Ride and ski safely
Ski season is in full swing! With our early opening on 1is December and the beautiful mountain landscapes, you have certainly already gone out skiing or riding. We are happy to see you on the slopes!
It can be wise, even for the most seasoned skiers and snowboarders, to refresh their memory on mountain safety rules. We thank you for your collaboration to ensure your safety, that of your loved ones and that of other skiers and snowboarders as well. Knowing and respecting mountain safety rules is essential for everyone to have fun on the slopes!
The golden rule: control
Even if you wear a helmet and every other skier and snowboarder you see wears one too, no one is invincible. It is therefore important to always maintain control of your speed and direction. Also make sure you are always able to stop and avoid any person or obstacle. Also respect your limits! If you are still a beginner, avoid venturing into very difficult slopes. Look at the signage in this regard. The level of difficulty of the slopes is indicated on the trail map and on the signs with the names of the trails.
If you are just starting out in the world of skiing, you can find tips here to make your learning easier.
The basis of safety: staying on open and marked trails
It can sometimes be tempting to venture yourself a little further than the limit of the trails, outside of marked areas. Please, for your own safety, as well as for the safety of others, our employees, and the equipment on the slopes, stay on our open trails by alternating the use of our 204 junctions. Patrollers only circulate in the ski area. If you decide to venture out and no one sees you do so, you may find yourself in an unfortunate situation that will remain unknown to us. These backcountry sections are potentially dangerous, both for you and for our patrollers. If access to the path that attracts you does not have signage, it is important not to go there.
It’s also disappointing when your favorite trail is closed. You might want to go anyway. When this happens, keep in mind that we are also disappointed not to be able to offer you all of our beautiful trails. The ribbons indicating that a trail is closed are there for good reasons! For example, snow conditions on a slope may be dangerous or visibility may be reduced. Our employees can also be at work in the field to offer you the best ski conditions. Snow groomers and other equipment are not always visible and a collision can potentially be very dangerous. You could also unintentionally break a piece of equipment. Broken equipment can lead to a shutdown of operations and thus considerably delay the reopening of the trails.
To learn more about why we close trails and why you should not go on closed trails, watch this ASSQ capsule (in french only).
Using signs to know where to go
Make sure you know the signs you might come across during a day of skiing. These signs are here to inform you about the various factors to consider before embarking on the trail.
Some signs indicate the obstacles on the trail. These dangers are varied: machinery, snow cannons in operation, trails for alpine touring, glades, forest, protected area, rocks or other obstacles.
There may also be signs indicating that wearing a helmet is obligatory in snowparks or that a trail is closed.
Stay alert and look closely at the signs to know what to expect! To find out about all the signs you might find in a ski resort, click here.
Be well equipped for your safety
When skiing, your equipment must be comfortable and safe in order to maximize your enjoyment.
We strongly advise all skiers and snowboarders to wear a helmet. In addition to being warm and comfortable, it helps prevent head injuries.
It is also essential to make sure your bindings fit properly. Worn boots or incorrect adjustment of the bindings can lead to injuries, particularly to the knee. Do not hesitate to go to the repair shop if necessary!
To learn more about safety equipment and why you should pay special attention to it, click here.
Have a good time in the ski lifts too
Not sure you’re comfortable using the lifts? You can watch the ASSQ capsules (in french only) on the safe use of chairlifts and magic carpets. Otherwise, do not hesitate to ask a member of our staff, they will be happy to help you.
Also, don’t forget to lower the bar on the chairlift and to quickly ski away when you get off!
Alcohol, drugs and skiing don’t go together
Alcohol and drugs are a no-go on the slopes! These substances cause the loss of abilities and reflexes in the same way alcohol does on the road. Do not increase the risk of collision or falling. You need all your concentration, your ability to evaluate and your reaction speed to have a good time skiing or snowboarding. Plus, alcohol doesn’t really help you stay warm when you’re outside. It’s even the opposite!
To learn more about the impact of alcohol and drugs in the mountains, click here.
Plenty of safe acrobatics
Our snowpark is perfect for thrill-seekers and acrobatics enthusiasts! All freestyle addicts, beginners and experts, are invited! Here again, respecting some rules will guarantee you the thrilling and enjoyable experience you’re looking for. Remember that wearing a helmet is mandatory in snowparks. Make sure you know your limits and adapt to the ski conditions. You can check out the ASSQ page on snowparks to learn more tips to succeed in all your maneuvers and to stay safe for yourself and others.
In short: think of others
There is zero tolerance for any breach of the Mountain code of conduct*. These rules exist to make harmonious cohabitation between all users easier and to reduce the risk of injuries or unfortunate incidents. By respecting these rules everywhere on the mountain, you contribute to the preservation of the environment and the protection of everyone. To learn more about these rules and signage, click here.
Do you want to learn more about the rules of the game and get your entire family of winter sports enthusiasts interested? Consult the ASSQ page at maneige.ski/en/security/ to learn everything and to test your knowledge. You can even participate in the “Safety on the slopes” contest to win a ski trip for 4 people! You have until February 16, 2024 to register.
*Failure to comply with safety rules may result in a fine or a ski ticket withdrawn. We are the last to want to impose these possible sanctions, but they will be applied if necessary. A hefty fine or revoked access are not a good way to end your day!
