Your Responsibility Code

Follow Your Responsibility Code

Skiing and snowboarding are lifelong sports and passions for millions of Americans. It is important to know that snowsports involve risk and understand what those risks are. Your behavior, decisions and actions have a direct effect on your safety and others on the slopes.

Get started by understanding Your Responsibility Code; talk with your family, kids and friends who are new to the mountain. And remember: staying in control is the best way to stay safe. If you have questions, please ask any ski area employee.

Did you know?

A Ski Safety History

  • The Code has undergone several revisions to stay in step with modern language and skiing behavior (and to include snowboarders, bikers and everyone who enjoys the slopes!). The latest version of the Code was published in 2022.

  • Several other recreational sports have copied the Responsibility Code, including mountain biking.

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.

Know and Obey the Code. It’s Your Responsibility

If you need help understanding the Code, please ask an employee.

NSAA released a video covering all 10 points of Your Responsibility Code — take a look!