Safety & Conduct

Know the Code

Snowsports offer us a great way to enjoy winter and all it has to offer. There are certain inherent risks with snow sports and our goal is to provide guests with a safe and enjoyable mountain experience. Safety starts with you: proper preparation, common sense, and personal awareness can help you reduce your risk on the slopes and ensure that we all have an exceptional winter experience.

The Skier & Rider’s Responsibility Code is the foundation of ski area safety. Know the Code:

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.

Your knowledge, decisions and actions contribute to your safety and of the safety of others. If you need help understanding the Code, please ask any ski area employee.

Published by the National Ski Areas Association.

LOOK: Look behind for chair coming into the load area.
LOAD: Remove ski pole straps from wrist and hold them in one hand, freeing the other, and sit on the chair.
LOWER: Lower the bar promptly. The bar should remain down until indicated at the top of the lift.
LIFT: Raise the bar once indicated to do so by the signs at the top of the lift.
STAND: Once at the unload ramp, stand and unload safely.
LEAVE: Clear the ramp area quickly to alleviate congestion around the unload ramp.

Special considerations for children:

• A small child (defined as a child shorter than 51" to the top of their helmet) may be assisted by the lift operator unless instructed differently by their parent or guardian.
• Children should sit on the outside next to the armrest for added security.
• Remind children to sit against the backrest.

Our qualified lift staff can assist with loading small children and guests of any age. Don't hesitate to ask for lift assistance, if needed.

Watch these Lift Safety videos for tips on how to load, ride, and unload a chairlift.

How to Ride a Ski Lift
How to Load a Chairlift
How to Ride a Chairlift
How to Unload a Chairlift

Or learn more about lift safety on the National Ski Areas Association website.

For all community guidelines, visit our Health and Safety page.

Tips for Prior to Hitting the Slope

• Obtain proper equipment: Be sure to have your ski or snowboard bindings adjusted correctly at a local ski shop. You can rent good ski or snowboarding equipment at resorts.
• When buying skiwear: Look for fabric that is water and wind-resistant. Look for wind flaps to shield zippers, snug cuffs at wrists and ankles, collars that can be snuggled up to the chin and drawstrings that can be adjusted for comfort and keep wind out. Be sure to buy quality clothing and products.
• Dress in layers: Layering allows you to accommodate your body's constantly changing temperature. For example, dress in polypropylene underwear (top and bottoms), which feels good next to the skin, dries quickly, absorbs sweat and keeps you warm. Wear a turtleneck, sweater and jacket.
• Be prepared: Mother Nature has a mind of her own. Bring a headband or hat with you to the slopes, 60 percent of heat-loss is through the head. Wear gloves or mittens (mittens are usually better for those susceptible to cold hands).
• Wear sun protection: The sun reflects off the snow and is stronger than you think, even on cloudy days!
• Always wear eye protection: Have sunglasses and goggles with you. Skiing and snowboarding are a lot more fun when you can see.

Tips for while on the Slopes

• Take a lesson: Like anything, you'll improve the most when you receive some guidance. The best way to become a good skier or snowboarder is to take a lesson from a qualified instructor.
• ALWAYS SKI OR RIDE WITH A BUDDY: When skiing or riding in deep powder, it is often difficult to get up after a fall. It is especially difficult for snowboarders as their board can anchor them down. Ski Patrol states that it is imperative for skiers and snowboarders to use the buddy system in these conditions. Always arrange a meeting place when you get off a chair, such as the bottom of a chairlift, in case you do get separated. Ensure that the meeting place is close by in case your buddy needs help. If your buddy does not turn up, either search for them immediately or ask a Mammoth Mountain employee to assist you.
• Warm-up: The all-important warm-up run prepares you mentally and physically for the day ahead.
• The key to successful skiing/snowboarding is control: To have it, you must be aware of your technique, the terrain and the skiers and snowboarders around you. Be aware of the snow conditions and how they can change. As conditions turn firm, the skiing gets hard and fast. Begin a run slowly. Skiing and snowboarding require a mental and physical presence.
• If you find yourself on a slope that exceeds your ability level: Always leave your skis on and side step down the slope. Snowboarders should keep their board on and sit low to the ground, using their edge to slow their sliding. In soft conditions snowboarders may take off their snowboard, have the leash around his/her wrist to prevent a runaway board, and walk down the hill.
• Drink plenty of water: Be careful not to become dehydrated.
• Curb alcohol consumption: Skiing and snowboarding do not mix well with alcohol or drugs.
• Know your limits: Learn to ski and snowboard smoothly—and in control. Stop before you become fatigued and, most of all have fun.
• If you’re tired: Stop skiing. In this day and age of multi-passenger gondolas and high-speed chairlifts, you can get a lot more time on the slopes compared to the days of the past when guests were limited to fixed grip chairlifts.
• Your Responsibility Code: Always follow the seven safety rules of the slopes laid out in the Responsibility Code above.

