HAVING FUN SAFELY MATTERS HERE AT AB!
Here’s a great website to check out for all sorts of winter-related safety topics!
NATIONAL SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION // YOUR RESPONSIBILITY CODE (2022)
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 area employee.
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.
OUR TERRAIN AREA
The terrain here at Antelope Butte presents everything from groomed slopes to natural
features and dangerous cliffs and drops, and our weather is equally 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 a serious injury or
death. Please protect yourself by obeying all trail signs and markers.
Warning: Risk of Avalanche
While there are few avalanche-conducive areas here at Antelope Butte, and 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, mountainous terrain. Become educated on how to reduce the
risk of injury or death from avalanches through your own actions and awareness.
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.
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.
TREE WELL SAFETY / Snow Immersion Suffocation
Here’s a great website for information on SIS (Snow Immersion Suffocation)
SIS stands for Snow Immersion Suffocation, and it is the second-leading cause of
ski related deaths in the Western United States. 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.
• 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 for continued education, the practice of safe backcountry skills, and the use of a
beacon, a probe, a shovel, and a partner. Your safety — and the safety of others — depends on knowledge and preparation.
KNOW THE SLOW ZONES
Certain areas (as highlighted on our trail map) 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.
HELMET USE
Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area encourages you to educate yourself on the
benefits and limitations of helmets. If you choose to wear one, then 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.
TERRAIN PARKS & FREESTYLE TERRAIN AREAS
Here’s a great website to check out!
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 Antelope Butte. 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 YOU’RE 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 307-529-1052.
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 us at 307-529-1052. Saving our number on your mobile phone before you hit
the slopes is a good idea. However, reception may be limited, so please also.;
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
DRONE / Unmanned Aerial Vehicle USE
Out of safety concerns for guests, employees and resort property, Antelope Butte
Mountain Recreation Area 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.
UPHILL POLICY / SKINNING
We are open to the paying public from 9 AM - 4 PM on Wednesday through Sunday, and daily
during holiday periods. Complimentary uphill access to (the area within our ski area boundary)
including skinning, carrying skis and snowboards, snowshoeing (and/or any other personally
and non-powered method of conveyance) will be limited to non-operating hours or days on our
specifically designated route. There will be no charge for uphill travel that complies with these
policies. Outside of our ski area boundary… you’re on your own.
All uphill users utilizing the ski area’s (boundary footprint) must begin to return to the base
no later than 15 minutes prior to opening of the first lift of the day. To be clear - if you’re within our ski area boundary you must be
back at the base area by 9 AM when we open for the paying public. Dogs who are under
vocal control or on a lead at all times will be allowed to accompany uphill skiers, riders or snowshoers
within the time allotted for uphill traffic only. Ski Patrol and resort employees will enforce
these restrictions.
Once we open the ski area for the paying public, all dogs within the ski area boundary or accompanying areas must be on a lead and
must be returned to (your vehicle and/or the parking lot). There are no dogs allowed in the lodge, on the trails, or in the base area while
we are in operation… and PLEASE clean up after your dog at all times… we hate seeing our beautiful white snow surfaces soiled… thank
you!
IN BOUNDS / OUT OF BOUNDS
All specified trail / tree-skiing area closures within the ski area boundary are considered legal
closures. The ski area and the County Sheriff's office will work together to enforce closures
within the ski area boundary. Trail and tree area closures may be marked with the international
”Closed” sign and/or ropes. Trails and tree areas that have not opened for the season are
considered closed.
“Final Exam” section (East Side)… most of this area is considered “in bounds,” but features limited patrol throughout the day and is
lightly swept and closed at 3 PM on days it’s open and accessible. Cell / WiFi coverage is very limited at best. We strongly advise
that you tackle this challenge only if you’re well-prepared and highly skilled, and that you never
undertake this challenge alone. We recommend the use of a beacon, a shovel, a probe, and a partner, and we
encourage you to be well-versed in avalanche preparedness and tree well / Snow Immersion Suffocation protocols. The lowest area of
this terrain (below the cutback) is considered out of bounds and will feature no services or patrolling.
“West Side” section (toward State Route 14)… most of this area is considered “in bounds,” but features limited patrol throughout the day
and is lightly swept and closed at 3 PM on days it’s open and accessible. Cell / WiFi coverage is very limited at best. We
strongly advise that you tackle this challenge only if you’re well-prepared and highly skilled, and that you never undertake this challenge
alone. We recommend the use of a beacon, a shovel, a probe, and a partner, and we encourage you to be well-versed in avalanche
preparedness and tree well / Snow Immersion Suffocation protocols. The lowest area of
this terrain (below the cutback) is considered out of bounds and will feature no services or patrolling.
Accessing the area beyond our marked boundary… (ex. hiking to the true Antelope Butte summit at 9,850’) is done at
your own risk, and the area is not patrolled or serviced, and cell / WiFi coverage is very limited at best. We
strongly advise that you tackle this challenge only if you’re well-prepared and highly skilled, and
that you never undertake this challenge alone. We strongly advise that you tackle this challenge only if you’re well-prepared and highly
skilled, and that you never undertake this challenge alone. We recommend the use of a beacon, a shovel, a probe, and a partner, and we
encourage you to be well-versed in avalanche preparedness and tree well / Snow Immersion Suffocation protocols.