The "Your Responsibility Code" sign in front of an image of freshly groomed snow

Mountain Safety

Your Responsibility Code
Safety Planning
Ski Patrol
Ski Area Safety
Kids & Safety
Theft Prevention

Your Responsibility 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.

 

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.

In addition to Your Responsibility Code, we ask that all guests:

  • Move out and away from the lift unloading area prior to gathering or strapping into your snowboard binding.
  • All on-mountain ski/snowboard equipment must meet the following standards: metal edge, p-tex base, ski brakes, retention strap or leash.
  • Abusive language, rude or criminal conduct, obscene clothing or appearance and activities that endanger yourself and others will not be tolerated at Mission Ridge.

 

Failure to comply with this Responsibility Code may result in the loss of skiing/snowboarding and service privileges.

Safety Planning

Preparing Physically For Your Vacation

Get in shape to ski — do not ski to get in shape. Skiing and riding are exciting, vigorous winter sports. Always make an honest assessment of your physical abilities.

What To Wear

The weather can change radically and rapidly, so plan to bring or buy goggles, sunglasses, sun protection, a hat and clothing that makes it possible for you to dress in layers. Multiple layers of clothing are best because layers can be added and removed in order to better regulate your body temperature. Your base layer should be long underwear, preferably in a wool and polyester blend. The mid layer should be a turtleneck or long sleeve shirt. A fleece pullover or sweatshirt is ideal for the next layer. Outer layers can include a coat and pants and should be water resistant and comfortable. Socks should be a thin wool or poly blend for skiing or snowboarding. Thick socks are too bulky and don’t keep your feet as warm. Gloves or mittens should also be worn. Mittens are generally warmer and are best if you tend to get cold hands. A good hat should cover your ears and stay on your head during physical activity (80% of heat is lost though your head). Don’t forget glasses or goggles, sunscreen and lip balm, which all are important to use at high altitude.

High Altitude Tips

The elevation ranges between 4,570 feet above sea level at the base to 6,820 feet at the summit. If you live at lower elevations you may experience altitude sickness, usually within the first 48 hours of your arrival. Symptoms include headache, nausea, insomnia and loss of appetite. The best prevention is acclimatization. Take it easy your first day here. Increase your fluids and decrease salt, alcohol and caffeine intake. Also, select high-carbohydrate, low-fat foods. Be aware that high elevation can also accentuate existing health problems. If you have a respiratory or vascular illness, consult your physician before your trip. You may ask for help from Mountain Patrol if you find symptoms worsening or persisting.

On The Slopes

  • Take a lesson — trained instructors can teach you more quickly and safely than learning on your own or from a friend. It’s also a good way to improve or refresh your skills and become familiar with the mountain.
  • Read the loading and lift information boards. If you’re uncertain how to load or unload a certain chairlift, ask the attendant for instructions or help.
  • Arrange a meeting place and time in case someone becomes separated from your group; tell someone in your group if you decide to leave the Resort.
  • Be “predictable” when skiing or riding; don’t suddenly swerve or stop.
  • The sun’s intensity is far greater at higher elevation.
  • If you drop anything from a lift into a closed area or onto a run too difficult for your ability, note the number of the nearest lift tower and report it to the top lift attendant. Mountain Patrol can try to retrieve it.
  • Go with the flow; pass others cautiously.
  • Observe the areas posted as “Slow” and decrease your speed, no matter what your ability level.
  • Fast or reckless skiing and riding can result in injury to you or others and perhaps the loss of your lift ticket.
  • Check message boards at the bottom and top of the lifts.
  • Flips and somersaults off jumps are not recommended.
  • Snowmobiles, grooming and snowmaking equipment may be in operation on any run at any time; stay clear.
  • It is your responsibility to know which trails are open. Do not enter closed trails by going through the trees.
  • Share the slopes. Enjoy a lifetime of winter sports.

In Case Of Injury

Contact Ski Patrol wearing red parkas/jackets with white crosses. They can be contacted through a lift attendant or other area Team Members.