The base of Big Bear Mountain Resort is 7,000 feet above sea level. Visitors may experience some minor side effects due to high elevation.

• Altitude Adjustment
  
• Avoiding Sunburns
  
• Keeping WarmEat Lightly and Drink Plenty of Liquids
  
• Protect Your Eyes from High Altitude Sun and Wind
  
• Listening to Your Body

Altitude Adjustment


When you first arrive, acclimatize yourself for a period of time prior to beginning strenuous activities. At high elevations, the atmosphere is thinner and there is less oxygen and less humidity available to you than at sea level. This can result in a number of symptoms such as muscle fatigue, insomnia, mild headaches or slight shortness of breath.

Avoid Sunburn


Our thin atmosphere filters out only a minimum of the sun’s ultraviolet (“UV”) rays and can result in severe sunburn. So be sure to take adequate precautions to protect your eyes and skin. During high-exposure activities such as spring skiing, those with fair skin may experience sunburn after only two hours of sun exposure, even after applying maximum sunscreen protection. Parents should be especially careful with young children, and apply a generous amount of sunscreen prior to any outdoor activities.

Keep Warm


At this elevation, the weather can change quickly. Winter or summer prolonged exposure to the elements can cause serious problems. Children are not always aware that they are becoming too cold. Parents should watch for red noses and red ears. If this occurs, bring the child in from the cold, remove wet clothes and warm the child and affected areas immediately. Take frequent breaks from the cold or heat. It is wise to layer your clothes, no matter what the season. A t-shirt, wool sweater, nylon windbreaker with hood and a bottle of water are basics for just about any summer activity.

Eat Lightly and Drink Plenty of Liquids


You may tend to become dehydrated more quickly at high altitude than at sea level, so drink plenty of water and other fluids (8-10 glasses daily). You should also avoid drinking alcoholic beverages for the first 24 hours of your stay.

Protect Your Eyes from High Altitude Sun & Wind


It is important to use proper UV protection for your eyes. The surface of the dirt or water can act as a reflector of UV rays and can generate a great deal of UV exposure to the eyes. Equip yourself and your children with UV sunglasses or goggles. Failure to wear proper eye protection can result in an actual burn of the eye’s surface– a painful condition requiring medical treatment. Wind and blowing dust can wreak havoc on sensitive eyes so make sure to have protection even when the weather seems calm.

Listen to Your Body


If you experience symptoms such as headache, insomnia and/or fatigue, you may have a mild form of “altitude sickness.” These symptoms are a warning to decrease your activity level. If symptoms persist or begin to worry you, don’t hesitate to come to the Emergency Department.

To ensure you have a safe and fun day on the slopes, remember these tips to protect you from the sun and its radiation.

• Wear pants, long sleeves, and gloves even on warm days.
  
• Put on a hat or helmet that covers your ears.
  
• Wear 100% UV protection goggles or sunglasses.
  
• Apply generous amounts of SPF 30+ sunscreen on exposed skin every two hours.
  
• It’s not the heat of the sun that causes skin damage but radiation from the sun.

What to look for in sunblock:

SPF 30 or higher

Broad Spectrum

Zinc Oxide, titanium dioxide or both

Eye Protection


Eye health is important for everyone. Skiers and snowboarders spend long hours on the snow which can increase your risk of eye health issues. Fortunately, wearing good quality sunglasses and goggles, that offer UV-protection are a great way to significantly reduce these risks.

Big Bear Mountain Resort provides guidelines on proper types of snow sliding equipment allowed on the terrain while keeping an open mind toward promoting the growth of our sport. Bear Mountain and Snow Summit only allows equipment that is manufactured for sliding on machine manicured and groomed snow. This equipment must have metal edges for stopping on a hard snow surface, as well as a retention device, such as a leash or ski brakes. Such equipment will usually fall into one/more of the following categories:

• Skis/Snowboards
• Snow Skates
• Snow Blades/Sled Dogs
• Mono Boards
• Common Adaptive Ski Equipment - Sit-Ski structures in which the skier sits with metal edges attached underneath for control and maneuverability, skiing equipment consisting of a body support structure mountain over one ski (Mono-Ski) or two skis (Bi-Ski) that articulate when the device leans side-to-side.

