Mountain Safety

Know Before You Go

Snowboarding and skiing are no more hazardous than other high-octane sports. However, make no mistake - they can be very challenging and may require certain abilities that can only be learned with hard work and practice. All sports involve some inherent risk, but to some extent, it is that very same risk that appeals to us. Safety starts not just when you hit the mountain, but much earlier. Make sure you plan appropriately as various hazards exists including the weather, sun and terrain. ALWAYS SKI OR RIDE WITH A BUDDY AND KEEP THAT BUDDY IN SIGHT AT ALL TIMES.

Tree Well Safety

http://www.treewelldeepsnowsafety.com

Mountain Safety Course at Mission Ridge

The course is FREE and will emphansize ski area basics (know the code), skiing with buddies, tree well and deep snow safety, avalanches, and basic first aid. Course will last from 9 am until 1 pm. Although the course is directed primarily to 10-15 year olds, others are welcome to register. Class size will be limited to no more than 25 students per class, and there will be at least 3 instructors. If for some reason you are unable to attend or have to cancel please notify the contact person provided.

Contact: Brad Whiting 509-663-6543, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Kevin Pettigrew 206-355-5164, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

BCA Beacon Training Park

BCA Beacon TrainingParks are training systems created to make it easier for recreationalists and pros to practice with their transceivers. The Mission Ridge/Steve Burchett Memorial Park featrues 4 permanently buried transmitters wired to a central control panel. To change the scenario, just flick the on/off switches on the control panel. Instead of dinning holes and reburying beacons all day, you spend your valuable time actually practicing with y our transceiver. It's especially useful for practicing multiple and deep burials, which usually require the most work.

Users will have to turn on the main controller and then using their transceivers search for buried beacons. Upon locating a buried beacon, use an avalanche probe in the snow until you contact a buried indicator. The Patrol is asking users not to dig in the park as this will destroy the beacons. There will be an obvious difference between the snow depths when the indicators are found. After finding a beacon the user can return to the control panel, turn off the found beacon and turn on another for more practice. Ski Patrol is also asking for help in turning off the controller when finished training.

In an effort to make backcountry skiing and riding eversafer the Mission Ridge Ski Patrol are always available to help and educate users. Stop by the Burchett Summit Patrol Building and an available patroller can walk the patrons through the process and answer questions. In order to become proficient and safe in the backcountry practice is key. Remeber the best bet is ti know the stability and snow conditions before you ever venture out.

*This Training Park is paid for by the Steve Burchett Memorial Fund.

Please read the following safety sections below to insure that your day on the hill is one that is pleasant and injury-free.

• Responsibilty Code
• Safety Planning
• Kids and Safety
• Terrain Park Safety
• Ski Patrol
• Avalance Awarness
• Ski & Snowboard Theft Prevention Tips
• Helmet Safety

Warning

Snowcats, snowmobiles and snowmaking may be encountered on any run at any time

Helpful hints...

• Be prepared to eat lunch at NON peak times. The base area is busiest between 11:30am and 1:30pm. Take advantage of the empty slopes.
• Visibility on foggy/snowy days is better near the edge of runs.
• Properly tuned and waxed equipment will give you the most control and a better experience.
• Leave your equipment with attendants at Equipment Check during your lunch break to prevent it from coming up missing.
• Be prepared for changing weather.
• Drive carefully.