>your responsibility code

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY CODE

1. Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
2. People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
4. Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
5. Always use devices to help prevent run away equipment.
6. Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
7. Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride, and unload safely.

OKEMO'S HELMET POLICY

Okemo recommends helmets as a consideration for skiing and boarding participants and parents. We encourage parents and others to educate themselves about the benefits and limitations of helmets. Okemo supports individual and parental rights to choose to wear a helmet or not. And Okemo promotes responsible skiing and snowboarding behavior as the key to long term slope safety. Follow Your Responsibility Code. Helmets can be rented from our Okemo Rental Shops or purchased at our Snow Sports Center locations throughout the mountain. For more information on helmets, visit the NSAA web site http://www.lidsonkids.org/.

SKI PATROL & FIRST AID

Strategically positioned in seven locations around the mountain, Ski Patrol and First Aid services are never far away. If you are in need of assistance, you can proceed to the nearest Patrol House, or stop by any lift and the attendant will be happy to contact the patrol. Call via cellular phone at (802) 228-1496 daily from 8 am to 4 pm.

PARK SAFETY

All of Okemo's parks & pipes are open to both skiers and snowboarders. Trail ratings do not apply and are not rated as to their degree of difficulty. Riders should familiarize themselves with the terrain and be aware that features may change due to grooming, weather and usage. Make sure landing areas are clear before using features. Never jump blindly - use a spotter when necessary. Use of features can be dangerous - you assume all risks of injury. Inverted aerial somersaulting maneuvers are strictly prohibited.

SKI & SNOWBOARD SAFETY - USE COURTESY & COMMON SENSE

Skiing and snowboarding are sports that challenge the human spirit and require you to remain alert and use your common sense. Ski and snowboard in control, with caution and consideration for others. Be aware of changing conditions. Natural and man-made obstacles exist within the ski area, and are inherent risks in skiing and snowboarding.

Snowmobiles and other snow grooming equipment may be present on the mountain at any time. Respect closed trails and area boundary signs. These areas are closed for your protection. Be advised that while marking devices, warning devices and equipment covers are used to inform you of potential hazards, they do not guarantee your safety and will not protect you from injury. SLOW SKIING areas have been designed for beginner and congested areas. Slow down and go with the flow in these areas. We reserve the right to revoke your ticket for reckless or out-of-control skiing and snowboarding, or failure to observe rules and regulations.

In addition to Your Responsibility Code, the following tips can help reduce your risk and make for a more enjoyable experience:

o Ski and ride only in areas compatible with your ability.
o Do not take friends down slopes that are beyond their abilities.
o After falling on the slopes or lift ramp, move away quickly to avoid becoming an obstacle to others.
o When resting on a trail, move to one side to avoid blocking others.
o Look ahead and to either side of you and be prepared to stop at any time.
o Ski or ride with a buddy, especially in places where you could need help, such as in trees or deep powder.
o Ski and ride defensively. Expect the unexpected.

KIDS' SAFETY TIPS

o Make sure your child has your name and phone number of your hotel/condo written down on a piece of paper in a zipped pocket.
o Show your child what a ski patroller looks like and tell them to find one of them if they get lost.
o It is a good idea to decide which lift you will ski next so if you get separated you can meet there first.
o For a backup plan, choose a place to meet in case you are separated from each other, for example, at the mid-mountain Sugar House Lodge.

TOP 10 THINGS YOU DON’T WANT TO DO ON A BUSY DAY...

Here’s some helpful hints from someone who’s a frequent visitor to Okemo for nearly 15 years. Okemo does have some busy days (like today), but the trail layout and the lift system are designed to handle it. Pay attention and a busy day can be just as fun and rewarding as any other.

1. DON'T plan to arrive at the mountain between 9 and 10 AM on a Saturday, Sunday or during a holiday week. Try to come early, even if one person from the family or group becomes the organizer to buy lift tickets, and escort the family through the rental shop.

2. DON'T start your day without a plan. You’ll make the most of your day on Okemo if everyone has some idea of what’s happening when, who’s skiing with whom, where everyone’s meeting for lunch, etc.

3. DON'T ski like you own the mountain. You may be very familiar with the terrain and the flow of Okemo, but others may be visiting for the first time. Think about your first visit here, or to another mountain… it can be a little unnerving until you figure out a ski resort’s unique code. Help out the first time visitor. Share a little insider knowledge with them and above all, be patient!

4. DON'T wait until morning to get your rental gear. The Okemo Express Rental Shop is open with very convenient hours. You can rent skis/snowboards for the next day beginning at 3:00 PM. The Shop is also open until 10:00 PM on Friday nights through February. Most ski/snowboard rental shops in Ludlow and throughout the Okemo Valley have nighttime hours too.

5. DON'T ski the main lifts all the time. Okemo’s lift system is designed to balance skier/rider flow with fixed-grip lifts in between hi-speed lifts. For example, on a holiday it might be more efficient for you to ride the F-10 Carpet to the Sachem Quad to the Glades Peak Quad to access Okemo’s summit. While these lifts might run more slowly, you’ll be accessing trails with less-traffic.

6. DON'T zone out. Pay attention and anticipate when trail traffic is busy. Don’t assume the skier or snowboarder near you knows you’re there. Ski or ride conservatively, almost defensively as if you are invisible.

7. DON'T forget to use a Trail Map. This helpful guide can be a tremendous resource in planning alternate routes, scheduling family meeting places, or deciding where to have lunch. And Okemo sure has enough great places to eat!

8. DON'T forget to visit Okemo.com before your visit and keep regular tabs on the snow report and Steals & Deals so you maximize your enjoyment and the value of your stay.

9. DON'T venture into Okemo’s parks or The Ross Powers Superpipe unless you are experienced enough to be in there. (If you are not, you should take a parks & pipes lesson.) Don’t stop in the landing area of park features. You will not be visible from above to the skiers or riders on course and you could be responsible for a collision. Head’s up!

10. DON'T assume anything… don’t assume others on the same trail can avoid you. In fact ski or ride as if you are the only one on that trail who’s in control. Take this approach, ski/ride defensively, use your head, and ski smart!

Take it easy. Know The Code... Be Safe!