Safety & Conduct

WARNING: Snowboarding, skiing, and other snow related activities contain numerous inherent risks that may result in personal injury, death, or property damage.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY
Season pass and ticket holders must follow Mammoth Mountain Ski Area's rules and "Your Responsibility Code."

USER ASSUMES ALL RISKS INHERENT IN THE SPORT
Your season pass or lift ticket may be suspended or revoked without refund for failure to comply with rules, misconduct, nuisance, reckless behavior, or fraudulent use. Season passes and lift-tickets are non-transferable. Holders are bound by all Mammoth Mountain Ski Area rules, the Release of Liability and Indemnity Agreement, and the Conditions of Use.

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.

• Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
• People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
• Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
• Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
• You must prevent runaway equipment.
• Read and obey all signs, warnings and hazard markings.
• Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
• You must know how, and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
• Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and an employee.
  

This is a partial list. Be safety conscious.

Officially endorsed by the National Ski Areas Association.

Only “Skiers” with approved snow sliding devices will be permitted to ride MMSA & JMSA lifts or gondolas.

Approved Snow Sliding Devices: This list is not exhaustive.

• Downhill Skis
• Snowboards
• Telemark Skis
• Mono Skis
• Snowblades

Approved ADA Adaptive Snow Sliding Devices: This list is not exhaustive.

• Sit Skis
• Mono Skis
• Bi-Skis

Non-Approved Devices: This list is not exhaustive

• Cross-Country Skis
• Boot Skis
• Snow Decks
• Snow Skates
• Snow Surfers
• Skis/Snowboards with plastic edges
• Dual Board Snowboards
• Snowshoes
• Tandem Devices
• Sleds, tubes or toboggans
• Fat tire bikes

Ski Bikes: All ski bike users must contact Disables Sports Eastern Sierra to prove competence and receive approval. Approved ski bike users must visibly display their user permit at all times. Ski bike users must be able to load the lift without slowing or stopping. Only one rider per bike. Bikes must be able to fall over if separated from rider and have a leash.

The list of standards below is not exhaustive, but they are the most prevalent behaviors that generate guest complaints, dissatisfaction and injury. These behaviors, depending on severity, may result in education or application of the “Three Strikes” program.

• Ducking a roped closure for avalanche danger and/or other hazards. Mandatory 2 strikes plus 30 day suspension for pass holders and/or referral to law enforcement for prosecution under California Penal Code section 602r.
• Out of control skiing or snowboarding, or the inability to stop or avoid other people or objects. This constitutes a violation of the Responsibility Code (Please see “Your Responsibility Code” section on this page.)
• Reckless and irresponsible skiing or snowboarding including knowing or blatant disregard for the safety of others, and/or showing a lack of concern for the consequences of one’s own actions.
• Malicious, sudden stops that intentionally result in snow spraying other guests.
• Excessive speed in slow zones, congested areas, and at the base of all lifts. The speed expected is relevant to how many people are on the run, the conditions such as visibility, and/or snow surface quality. As a general rule, your speed should match that of the flow of traffic. You should always brake your speed when entering a slow zone, congested area, or a lift base area.
• Jumping terrain barriers, slow fences and/or ducking of intersection flagging.
• Improper or unsafe trail merging.
• Failure to use a retention device. Although we don’t require or check to ensure that each skier/snowboarder has a retention device, you are responsible for a run-way ski or snowboard.
• Leaving an accident scene if involved in a collision, except to notify authorities or obtain assistance, is illegal and constitutes a violation of our policies, and may result in referral to law enforcement for prosecution under California Penal Code section 653i.
• Profanity will not be tolerated in and around company property. We insist that guests respect other guests.
• No smoking or vaping in public areas and/or lift lines. Smoking/vaping are not tolerated in public spaces such as lift lines or anywhere within fifty feet from building entrances.
• Intoxicated skiers/riders are not permitted to enter lift line mazes or ride lifts. This is for their safety, and for the safety of others. No open containers in lift lines or on lifts.
• Cutting/ducking into full lift lines or in front of others is prohibited. Reckless or malicious ducking of intersection rope or flagging is prohibited and may incur corrective action.
• Malicious throwing of snowballs or other items at individuals or property is prohibited. In instances where bodily harm or property damage occurs, the guest may also be referred to law enforcement. Any type of snowball throwing can lead to injury to bystanders; therefore, we ask all guests to refrain from this activity.
• Littering is not tolerated on MMSA property or Forest Service land.
• Talking on cell phones is not allowed beyond the RFID gates or while loading/unloading a lift for public safety.
• Lewd, Indecent or Derogatory behavior that disturbs, alarms, angers or provokes others is prohibited.Examples include but are not limited to: lewd public gestures or language, obscene or indecent clothing, including without limitation overtly sexual attire that reveals the genitals or clothing that features obscene or indecent messages, or derogatory language, whether spoken or written, regarding any matter including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, age, sexual preference, or national origin. Vulgar, profane, threatening, bullying, abusive, or offensive language is similarly prohibited.

