Mountain Safety

Skiing and Snowboarding can be enjoyed in various way such as alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country, and other specialized equipment.

Your 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.

Winter sports involve risk of serious injury or death. Your knowledge, decisions and actions contribute to your safety and that of others. If you need help understanding the Code, please ask any ski area employee.

SMOKING IN THE LIFT LINE IS PROHIBITED 

This is a partial list and is officially endorsed by the National Ski Areas Association, National Ski Patrol, Professional Ski Instructors of America. For more great skier and snowboarder information, visit the National Ski Area Association's Ski/Snowboard site.

Please Note

It is unlawful to access Paoli Peaks lifts without a valid lift access card or season pass. Skiing or riding without a lift access card or pass or with a fraudulent lift access card or pass will result in prosecution. Lift access cards are non-refundable.  

First Aid Services

For immediate assistance and to report all accidents, please call the Ski Patrol at 812-723-4696 Ext 3079 or direct 812-203-3079. Emergency Phones are available with all lift operators. All parties involved in a collision must exchange information and contact the Ski Patrol.  

Slow Zones

Certain areas (indicated on the map in yellow) are designated as SLOW ZONES. Please observe the posted slow zone areas by maintaining a speed no faster than the general flow of traffic. Space and speed are especially important in these areas. Fast and aggressive skiing will not be tolerated and may result in termination of your resort privileges.  

Freestyle Terrain

Freestyle Terrain may contain jumps, hits, ramps, banks, fun boxes, jibs, rails, half pipes, and other constructed or natural terrain features. Prior to using freestyle terrain, you are responsible for familiarizing yourself with all elements and landings and obeying all instructions, warnings, and signs. Freestyle skills require maintaining control on the ground and in the air.  

Know the Code – Play It Safe

Skiing and riding, in their various forms, are inherently hazardous sports. Trail and slope conditions change constantly with weather and use. It is your responsibility to avoid natural and manmade objects regardless of the presence of markings or other mitigation, and to avoid and use courtesy with other people. Paoli Peaks uses many different types of marking devices to alert you to some hazards. 

Backcountry Warning

Skiing and Riding off Open and Designated Trails: The ski area assumes no responsibility for skiers and riders going beyond the open and designated trails at Paoli Peaks. Areas beyond the open and designated trails are not patrolled or maintained. Unmarked obstacles and other natural hazards exist.   

Paoli Peaks Off Trail Policy

Wooded areas between designated trails within the ski area boundary are not patrolled and have no skier/ snowboarder services. If you ski/ride in wooded areas that are not designated trails, you are solely responsible for yourself. You must enter from and exit onto designated trails that are open to the public for skiing/riding. Failure to do so will result in the loss of your skiing/ riding privileges. Wooded areas are recommended for expert skiers/riders, in groups of three or more. Do not ski/ride alone. Unmarked obstacles exists throughout.  

Snowcats and Snowmobiles

CAUTION – snowcats, snowmobiles and snowmaking may be encountered at any time.  

Sun Protection

We recommend eye protection and sunscreen/suncare products to ensure protection from UV rays.

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Etiquette & Behavior

Be courteous and respect others. Do not use rude language and/or behavior.

No carry-in beer and alcoholic beverages will be allowed on Paoli Peaks premises. Such beverages may be confiscated.

Do not bring skis, snowboards or poles into the lodge.

Do not abuse rental equipment. Do not go on dry pavement with skis or boards on.

Terrain Park Safety

Smart Style

The National Ski Area Association and Burton Snowboards would like to welcome you to the "Smart Style" Terrain Park Safety initiative.

This venture has been a cooperative effort to continue the proper use and progression of terrain parks at mountain resorts while delivering a unified message that is clear, concise, and effective.

The more people we can educate and get involved to help spread the word, the better.

The Smart Style Program

There are four main messages that as associated with Smart Style:

  • Make a Plan: Every time you use freestyle terrain, make a plan for each feature you want to use. Your speed, approach, and take off will directly affect your maneuver and landing.
  • Look Before you Leap: Scope around the jumps first, not over them. Know your landings are clear and clear yourself our of the landing area.
  • Easy Style It: Start small and work your way up. (Inverted aerials not recommended!)
  • Respect Gets Respect: From the lift line through the park.
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Basic Rules For Riding All Lift Types

  • Do not use a lift until you are familiar with its operation. Obey all loading and other instructions on lifts. Watch and learn. Ask if you are in doubt.
  • Slow down before approaching the entrance to a lift.
  • Have your lift ticket or season pass visible to the ticket checker or lift operator so you do not hold up the line.
  • Make sure no loose clothing or long hair is caught in lift when unloading.
  • Do not cut lift lines. Only Paoli Peaks Ski Patrollers and Instructors are allowed to enter the lift line ahead of those already waiting.
  • Load and unload only at designated areas.
  • Be polite and courteous at the loading area. Wait your turn, try to keep off other people's skis or boards, and join up to maximize the use of the lift.
  • Do not bounce, ski out of the track, or otherwise abuse lift equipment. You may cause injury to yourself or others.
  • Move quickly away from unload areas to make room for the next riders.
  • If a lift stops, do not attempt to get off. Remember, if there is a mechanical problem, area personnel will provide assistance.
  • Take special precautions to help small children load and unload. Do not allow them to ride a lift alone until they can do so properly. You are responsible for your children and their actions.
  • If you fall while getting on or off the lift, keep your head down and crawl quickly out of the way.
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SKI PATROL
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The Paoli Peaks Ski Patrol consists of over 75 dedicated volunteers providing ski / boarding safety at the Paoli Peaks Ski Resort. Our responsibilities include hill safety, skier/rider safety education, emergency care and rescue. Our mission is to serve the skiing public without charge in the rescue and first aid treatment of injured skiers, offering this service in a courteous manner, affording the best public relations possible for the Paoli Peaks Ski Area Resort and our organization.

For more information on our ski patrol and apply to become a member of their team, visit their website.
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Drone Policy

Out of safety concerns for guests, employees, and resort property, Paoli Peaks prohibits the operation or use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or aerial drones, by the general public, including recreational users and hobbyists.
Groomer on the hills at Paoli before open

This prohibition includes drones for filming or videotaping, as well as any drone use by media or journalists operating over all Resort properties. This prohibition on drone operations or use extends to any drones launched or operated from Resort property, as well as drones launched from private property outside of the Resort boundaries. Please contact the resort if you have any questions.

Any authorized operation of aerial drones may be governed by Federal Aviation Administration rules and regulations, local law enforcement, and/or U.S. Forest Service rules, as well as those policies separately established by our Resort.

Any violation of this policy may involve suspension of your skiing privileges, or the revocation of your season pass, as well as confiscation of any equipment, and may subject violators to any damages, including but not limited to, damages for violations of privacy and/or physical or personal injuries, or regulatory fines and legal fees.