  1. Do not remove the injured person’s skis or snowboard
  2. Do not move the injured person unless you are trained to do so
  3. Cross your own skis uphill from the incident
  4. Send someone to the nearest lift or open building to report the location, type of injury and description of the injured skier.

The Last Run Of The Day

End the day on a positive note. Stop skiing or riding with the first signs of fatigue. Use caution walking in the buildings and parking lots. Melting and freezing, as well as water accumulation, can cause surfaces to become slippery.

Ski Patrol

The Mission Ridge Mountain Patrol’s objective is to offer our Guests the best possible customer service. Rapid Response Rescue Care is the foremost responsibility of the Mission Ridge Mountain Patrol, followed closely by Search and Rescue, Lift Evacuation, and Skier Education. We are here to carry out our assigned duties and responsibilities as directed in a conscientious and professional manner.

The Mountain Patrol is made up of roughly 100 members, the majority of those 100 members belonging to the Volunteer Patrol. The Volunteer Patrol consists of community members from all walks of life who have a passion for skiing as well as helping others. Many members of the Volunteer Patrol have been patrolling at Mission Ridge for decades. This duration of service has created a sense of teamwork, pride, and camaraderie not often found in volunteer groups and reflects in their commitment to superior medical care.

The Volunteer Patrol

Mostly works weekends and select holidays, while supplementing the patrol staff in times of need.

Mission Ridge Pro Patrol

This is the paid staff in charge of Emergency Rescue Care, Avalanche Control, Search and Rescue, Chair Evacuation, High Angle Rescue, Risk Management on the Hill, the Terrain Park, and Skier / Rider education. This group has full and part-time workers and has extensive training in all related topics to the job.

Patrol Director: Delcie Proffitt

Email: dpro@missionridge.com

Ski Area Safety

Mission Ridge Ski and Board Resort understands the importance of Safety on the Mountain. As a result, we are making the following safety forms provided by the NSAA available to press and public. Please take the time to download and review these informative documents: 

Kids & Safety On The Mountain

The Best way to keep skiing and riding safe for your children is to make sure they understand the recommended safety tips. Make learning fun and explain the importance of safe riding. Below you will find some useful safety tips to get you started.

  • Have your child memorize the ” Responsibility Code”
  • Dress your child in layers so they can be comfortable in a wide variety of conditions and be prepared for the rapidly changing weather. Put on sun protection and make sure your child is always wearing either goggles or sunglasses.
  • Keep the name and phone number of your accommodations along with your cell phone number in a secure pocket of your child’s coat or ski pants.
  • Enroll your child in lessons to make sure they get started properly. Our instructors know how to teach kids so they learn the proper techniques, progress faster and enjoy their time more with you.

Lids On Kids

Lids on Kids is a great program encouraging the use of helmets on the mountain. We encourage the use of helmets on kids as a way of having more fun and being safe! Visit www.lidsonkids.org to discover how to find the best helmet for your child.

Theft Prevention

Bring Only What You Need For The Day

  • Leave other items at home.
  • Secure in vehicle, out of sight.
  • If staying in a hotel, consider using their services.

Record It

Record the make, model, serial number, along with a full description of your equipment. Keep one copy with you for reference and another in a safe place other than your residence, such as a safety deposit box or trusted friend’s house.

If You Lose It

If your equipment is lost or stolen, report it to Mission Ridge Guest Services and report it to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office. Make sure you give a full description and include any identifying marks, including model, serial, or other identifying marks such as your driver license / State ID number.

Mountain Partners

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Mountain safety

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Contact

7500 Mission Ridge Rd
Wenatchee, WA 98801

Snowline: (509) 663-3200
Phone: (509) 663-6543
Email: info@missionridge.com

Employment Info

US Forest Service logo
Washington Fish & Wildlife logo

New Mission LLC operates Mission Ridge Ski and Board Resort under special use permits from the U.S. Forest Service and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Operations Update