Follow these four tips to ensure you and your friends have the best day on the hill.

Find Terrain That Suits Your Ability

Accidents can occur when skiers and riders find themselves on terrain out of their ability level. Before you head down the mountain, plan out your route using a trail map or the Mammoth App.

Every Skier/Rider Gets 15 Feet

While on the hill, avoid collisions by giving others 15 feet of space on all sides. If kids are present, go slower and give them even more space. Know that skiers/riders can turn suddenly, so always stay in control.

Make Sure You Can Be Seen From All Directions

If you need to stop, be sure to pull to the side of the trail to a place where you are visible to other skiers/riders.

Show Courtesy to Others

It is your responsibility to avoid people downhill from you. Be prepared for sudden changes in their speed or direction. Show courtesy by shouting out what side you are passing them on.

To make your visit as safe and enjoyable as possible, we strongly suggest that you take the time to review the following 11 Kids-on-Lifts Safety Tips with your children before they take their first chairlift ride.

1. Your small child (defined as a child shorter than 51" to the top of their helmet) may be assisted by the lift operator unless instructed differently by their parent or guardian.
2. A small child should not ride a chairlift alone.
3. A small child should sit to the far outside of the chair next to the armrest for added security.
4. A small child not seated next to an armrest should be accompanied by an adult.
5. When riding a fixed grip chairlift with your child (chairlifts that do not automatically slow down while loading and unloading), position them on the side next to the lift operator.
6. If your child uses ski poles they should take the straps off of their wrists and hold them in the hand away from the outside of the chair while loading.
7. Once they are ready they should quickly move from the Wait Here signs to the Load Board. They should remember "Boots on the board".
8. As the chair approaches the load board your child should turn to the outside of the chair, reach back with their free hand, and grab on to the vertical pole.They should remember "Turn, reach, and grab."
9. Your child should hold on to the vertical bar next to them all the way up the chairlift. They should remember "Hold on".
10. Your child should sit all the way back in the chair with their back touching the back of the chair. They should remember "Sit all the way back".
11. Your child should sit still until they reach the Unload Here signs. They should remember to "Sit still".
    

Our qualified lift staff can assist with loading small children, guests of any age. Don't hesitate to ask for lift assistance, if needed.

Tips for Prior to Hitting the Slope

• Get in Shape: Don't try to ski yourself into shape. You'll enjoy skiing more if you're physically fit.
• Obtain Proper Equipment:Be sure to have your ski or snowboard bindings adjusted correctly at a local ski shop. You can rent good ski or snowboarding equipment at resorts.
• When Buying Skiwear:Look for fabric that is water and wind-resistant. Look for wind flaps to shield zippers, snug cuffs at wrists and ankles, collars that can be snuggled up to the chin and drawstrings that can be adjusted for comfort and keep wind out. Be sure to buy quality clothing and products.
• Dress in Layers:Layering allows you to accommodate your body's constantly changing temperature. For example, dress in polypropylene underwear (top and bottoms), which feels good next to the skin, dries quickly, absorbs sweat and keeps you warm. Wear a turtleneck, sweater and jacket.
• Be Prepared:Mother Nature has a mind of her own. Bring a headband or hat with you to the slopes, 60 percent of heat-loss is through the head. Wear gloves or mittens (mittens are usually better for those susceptible to cold hands).
• Wear Sun Protection:The sun reflects off the snow and is stronger than you think, even on cloudy days!
• Always Wear Eye Protection: Have sunglasses and goggles with you. Skiing and snowboarding are a lot more fun when you can see.