Due to current operational standards of chairlifts, Snow Skates are only allowed on high-speed detachable lifts and require a retention device connected to the user at all times. While loading the lift, a snow skate user is a foot passenger. As a foot passenger, a snow skate user, is required to load at a reduced operating speed. The following table shows speeds required for foot passenger loading and unloading:

Device	Allowed?	Restrictions
Skis	Yes	Must have metal edges
Sit Skis	Yes	Mono-skies, bi-skies, and outriggers
Telemark Skis	Yes
Snowboards	Yes	Must have metal edges
Mono Skis	Yes
Snowblades	Yes	Must have metal edges
Ski Bikes	No
Ski Trikes	No
Snow Skates	Yes	Only on chair 1 at Snow Valley, chair 1 & 2 at Snow Summit and 6 & 9 at Bear Mountain; Must have metal edges and a leash or other retention device
SledDogs	Yes
Snow Shoes	No
Fat Bikes	No
Snow Bikes	No
Plastic Skis/Snowboards	No
Snow Mobiles/Dog Sleds	No

Snow bikes, snow scooters, and 3rd party/personal sleds are not permitted on lifts or trails.

Device	Allowed?	Restrictions
Mountain Bikes	Yes	Required to have a minimum of one working hand brake; Suspension and two hand brakes recommended
BMX Bikes/20” Wheel Bikes	Yes	Not recommended; Required to have a minimum of one working hand brake; Suspension and two hand brakes recommended
Adaptive Equipment	Yes	Adaptive Hand Cycles must be built for mountain biking; Required to have a minimum of one working hand brake; Suspension and two hand brakes recommended
Fat Bikes	Yes	Bike tires must be able to fit in bike carrier to utilize chairlifts - restricted to 3.0” tire width
Balance Bikes	Yes	Only allowed at base and pump track; No training wheels allowed
Road Bike	No	Not allowed in Summit Bike Park; Bike should be built for mountain biking and have treaded tires (not slicks)
eBikes	Yes	Class 1 pedal-assist electric mountain bikes only

Terrain parks offer a set of challenges and risks that may not be present on other parts of the mountain. Terrain parks are designated with an orange oval and features will differ between resorts but may contain jumps, take-offs, ramps, banks, fun boxes, jibs, rails, half-pipes, quarter-pipes, snowcross, bump terrain, and other constructed or natural terrain features. Before using terrain parks, it is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the terrain and obey all instructions, warnings, and signs.

Be Park SMART:

- Start small and work your way up. Build your skills.
- Make a plan for every feature, every time.
- Always look before you drop.
- Respect the features and other users.
- Take it easy and know your limits.

Learn more about Park SMART by visiting NSAA: https://nsaa.org/terrainparksafety/

Freestyle Terrain areas are designated with an orange oval and may contain jumps, take-offs, ramps, and other constructed or natural terrain features.

Prior to using Freestyle Terrain, you are responsible for familiarizing yourself with the 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 all risk.

Start Small

Work your way up. Build your skills.

If you are just getting into the park for the first time, or first time that day, start with small features and work your way up. If you aren’t sure about how to use a feature, build your skills first.

When starting out, look for small progression parks and features and then work your way up to medium or large parks and features. Freestyle Terrain comes in different sizes so make sure and start small and work your way up before going into larger parks.

Make a Plan

Every Feature. Every Time.

Every time you use freestyle terrain have a plan for each feature you are going to use.

Remember, your speed, approach and take-off will directly affect your maneuver and landing.

ATML

When first inspecting the jumps consider the following elements of each jump:

(A) The approach zone is for setting your speed and stance
(T) The Take-off zone is for making moves that start your trick
(M) The Maneuver zone is for controlling your style
(L) The Landing Zone is for getting straight and riding away clean.

Always Look

• Before you drop. Before getting into freestyle terrain observe all signage and warnings.
  
• Use your first run as a warm run and to familiarize yourself with the park layout and features
  
• Remember that the features change constantly due to weather, usage and time of day so it is important to continue to inspect features throughout the day.

Respect

• The features and other users.
  
• One person on a feature at a time.
  
• Wait your turn and call your drop-in.
  
• Always clear the landing area quickly.
  
• Respect all signs and stay off closed features.
  
• Remember that respect is important both in the park, and on the rest of the resort. So be smart when you are heading down the mountain or to the lift and save your best tricks for the park.

Take it Easy

Know Your Limits. Land on Your Feet.

• Ride within your ability and consider taking a lesson if you want to build your knowledge, skills, and bag of tricks.
  
• Stay in control both on the ground and in the air.
  
