Non-lift Uphill Access Policy
Vail Associates, Inc. and the United States Forest Service encourage use of public land. Users should be aware that the public lands comprising Vail and Beaver Creek ski areas are under permit to Vail Associates, Inc. (V.A.) by the United States Forest Services (USFS). While enjoying these permitted lands, users must abide by V.A. and USFS’s restrictions and recommendations, including those summarized below.
The following summary of restrictions and recommendations for Uphill Access to Vail and Beaver Creek Mountains is provided for your information and education and is available in all ticket offices. Other restrictions may exist from time to time.
1. Use of Ski Area Facilities
Under Colorado law, any person using any of the facilities of a ski area is considered a skier. Skier’s responsibilities under Colorado law include, but may not be limited to, controlling speed and course at all times and maintaining a proper outlook. Using a ski area for any purpose can be HAZARDOUS and the skier assume all risks.
WARNING
Under Colorado law, a skier assumes the risk of any injury to person or property resulting from any of the inherent dangers and risks of skiing and may not recover from any ski area operator for any injury resulting from any of the inherent dangers and risks of skiing including: Changing weather conditions, existing and changing snow conditions; bare spots; rocks; stumps; trees; collision with natural objects, man-made objects or other skiers; variations in terrain; and the failure of skiers to ski within their own abilities.
NOTE:
The Ski Safety Act was amended in 2004 to includes CLIFFS, EXTREME TERRAIN, JUMPS AND FREESTYLE TERRAIN as inherent dangers and risks of the sport.
2. Year-round Mountain Operations
Be aware that roads and trails on Vail and Beaver Creek Mountains may be used for many purposes and that construction and or maintenance activities take place 24 hours per day, on most days. You may encounter vehicles on any road or trail at any time; be very cautious and yield the right-of-way. Additionally, obey all posted warnings and trail closures.
3. Fall Mountain Preparation
The ski area begins operations during the fall to prepare the slopes and trails for opening. Activities may include snowmaking and snowcat operations. Areas in which activities are taking place may be closed from the bottom of Vail and Beaver Creek Mountains; in these cases, a “closed” sign will be placed in the bottom of the closed area to inform those hiking uphill of the closure. When such closures exist, only authorized personnel are permitted in the area. When such closures are in place, you must select an appropriate alternate route.
4. Vehicles
In accordance with a USFS Supervisor’s closure, no vehicles are allowed on Vail and Beaver Creek Mountains unless they have specific authority from VA.
5. Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, Hiking, Etc.
Cross-country skiers, snowshoers and hikers are bound by Colorado Skier Safety Act, as amended, and should abide by Your Responsibility Code.
Skiers must not impede or obstruct ski area operations at any time. When engaged in any of these activities one should:
During the Day:
1. Stay towards the side of the trail.
2. Position yourself so that you are visible from above.
3. Wear brightly colored clothing.
4. Keep dogs on a reasonably short lease.
5. Obey all pertinent signage.
During the Night:
5. Abide by all of the above-described recommendations.
6. Wear reflective materials.
7. Carry a light.
6. Snowmobiles
In accordance with a USFS Supervisor’s closure, snowmobiles are only permitted on Vail and Beaver Creek Mountains when owned or authorized by V.A. Any such snowmobile operators must be qualified, their snowmobile registered and both must comply with pertinent safety requirements. Snowmobile use not authorized by V.A. is strictly prohibited.
7. Sliding Devices
Use of sliding devices, including, but not limited to, sleds, tower pads, plastic sheets and the like are strictly prohibited unless their use is specifically approved by V.A. and conducted in a supervised and designated area.
8. Mountain Bikes
During the winter operating season, the use of mountain bikes on Vail and Beaver Creek Mountains is strictly prohibited.