Tips for while on the Slopes

• Take a Lesson:Like anything, you'll improve the most when you receive some guidance. The best way to become a good skier or snowboarder is to take a lesson from a qualified instructor.
• Always Ski or Ride with a Buddy:When skiing or riding in deep powder, it is often difficult to get up after a fall. It is especially difficult for snowboarders as their board can anchor them down. Ski Patrol states that it is imperative for skiers and snowboarders to use the buddy system in these conditions. Always arrange a meeting place when you get off a chair, such as the bottom of a chairlift, in case you do get separated. Ensure that the meeting place is close by in case your buddy needs help. If your buddy does not turn up, either search for them immediately or ask a Mammoth Mountain employee to assist you.
• Warm-Up:The all-important warm-up run prepares you mentally and physically for the day ahead.
• The Key to Successful Skiing/Snowboarding is Control:To have it, you must be aware of your technique, the terrain and the skiers and snowboarders around you. Be aware of the snow conditions and how they can change. As conditions turn firm, the skiing gets hard and fast. Begin a run slowly. Skiing and snowboarding require a mental and physical presence.
• If You Find Yourself on a Slope that Exceeds Your Ability Level:Always leave your skis on and side step down the slope. Snowboarders should keep their board on and sit low to the ground, using their edge to slow their sliding. In soft conditions snowboarders may take off their snowboard, have the leash around his/her wrist to prevent a runaway board, and walk down the hill.
• Drink Plenty of Water:Be careful not to become dehydrated.
• Curb Alcohol Consumption:Skiing and snowboarding do not mix well with alcohol or drugs.
• Know Your Limits:Learn to ski and snowboard smoothly—and in control. Stop before you become fatigued and, most of all have fun.
• If You’re Tired:Stop skiing. In this day and age of multi-passenger gondolas and high-speed chairlifts, you can get a lot more time on the slopes compared to the days of the past when guests were limited to fixed grip chairlifts.
• Your Responsibility Code:Always follow the seven safety rules of the slopes laid out in the Responsibility Code above.

Park Smart

Freestyle Terrain areas are designated with an orange oval and may contain jumps, take-offs, 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 the 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 all risk.

• Work your way up. Build your skills.
• If you are just getting into the park for the first time, or first time that day, start with small features and work your way up. If you aren’t sure about how to use a feature, build your skills first.
• When starting out, look for small progression parks and features and then work your way up to medium or large parks and features. Freestyle Terrain comes in different sizes so make sure and start small and work your way up before going into larger parks.

• Every Feature. Every Time.
• Every time you use freestyle terrain have a plan for each feature you are going to use.
• Remember, your speed, approach and take-off will directly affect your maneuver and landing.

ATML
When first inspecting the jumps consider the following elements of each jump:

A – The approach zone is for setting your speed and stance
T – The Take-off zone is for making moves that start your trick
M –The Maneuver zone is for controlling your style
L – The Landing Zone is for getting straight and riding away clean.

Always Look

• Before you drop. Before getting into freestyle terrain observe all signage and warnings.
• Use your first run as a warm run and to familiarize yourself with the park layout and features
• Remember that the features change constantly due to weather, usage and time of day so it is important to continue to inspect features throughout the day.

• The features and other users.
• One person on a feature at a time.
• Wait your turn and call your drop-in.
• Always clear the landing area quickly.
• Respect all signs and stay off of any closed features.
• Remember that respect is important both in the park, and on the rest of the resort. So be smart when you are heading down the mountain or to the lift and save your best tricks for the park.

• Know Your Limits. Land on Your Feet.
• Ride within your ability and consider taking a lesson if you want to build your knowledge, skills, and bag of tricks.
• Stay in control both on the ground and in the air.
• Remember you can control how big or small you take the feature by varying speed and take off.
• Inverted aerials increase the chance of serious injury and are not recommended.

SHREDIQUETTE

Respect Gets Respect. Follow these safety standards when playing in the terrain park to ensure fun for all ages and skill levels.

• Get Rad with a Helmet: Protect your head. #HELMETSARECOOL
• Make a Plan: Warm up, inspect the features, look before you leap, plan your line.
• Call Your Drop: Shout it, let everyone around you know, then go.
• Land on Your Bolts: Land confident, centered and relaxed.
  

It's extremely important to keep Snow Immersion Suffocation (SIS) safety at top of mind. Please ski/ride with a partner and be aware of potential SIS locations.

• Ride with a partner
• Avoid the base of trees when skiing and riding in deep snow
• If you are going to fall attempt to do so feet first
• The more snow, the higher the risk

A tree well/ Snow Immersion Suffocation (SIS) accident can happen when a skier or snowboarder falls into a tree well or area of deep loose snow and becomes immobilized and trapped under the snow and suffocates. Falling headfirst is the most common position SIS incidents occur.

