10 Rules of the Slopes – The Skier’s Responsibility Code

The National Ski Areas Association publishes a list of rules that all skiers and snowboarders must follow to ensure a safe and enjoyable experiences on the mountains. This season, there has already been various failures to follow the “Responsibility Code” resulting in injuries and sometimes involvement by law enforcement. Failure to follow the rules below can result in injuries as well as civil and criminal ramifications.

The following rules make up the 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.

In recent years, alcohol and drug use on the slopes has been a more prevalent complaint among guests concerned about safety. According to the Colorado Skier Safety Act, use of a ski slope or trail while impaired is illegal in Colorado.

If you’ve been injured by a skier or snowboarder who violated the Skier’s Responsibility Code, you are entitled to compensation. Call the experienced ski injury attorneys at Bloch Ongert today at (970) 926-1700 to speak directly to an attorney.

The information for this post was sourced from The Denver Gazette. The article can be found at https://www.denvergazette.com/outtherecolorado/2025/12/17/10-rules-of-the-slopes-to-follow-as-laid-out-by-the-skiers-responsibility-code/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=OutThere%20Colorado%20Here%20%20Now%20121825&utm_content=OutThere%20Colorado%20Here%20%20Now%20121825+CID_1de5efa64d4ea02557b91be2f9e6ded0&utm_source=campaign_monitor_email&utm_term=CLICK%20HERE