• Remember you can control how big or small you take the feature by varying speed and take off.
  
• Inverted aerials increase the chance of serious injury and are not recommended.

WARNING:

Snowboarding, skiing, and other snow related activities contain numerous inherent risks that may result in personal injury, death, or property damage. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY.

All guests at Big Bear Mountain Resort must follow resort rules and "Your Responsibility Code."

USER ASSUMES ALL RISKS INHERENT IN THE SPORT. This Pass may be suspended or revoked without refund for failure to comply with rules, misconduct, nuisance, reckless behavior, or fraudulent use. This Pass is non-transferable. Holder is bound by all BBMR rules, the Release of Liability and Indemnity Agreement, and the Conditions of Use.

• Ducking a roped closure for avalanche danger and/or other hazards. Mandatory 2 strikes plus 10 day suspension for pass holders and/or referral to law enforcement for prosecution under California Penal Code section 602r.
• Out of control skiing or snowboarding, or the inability to stop or avoid other people or objects. This constitutes a violation of the Responsibility Code (Please see “Your Responsibility Code” tab on this page.)
• Reckless and irresponsible skiing or snowboarding including knowing or blatant disregard for the safety of others, and/or showing a lack of concern for the consequences of one’s own actions.
• Malicious, sudden stops that intentionally result in snow spraying other guests.
• Excessive speed in slow zones, congested areas, and at the base of all lifts. The speed expected is relevant to how many people are on the run, the conditions such as visibility, and/or snow surface quality. As a general rule, your speed should match that of the flow of traffic. You should always brake your speed when entering a slow zone, congested area, or a lift base area.
• Jumping terrain barriers, slow fences and/or ducking of intersection flagging.
• Improper or unsafe trail merging.
• Failure to use a retention device. Although we don’t require or check to ensure that each skier/snowboarder has a retention device, you are responsible for a run-way ski or snowboard.
• Leaving an accident scene if involved in a collision, except to notify authorities or obtain assistance, is illegal and constitutes a violation of our policies, and may result in referral to law enforcement for prosecution under California Penal Code section 653i.

Penal Code Violations


The following are examples of conduct which are illegal under California law and/or are in violation of our Guest Standards. Engaging in any of these forms of conduct may result in disciplinary action under our “Three Strikes” program, and may additionally be the basis of a referral to law enforcement for prosecution.

• Vandalism: Tagging, graffiti, defacing resort property (PC594)
• Theft of resort or individual’s property
• Fighting (PC415)
• Drugs
• Verbal or physical assault involving another guest or employee
• Jibbing and, or bonking resort property outside of terrain parks
• Public nudity or indecency
• Hit and run skiing or riding (PC653)
• Skiing/riding in a closed area or closed avalanche area (PC602r)
• Malicious throwing of snowballs or other items resulting in bodily harm or property damage

Off-Hill Conduct

• The list of personal conduct standards below is not exhaustive, but they are the most prevalent behaviors that generate guest complaints and dissatisfaction.
• Please avoid using profanity around others, in particular around families.
• We are now a tobacco free facility. Smoking is only allowed in our parking lots.
• Please focus on loading procedures when in the maze and loading areas. Guests who exhibit impairment of motor skills from alcohol or other substances will not be allowed to board lifts. This is for their safety and the safety of others. Alcohol consumption by guests is NOT permitted in lift lines.
• Please respect other guests and do not cut/duck into full lift lines/crowded mazes or in front of others.
• Please refrain from throwing snowballs or other items at individuals or property. In instances where bodily harm or property damage occurs from malicious throwing of snowballs, the guest may also be referred to law enforcement.
• Please do not litter on BBMR property or Forest Service land.

We use a severity and escalation approach. Violations with mild severity will most likely result in education and a warning. More severe violations will result in a ticket/pass punch. Relatively minor violations where the guest’s response escalates the situation may result in higher consequences. We track guests who receive multiple violations in order to educate and hold each person accountable.

• 1st Violation/Strike: The guest is usually allowed continued privileges depending on their attitude and the nature of the violation.
• 2nd Violation/Strike: Ticket holders will generally have their access revoked for the rest of the day without refund, and will be issued a minimum 24 hour suspension from further skiing or riding. Daily guests may be suspended for 10 days or more depending on their attitude and the nature of the violation.  Pass holders will generally have their pass suspended for a minimum of 24 hours, but may be suspended for 10 days or more depending on their attitude and the nature of the violation.
• 3rd Violation/Strike: Passholders and daily ticket purchasers will be suspended indefinitely.  Management will reevaluate eligibility for future ticket and pass purchases anytime a guest receives a third warning/strike in one season.