• Breathing becomes difficult when trapped under snow as loose snow packs in around you. Without an immediate rescue you can suffocate.
• The easiest way to avoid an SIS incident is to ski or ride with a partner and use extra caution when deep, loose snow exists - especially where trees exist.
• Odds of surviving an SIS incident when skiing/riding alone are low.
• Prevention of falling into a tree well or area of deep snow is extremely important, odds of surviving deep snow immersion are low.
• 90% of people involved in Tree Well/SIS hazard research experiments could NOT rescue themselves.
• If a partner is not there for immediate rescue, the skier or rider could die extremely quickly from suffocation - in many cases, the time corresponds to drowning in water.

During SIS hazard research experiments, 90% of the research participants could not rescue themselves. Skiing/riding with a partner is crucial as death from drowning can occur in the same amount of time it takes in water.

• A tree well is a depression that forms around the base of a tree that contains a mix of low hanging branches, loose snow and air.
• Evergreen trees in particular (fir, hemlock, etc.) can have large, deep tree wells that form when low hanging branches block snow from filling in and consolidating around the base of the tree. These voids can be hidden from view by the tree’s low hanging branches.
• There is no easy way to identify if a particular tree has a dangerous tree well by sight therefore, treat all tree wells as dangerous.

Tree Well/ SIS Accidents Happen in Ungroomed Terrain

• Most Tree Well/SIS accidents happen where there is a combination of deep powder and trees, exactly where a vast majority of powder hounds want to ski/ride.
• Big storms make for epic powder days, but they also make for some extremely dangerous Tree Well/SIS conditions.
• The more fresh snow the higher the risk!
• Staying on groomed runs can greatly reduce the risk of an SIS incident.
• SKI OR RIDE WITH A PARTNER!

What to do if You Go Down

• Yell or use a whistle to get your partners attention.
• Do whatever you can to keep your head above the surface of the snow. Roll around, grab tree branches or the tree trunk, anything to keep from descending further.
• If possible, keep your feet below the level of your head.
• If you become immersed: Make a space around your face and protect your airway/stay calm/trust your partner is on their way.
• If possible, use your cell phone to call Mammoth’s emergency hotline: 760.934.0611.

What to do if Your Partner Goes Down

• Don’t leave to get help – Stay with your partner!
• Call for additional resources. Use a whistle or yell for assistance. If possible, call 760.934.0611.
• Evaluate scene safety for yourself.

Immediately Begin Snow Immersion Rescue Efforts

• Go directly for the airway, and make sure to keep it clear.
• Be careful not to knock more snow into the hole.
• Do not try to pull victim out the way they fell in. Instead, determine where the head is and tunnel in from the side.
• When tunneling directly for the airway be careful not to knock more snow into the hole.
• Continue expanding the tunnel to the airway until you can extricate the body.

Safety Measures for Ungroomed Terrain

• Ride or ski with a partner and keep them IN SIGHT at all times.
• Ski or ride in control.
• Give tree wells a wide berth and look at the open spaces between the trees, not at them.
• Skiers should remove ski pole straps.
• Use common sense and look after one another out there.

Carry Safety Equipment

• Cell phone with 760.934.0611 on speed dial.
  

Mammoth Mountain Ski Patrol utilizes standard 457 kHz avalanche transceivers and the RECCO avalanche rescue system to facilitate rapid location of burials. Neither of these systems prevent avalanches or guarantee location or survival. Knowledge and common sense are the most efficient way to avoid accidents.

Uphill Rules & Safety

We insist upon personal responsibility and respect for others and our environment. Prior to any uphill activity, it is your responsibility to check the trail status for any route closures, as well as weather and snow conditions. It is common for uphill routes and downhill trails to open and/or close any time during normal operating hours. All Uphill Routes close for the day when avalanche mitigation work is being conducted.

Mammoth works hard to provide a safe, consistent and fun mountain experience. To ensure a great day on the hill, please adhere to following uphill safety guidelines.

