SUMMER SAFETY ON VAIL MOUNTAIN
In Case of an Accident or If You Get Lost - Retrace your steps or proceed downhill until you come to a working emergency phone located in a bright red box. Call 1111 or call (970) 754 3049 from a cell phone. Wait for someone to answer, do not hang up until all pertinent information has been gathered.
Construction Warning - Major improvements and repairs are made on Vail Mountain during the summer. Please be aware of construction, maintenance vehicles and heavy equipment, and obey any posted warnings. You may encounter construction vehicles on any mountain road. When using these routes be cautious and yield the right-of-way.
Fire Danger - Smoking is prohibited on the lifts and is discouraged on-mountain due to fire danger. Report fires from any on-mountain emergency phone.
Sun Protection - At 10,000 ft., exposure to the sun is 40% greater than it is at sea level. We recommend sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher, as well as eye protection.
Lightning and Thunderstorms - Brief afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains. Seek shelter when you see a storm developing. You are responsible to take proper precautions that include keeping off ridge lines and staying clear of chairlift houses and towers, power lines, open spaces, lone trees and signposts. Lifts may close on occasion causing delays. Please take this into consideration when planning on-mountain activities.
High-Altitude Environment - If you live at a lower elevation, you may tire more easily. Take it easy at first, plan short trips until you are acclimated and drink plenty of water. Some visitors may experience symptoms associated with Vail’s high altitude. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, restless sleep, coughing and difficulty in breathing. If symptoms persist or if you have a concern about your health, you should seek medical attention.
Adequate Clothing - Be aware, mountain weather changes quickly and there is usually at least a 10 degree temperature difference from the bottom to the top of the lifts. Bring a raincoat and consider a sweater or fleece.
Lift Safety - Under Colorado law, 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 use the lift safely. You may not use a lift when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Please lower the bar when riding lifts.
Weather and Terrain - Unpredictable weather, as well as rugged, uneven, irregular and slippery conditions exists. YOU ASSUME THE RISK.
Multi-Use - Be aware that trails and roads on Vail Mountain are used for many purposes during the summer. Mountain bikes, hikers, horses, motorized vehicles, construction equipment and others may be encountered at any time.
Mountain Biking - Helmets and sturdy shoes with good tread are recommended at all times. Child carriers or tow-behind bikes are not permitted and all bikes must have two working hand brakes. All loose clothing, bags or packs should be firmly secured so they do not interfere with the bicycle’s moving parts. Mountain bikers must always yield to other non-motorized trail users. Should you encounter hikers or horses on any trail, you must yield the right-of-way. Ride on designated trails only and obey all posted signs and warnings. Failure to do so may result in lift ticket and/or pass revocation.
Please Be Aware Of Bears - Hikers rarely encounter bears, but if you do please remain calm and back away slowly. Vail Mountain asks that everyone is cautious and respectful of wildlife.