Winter Mountain & Park Safety
Heads Up – Know the Code, It’s Your Responsibility
Grand Targhee Resort is committed to promoting slope safety!
Grand Targhee Resort is comprised of three mountains in bounds and is deceptively big. The terrain just outside our boundaries comprises endless terrain including very large cliffs, endless valley's leading away from civilization and many terrain traps and unforeseen hazards. In-bounds our terrain presents everything from groomed slopes and glades to blind roller overs and dangerous cliffs, and our weather is just as variable. During periods of low visibility or other inclement weather and snow conditions, the degree of difficulty of these runs for each individual may increase dramatically. For specific trail conditions, please take the time to ask a Ski Patroler or on-mountain resort staff. It is important to use extra caution to prevent getting lost or making a mistake that could result in a serious injury or death. Please protect yourself by obeying all trail signs and markers.
Ski Patrol 307.353.2300 ext.1333 on your phone or any mountain or ski patrol telephone. Contact the nearest lift operator if a phone is unavailable. The Frist-Aid room is located in the lower level of the Redezvous Lodge between Powder Day Photography and the North exit. For walk in First-Aid assistance feel free to stop by the First-Aid room and dial ext.1333 on the in room phone.
CAUTION - Heads UP
snowcats, snowmobiles, snowmaking and other heavy equipment may be encountered at any time.
By entering this area, you are assuming and accepting all risks of injury, damage or loss. If you are not willing to assume and accept these risks, please do not purchase a lift ticket at this resort. [See Wyoming Recreation Safety Act, Wyoming Statutes sections 1-1-121 through 1-1-123.]
Grand Targhee Resort is a smoke-free environment. Please, no smoking except for in designated outdoor smoking areas.
No Reckless Individuals Allowed
This resort supports and enforces a policy adopted by the Legislature of the Great State of Wyoming. Individuals who enter closed areas, who are involved in hit and run collisions, who are impaired by alcohol or drugs or who act recklessly endangering themselves or others, may be subject to arrest, criminal prosecution, revocation or suspension of lift privileges and removal from the area. [See Wyoming Statutes sections 6-9-201, 6-9-301.]
All uphill pedestrian traffic, sledding and snowmobiling are forbidden within the area boundaries. Inverted aerials are not recommended.
Notice of Inherent Risks and Assumption of Risks
Alpine recreation involves a high mountain winter environment where activities create inherent risks, which may result in catastrophic injury or death. These risks include man-made and natural obstacles, both marked and unmarked including but not limited to: avalanche danger, non-avalanche related snow immersion, tree well immersion, changing weather, snow conditions, surface and subsurface conditions, variations in terrain, trees, gullies, cliffs, rocks, towers, snowmaking equipment, fencing, etc., failure to perform within one's ability and contact or collision with others or animals. CAUTION - snowcats, snowmobiles and snowmaking may be encountered at any time.
Lift Safety
Be advised that you cannot board a lift unless you have sufficient physical dexterity, ability and knowledge to negotiate or to use such lift safely, or
until you have asked for and received information sufficient to enable you to load, ride and unload the lift safely. You may not use a lift or any ski trail when under the
influence of drugs or alcohol.
Slow Zones
Certain areas are designated as SLOW ZONES. Please observe the posted slow zone areas by maintaining a speed no faster than the general flow of traffic. Fast and aggressive skiing and riding will not be tolerated.
Helmet Use
Grand Targhee Resort encourages you to educate yourself on the benefits and limitations of helmets. Helmets offer a heigtened level of protection but restraint and precaution is the best sasftey equipement we recommend. Every winter sport participant shares responsibility for his or her safety and for that of others using the ski area facilities.
www.lidsonkids.org provides parents and other consumers with important helmet safety information complete with simple helmet sizing instructions to help ensure a proper fit. Se more at NSAA.org.
Treewell Safety
Grand Targhee Resort is world reknowned for deep light snow. While this is most always a good thing there are inherent hazzards related to deep snow within the resort boundaries!
NARSID stands for Non-Avalanche Related Snow Immersion Death. NARSID incidents occur with deep snow or tree well immersions, in which a rider or skier falls into an area of deep, unconsolidated snow and becomes immobilized. The more the person struggles, the more entrapped in the snow they become, and risk suffocation.
- Each skier or snowboarder controls his or her own level of risk and are the only ones that can prevent this type of accident from happening. Always ski and ride with a partner. To minimize your risk, you must know how to travel safely with your partners in these un-groomed deep snow areas.
- Always stay in visual contact so that your partner(s) can see you if you fall. Visual contact means stopping and watching your partner descend at all times, then proceeding downhill while he or she watches you at all times. It does no good if your partner is already waiting for you in lift line while you are still descending the slope.
- Stay close enough to either pull or dig out. If you have any question about what "close enough" to assist someone in a tree well is, hold your breath while you are reading this. The amount of time before you need air may be how much time your partner has to pull or dig you out of danger. Other factors such as creating an air pocket or the position you fall in, may affect this critical timeframe.
- Remember, if you lose visual contact with your partner you could lose your friend. It is important to know that most people who have died in deep snow or tree well accidents had been skiing or riding with "partners" at the time of their accident. Unfortunately, none of these partners were in visual contact so they were not able to be of help in a timely manner.
- If you have lost contact with a firend or group, contact Grand Targhee Resort patrol at ext.1333.