• Uphill access is only permitted on designated uphill routes during ski area operating hours.
• Be aware of your visibility. Avoid blind spots by remaining visible to all downhill skiers/riders, especially on steep terrain and below abrupt rollovers.
• You must stay on the side of the ski trail while ascending; switchbacking across the trail is not permitted.
• Use caution – snowmobiles, snowcats and snowmaking may be encountered at any time.
• Never ski or splitboard over a snowmaking hose or power cable. If you encounter one in your pathway on an uphill route, you must backtrack to go around it.
• Use of headphones is discouraged to ensure you can hear downhill skiers/riders as well as approaching snowmobiles, snowcats and other on-hill vehicles.
• Never duck a roped or signed closure.
• You must stop ascending and head downhill if Ski Patrol closes the ski trails/uphill route in use due to changes in weather or conditions, or if you are still ascending at the end of the ski area’s operating hours. The West Summit Uphill Route closes at 3:30 PM.
• Dogs are prohibited on the slopes. Only service animals are permitted at ski area facilities.
  

Know the Code

We’re committed to promoting safety. In addition to people using traditional alpine ski equipment, you may be joined on the slopes by snowboarders, telemark or cross-country skiers, people with disabilities using specialized adaptive equipment and others. Always show courtesy and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing/snowboarding that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Know your ability level and stay within it. Observe the National Ski Areas Association’s “Your Responsibility Code” listed below to ensure a great day on the hill.

• Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
• People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
• You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.
• Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
• Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
• Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.

California State Penal Code

Uphill skiers and split boarders must obey all on-mountain signage, including roped or signed closures; entering closed terrain is prohibited and punishable by law. Those who enter a closed area will be suspended from the ski area for a minimum of thirty (30) days, and may be prosecuted. The following misdemeanors are punishable by a fine of up to $1,000. Violators will lose lift privileges.

• Skiing/riding within or entering a CLOSED area. PC 602r.
• Leaving the accident scene if involved in a collision, except to notify authorities or obtain assistance. PC 653i.

Mammoth works hard to provide the best experience possible. With hazards and natural/man-made obstacles existing on the trails, be cautious and use common sense. Follow these rules and tips to ensure maximum safety and enjoyment on the hill.

• Safeguard yourself by wearing gloves and protective clothing. Helmets are required at all times. Temperatures can vary radically with altitude change.
• Use sunscreen – the sun is more intense at high altitudes.
• Stay in control so you are able to avoid other trail users.
• Ride trails that suit your ability level.
• Uphill traffic has the right of way on a two-way trail.
• On downhill trails, the rider in front has the right of way.
• Be courteous to other riders and move out of the way when it is safe to do so.
• On-hill signage exists for your safety. Read and obey all trail signs paying close attention to the trail rating level.
• Do not stop in the middle of a trail or where you cannot be seen from above.
• Do not shortcut trails; please tread lightly. Bike park passes will be revoked for riding off-trail.
• Start out easy. Your body can fatigue more quickly at higher elevations.
• Staying hydrated is key to your comfort and safety – drink plenty of fluids.
• Watch out for hikers and motor vehicles.
• Pets are not allowed on bike trails (leashed pets allowed only on the gondola and hiking rails).
• Seek shelter during thunderstorms. Stay off ridge tops and away from tall trees, lift towers, powerline poles, signposts and large rock outcroppings.
• Riding with a partner is strongly encouraged.

If you are not completely familiar with your bike and its various components, these checklist items, or if you have any doubt as to your bike's condition, we highly recommend you check with a qualified bike mechanic for further advice. Visit The Gear Up in the Village for full-service repairs and tuneups.

1. Obey all trail signs and markings and hike only on designated trails.
2. Don't stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible to others.
3. Dogs must be on a leash and under an owner's control at all times while on Mammoth Mountain's property.
4. Know how to use the lifts properly. When in doubt, ask a lift operator.
5. Respect the environment and wildlife.
6. Access to emergency care available at the Adventure Center, Eleven53 (summit station), and at mid-station.
7. If you are involved in or witness a collision, you must identify yourself to a Mammoth Mountain Bike Patroller or employee.
8. Be prepared for constantly changing weather conditions.
9. No smoking due to extreme fire danger.
10. Some trails may be closed due to construction. Consult mountain bike staff for information.
11. Please check in at Guest Services prior to accessing the trail system.
12. Please hike on designated hiking trails and roads only.
13. Hiking/outdoor footwear is recommended.

Variable weather conditions exist in the Sierra; thunderstorms, wind events and even snowstorms are common in these mountains. Seek shelter when you see a storm developing. Keep off ridge tops and stay clear of lift houses, lift towers, power lines, open ski runs, the tallest tree in the vicinity, fences and signposts.

