” General Obligations Law 18-105. Copies are available at Ticket Booth.

Reckless Skier Program

I. MISSION AND PURPOSE

The mission of the ORDA Reckless Skier Program is to promote skiing and snowboarding safety awareness, and education for employees and guests. The purpose is to educate employees and guests about the National Ski Area Association’s (NSAA) Your Responsibility Code (the Code) and safe skiing practices, enforce proper mountain etiquette, and attempt to reduce fast and reckless skiing/snowboarding.

The ORDA Mountain Safety Program is led at each ORDA venue by a team of ski patrol staff, department supervisors, and mountain managers. Using the Code as a guide, and employing the list of approaches below, each team is expected to:

• Monitor skiing and snowboarding on each mountain, especially in congested areas;

• Explain to offending individuals why their actions are endangering themselves and others;

• Offer suggestions about more appropriate behavior;

• Issue warnings;

• Depending on a guest’s attitude and the seriousness of an infraction, revoke lift privileges.

This guidance document is intended to explain the Code and how it is implemented at ORDA venues, ORDA expectations for guest interaction and intervention, and the types of infractions and levels of discipline that may be imposed for failing to adhere to the Code and the ORDA policies that are designed to assure public safety.

Skiing & riding with Kids

Lids on Kids

NSAA promotes the use of helmets on the slopes. We urge skiers and riders to wear a helmet – but to ski or ride as if they are not wearing a helmet. NSAA views skiing and snowboarding in a controlled and responsible manner – not helmets only – as the primary safety consideration for all skiers and boarders. A skier’s behavior has as much or more to do with the safety of the sport as does any piece of equipment.

Drone Policy

For Whiteface Ski Area and Veterans’ Memorial Highway

Due to safety and privacy concerns, Whiteface prohibits the operation or use on or above Resort property of unmanned aerial systems, or drones, by the general public—including model aircraft by recreational users and hobbyists—without the prior written authorization from Whiteface. This prohibition includes drones used for filming or videotaping, as well as any drone use by media or journalists operating above or within the area boundaries. This prohibition extends to any devices launched or operated from Resort property, as well as any launched from private property outside of the Resort boundaries. Please contact Whiteface’s General Manager if you seek prior authorization to operate any such devices. Any authorized operation of drones on or above Resort property will be governed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations, local law enforcement, as well as those policies separately established by this Resort, which may include certification, training, insurance coverage, indemnification requirements, and waivers or releases of liability. Any violation of this policy may involve suspension of your access privileges to the Resort, or the revocation of your season pass, as well as confiscation of any prohibited equipment, and may subject violators to any liability for damages, including, but not limited to, damages for trespass, violations of privacy, and physical injuries to persons and/or property, as well as legal fees.

Be A Patroller

Ski Patrollers hold a critical role in keeping the mountain safe. Patrol is responsible for reporting and rectifying safety hazards, responding to emergencies, inspecting lifts and trails for potential safety issues, assisting in evacuations, participating in search and rescue operations, and providing general assistance to guests and staff. Ski Patrollers at Whiteface work for approximately four months each year, from early December to late March. Whiteface Mountain is not currently accepting applications for patrollers for the 2023/24 season. Any future employment options for patrol will be listed on our employment page.

Summer and Fall Safety

General Reminders

For emergency help, call (518) 946-8111 during our operating hours. Call 911 outside these hours.

Stay on designated trails.

Hikers always have right of way.

Maintenance vehicles and/or heavy construction equipment are in operation on the mountain at all times. Remain aware of your surroundings and obey all posted warnings.

Do you have allergies or illness? Remember your medications.

Ticks are prevalent across the Adirondacks. It’s important to check your skin and clothing after spending any time outdoors. Insect repellent and clothing such as long sleeves and long pants can help in preventing tick bites.