BBMR strictly prohibits the unauthorized use of drones and all other small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) on its property. This prohibition includes but is not limited to, Aircraft launched off-site that travels anywhere on or above Resort properties.

Due to safety and privacy concerns, BBMR prohibits the operation or use on or above Resort properties of unmanned aerial systems, or drones, by the general public. This includes any model aircraft by recreational users and hobbyists—without the prior written authorization from BBMR. 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 properties, as well as any launched from private property outside of the Resort boundaries.

Please contact Mountain Operations if you have any questions or if you seek prior authorization to operate any such devices. Any authorized operation of drones on or above Resort properties will be governed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations, local law enforcement, [and / or U.S. Forest Service rules], 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.

Uphill access is not permitted at Big Bear Mountain Resort.

• Bikes with kids in baskets on the front of bikes are prohibited.
• Big Bear’s weather can change rapidly. Severe thunderstorms and temperature changes are common. Be prepared for changing conditions.
• No smoking due to extreme fire danger.
• Walk your bikes in the base area.
• Familiarize yourself with the trail system and select rides within your ability level.
• Make sure that all bike components work properly.
• Helmets are required while riding. Gloves and protective clothing are recommended.
• Always ride with a buddy and be prepared for emergencies.
• Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
• Observe all posted signs and warnings and ride only on designated trails. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
• Be courteous to other riders and pass only when it is safe.
• Yield to other types of trail users including hikers.

Smart Ride is a mountain bike specific safety program that you should check out before using Mountain Bike Terrain and Skill Development Areas at any mountain bike park.

Make a Plan


Every time you ride Mountain Bike Terrain, make a plan for each feature you want to use. Use your first run as a warm up run and to familiarize yourself with the terrain. Your speed and approach will directly affect your maneuver or jump and landing.

Look Before You Leap


Before getting into Mountain Bike Terrain, observe all signage and warnings. Scope around the jumps first--not over them. Be aware that the features change constantly due to weather, usage, maintenance and other factors. Do not jump blindly and use a spotter when necessary.

Easy Style It


Know your limits and ride within your ability level. Begin with smaller features and work your way up. Stay in control on the ground and in the air. Do not attempt any features unless you have sufficient ability and experience to do so safely. When in doubt, walk your bike or ride around.

Respect Gets Respect


Respect the terrain and others. Wait your turn: One person on a feature at a time. Always clear the landing area quickly. Respect all signs and stay off closed terrain and features.

The trails of Summit Bike Park are rough and demanding on both the bike and the body. Before riding always inspect your equipment or have it checked by a qualified bike mechanic at the Adventure Academy tune-up shop.

1. Helmets are required for all mountain bike trails. Before heading out make sure yours fits correctly and is not damaged.
2. Assess safety pads for fit and any damage. Make sure you are wearing the appropriate pads for you skill level and that coincide with the difficulty of the trails you're looking to ride.
3. Inspect bike frame for cracks, damaged or dented areas.
4. Ensure you have sufficient brake pads to stop your bike while descending.
5. Front and rear axles (skewers) should be tight.
6. Headset and stem must be secure with no looseness or play.
7. Check that your tires are in good condition, with no tears or cuts on the rolling surface or sidewall.
8. Handle bar and handle grips must be tight and unable to spin. Seat and seatpost need to be fastened securely.

Big Bear Mountain Resort allows class 1 pedal-assist electric mountain bikes (e-bikes/e-mtb). Class 2 and 3 e-bikes are not permitted on lifts or BBMR trails at this time.

Big Bear Mountain Resort has miles of dirt roads that wind their way around the mountain, these are for company vehicles only and are prohibited to biking and hiking. Bikes must stay on marked trails. Vehicle access to Big Bear Mountain Resort is restricted to company vehicles and those having legitimate business on the mountain only.

• Obey all trail signs and markings and hike only on designated trails.
• Don't stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible to others.
• Dogs must be on a leash and under an owner's control at all times while on Snow Summit’s property.
• Know how to use the lifts properly. When in doubt, ask a lift operator.
• Respect the environment and wildlife.
• Access to emergency care available at the top of Chair 1, top of Chair 2, and at the base.
  
• If you are involved in or witness a collision, you must identify yourself to a Snow Summit Mountain Bike Patroller or employee.
  
• Be prepared for constantly changing weather conditions.
  
• No smoking due to extreme fire danger.
  
• Some trails may be closed due to construction. Consult mountain bike staff for information.
  
• Please hike on designated hiking trails and roads only.
  
• Hiking/outdoor footwear is recommended.