Backcountry Skiing
Grand Targhee Resort neither encourages nor discourages backcountry touring. Skiers/snowboarders crossing out of the Grand Targhee Resort boundaries do so at their own risk. Read the posted signs at the designated access gates before proceeding. Call the Bridger-Teton National Forest Backcountry Avalanche Hazard & Weather Forecast at 307.733.2664 for more information or contact the Activities Center to schedule a guided backcountry experience with Yostmark Mountain Guides 1 307.353.2300 ext.1355.
Your Responsibility Code
Skiing can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country and other specialized ski equipment, such as that used by disabled or other skiers. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the code listed below and share with other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing experience.
- Stay in control.
- People ahead have the right of way.
- Stop in a safe place for you and others.
- When starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.
- Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
- Observe signs and warnings, and keep off of closed trails.
- Know how to use the lifts safely.
Warning: Risk of Avalanche
While snow safety and avalanche mitigation efforts help reduce the risk of avalanches, avalanches and snow slides may occur at ski areas, both inside and outside of the posted boundaries. Avalanches are inherent risk of the sport due to the nature of snow and its application on steep mountain terrain. Become educated on how to reduce the risk of injury or death from avalanches through your own actions and awareness. Visit www.avalanche.org or contact Grand Targhee ski patrol for further information on the risks and prevention of avalanche-related injuries or death.
Freestyle Terrain Areas
Freestyle Terrain areas are designated with an orange oval and may contain jumps, hits, ramps, banks, fun boxes, jibs, rails, half pipes, quarter pipes, snowcross, bump terrain and other constructed or natural terrain features. Prior to using Freestyle Terrain, you are responsible for familiarizing yourself with Freestyle Terrain and obeying all instructions, warnings and signs. Freestyle skills require maintaining control on the ground, and in the air. Use of Freestyle Terrain exposes you to the risk of serious injury or death. Inverted aerials are not recommended. You assume the risk.Freestyle Terrain has designations for size. Start small and work your way up. Designations are relative to this ski area.
Smaller features  |
Medium features  |
Larger features
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LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP
You are responsible for inspecting Freestyle Terrain before initial use and throughout the day. The features vary in size and change constantly due to snow conditions, weather, usage, grooming and time of day. Do not jump blindly. Use a spotter when necessary.
EASY STYLE IT
Always ride or ski in control and within your ability level. Do not attempt Freestyle Terrain unless you have sufficient ability and experience to do
so safely. You control the degree of difficulty you will encounter in using Freestyle Terrain, both on the ground and in the air.
RESPECT GETS RESPECT
Respect Freestyle Terrain and others. Only one person on a feature at a time. Wait your turn and call your start. Always clear the landing area quickly. Respect all signs and do not enter Freestyle Terrain or use features when closed
Backcountry Warning
The ski area assumes no responsibility for skiers or riders going beyond the ski area boundary. Areas beyond the ski area boundary are not patrolled or maintained. Avalanches, unmarked obstacles and other natural hazards exist. Rescue in the backcountry, if available, will be costly and may take time.
Grand Targhee Backcountry Access Policy
Backcountry is defined by any area outside of the ski resort’s boundary Grand Targhee Resort has a Closed Boundary/Open Gate Backcountry Access Policy. Access in lift served terrain is permitted through our Backcountry Access Gates, but it is not permitted through our roped ski area boundaries. When open, Targhee’s Peaked and Mary’s Nipple terrain has an open boundary policy. Our Peaked and Mary’s Boundary is designated by a boundary sign line.
The Scotty’s Backcountry Gate
Grand Targhee neither encourages nor discourages backcountry touring. Backcountry users are essentially on their own and accept their own risks. Make sure you read all signs before entering. Backcountry users need to make their own decisions about avalanche conditions and if the terrain is skiable. Once riders leave this boundary, it is not patrolled. When leaving resort boundaries skiers and snowboarders enter the Jedediah Smith Wilderness and the Caribou/Targhee National Forest where there is no Avalanche Hazard Reduction and the only rescue is through Teton County, WY Sherriff and Search and Rescue. That rescue could be delayed hours, or into the next day.
Avalanche Terrain
The backcountry surrounding Grand Targhee Resort is extreme terrain and contains numerous avalanche paths, cornices and cliff areas. In the backcountry it is easy to get avalanched, lost, stuck, cliffed-out, or injured. In the 2010 – 2011 winter there were 25 avalanche fatalities in the United States. Most of these fatalities were in the backcountry. Outside the boundary, avalanches are not created by ski patrol with explosives; they are created naturally and by people. Be Aware of the Hazard and read the Bridger Teton Avalanche Hazard Advisory before venturing into the backcountry. Even taking all of the precautions, your safety in the backcountry is not guaranteed!
This advisory is posted at the Scotty’s Gate and at both patrol stations. It is also available online at www.jhavalanche.org or call 307-733-2664
Always ski one at a time with a partner and have the proper equipment (Beacon, Shovel and Probe). Make sure you and your partner know how to use and practice with your equipment. In the event of an avalanche your partner is your best chance of survival.
Backcountry Access Gates will be equipped with a BCA Beacon Checker. Make sure you have fresh batteries and are transmitting. Look for these signs to find the solar powered BCA Beacon Checker. Stop by Ski Patrol to ask any questions you have about our Backcountry Access Policy, or if you need further information. Patrol will periodically host Avalanche Awareness Sessions during the winter season.
Please particpate in an Avalanche class from American Avalanche Institute at American Avalanche Institute in Victor www.americanavalancheinstitute.com if you plan on gonig into the backcountry.
Avalanche Education Videos
Watch great educational videos at http://www.tetongravity.com/snowlab/avi_education_videos.aspx