SAFETY
About Ski California and the
Mountain Safety Guide
Only one year shy of its 50th anniversary, Ski California has
long been a voice for ski resorts in California and Nevada. Reitzell
says it was founded on the premise that it would represent
the interests of the industry and it’s served that function
for more than 30 resorts in California and three in Nevada
– Mt. Rose, Diamond Peak and Lee Canyon.
“We focus a lot on public policy and government relations.
The association serves as liaison between resorts and organizations
like the Forest Service, Caltrans and the Amusement
Ride and Tramway Unit of the State of California’s Department
of Industrial Relations.”
The association also helps support resorts with various
safety initiatives. It was while considering guest education
that inspiration for the guide arose. “We felt as an organization
that, rather than each resort putting out individual
safety messages, we could provide something universally
applicable across all of our resorts that could be available to
guests,” said Reitzell.
“It’s important for us as an industry to show a unified voice
on safety.”
Anatomy of the Mountain Safety Guide
Recognizing that guests’ actions can create a safe or risky
environment, Reitzell says he knew the guide had to include
concise, but complete instructions for navigating slopes safely.
The guest experience was considered – from the beginning
of the day to the end.
“You get off that chairlift and you have a number of decisions
to make about where you’re going to go, how fast you’re
going to go and how close you get to somebody else. All of
these things come into play as people ski and ride. In order to
make sure they’re making good decisions, we have to educate
them. That was a goal for the guide.”
The safety information is laid out like a trail map on a fictional
mountain, has familiar imagery for any rider and includes
safety tips for:
• Before you ski or ride
• When you’re on the slopes
• Avalanche awareness
• In deep snow
• Using trail signage
• Using lifts
The guide is printed sustainably on reclaimed stone – no water,
trees or hazardous chemicals were used in manufacturing.
It’s also waterproof and tear-resistant, which resorts and
riders appreciate as it can be tucked into a pocket for the day.
A challenge was ensuring that each of the safety tips was
applicable for all member resorts. Although not every resort
has the occasional avalanche or deep snow conditions, Reitzell
thought it was important to include that information for
users’ reference, especially because many member resorts are
on and bordered by Forest Service land, on which guests are
technically free to ride.
Reitzell says member resorts and their guests have responded
positively to the guide. “Throughout the industry
“It’s important for us as
an industry to show a
unified voice on safety.”
– Michael Reitzell, Ski California
34 Jan/Feb 2019 | snowopsmag.com
/snowopsmag.com