• NO PLACE outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area.
• If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.
• When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter.
• Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.

If you are caught outside with no safe shelter anywhere nearby the following actions may reduce your risk:

• Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks.
• Never lie flat on the ground.
• Never shelter under an isolated tree.
• Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter.
• Immediately get out and away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water.
• Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills, etc.).

Mammoth Mountain has miles of dirt roads that wind their way around the mountain, these are for company vehicles only and are prohibited to biking and hiking. Bikes must stay on marked trails.

Vehicle access to Mammoth Mountain is restricted to company vehicles and those having legitimate business on the mountain only. To gain access to Mammoth Mountain you must submit a request form to Mountain Operations.

Based on safety concerns for guests, employees, and resort property, as well as concerns for individual privacy, Mammoth Mountain prohibits the operation or use of unmanned aerial systems (commonly referred to as drones) by the general public – including recreational users and hobbyists. Drone use is permitted only upon obtaining written authorization from Management. This prohibition includes drones used for filming or videotaping, as well as any drone used by media or journalists operating above or within any Mammoth Resorts boundary. Violation of this policy may result in loss of lift privileges and/or prosecution under applicable law. Please contact a resort representative in Administration if you have any questions.

Mammoth offers many recreational opportunities from downhill skiing and snowboarding to mountain biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding. The center of town is approximately 7,500 ft above sea level, and the elevation at the base of Mammoth Mountain near the Main Lodge is 9,000 ft, with the mountain's summit towering at 11,053 ft. Expand this box below and follow the tips to avoid any side effects from effects due to Mammoth’s high elevation.

Altitude Adjustment
When you first arrive, acclimatize yourself for a period of time prior to beginning any strenuous activities. At high elevations, the atmosphere is thinner and there's less oxygen and humidity available than at sea level. This can result in a number of symptoms, such as muscle fatigue, insomnia, mild headaches or slight shortness of breath.

Avoid Sunburn
Our thin atmosphere filters out only a minimum of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays and can result in severe sunburn. Be sure to take adequate precautions to protect your eyes and skin. During high-exposure activities such as spring skiing, those with fair skin may experience sunburn after only two hours of sun exposure, even after applying maximum sunscreen protection. Parents should be especially careful with young children, and apply a generous amount of sunscreen prior to any outdoor activities.

Keep Warm
At this higher elevation, the weather can change quickly. Prolonged exposure to the elements can cause serious problems in any season. Children are not always aware that they are becoming too cold. Parents should watch for red noses and red ears. If this occurs, bring the child in from the cold, remove wet clothes and warm the child and affected areas immediately. Take frequent breaks from the cold or heat. It is wise to layer your clothing, no matter what the season. A t-shirt, wool sweater, nylon windbreaker with hood and a bottle of water are basics for just about any summer activity. Winter sports enthusiasts should wear warm, water-resistant clothing and goggles or sunglasses with adequate UV protection.

Eat Lightly and Drink Plenty of Liquids
You may tend to become dehydrated more quickly at high altitude than at sea level, so drink plenty of water and other fluids (at least 8–10 glasses daily). You should also avoid drinking alcoholic beverages for the first 24 hours of your stay.

Protect Your Eyes
It is also important to use proper UV protection for your eyes. The surface of the snow or water can act as a reflector of UV rays and can generate a great deal of UV exposure to the eyes. Equip yourself and your children with UV sunglasses or goggles. Failure to wear proper eye protection can result in an actual burn of the eye’s surface – a painful condition requiring medical treatment.

Listen to Your Body
If you experience symptoms such as headache, insomnia and/or fatigue, you may have a mild form of altitude sickness. These symptoms are a warning to decrease your activity level. If symptoms persist or begin to worry you, don’t hesitate to contact ski patrol or get checked out the Mammoth Hospital.

Moderation
It’s wise not to have an alcoholic drink at lunch if you plan to return to the slopes afterwards. Most ski accidents occur in the afternoon, as muscles begin to fatigue. The effects of muscle fatigue are increased by the consumption of alcohol.

To ensure you have a safe and fun day on the slopes, remember these tips to protect you from the sun and it's radiation.

• Wear pants, long sleeves, and gloves even on warm days.
• Put on a hat or helmet that covers your ears.
• Wear 100% UV protection goggles or sunglasses.
• Apply generous amounts of SPF 30+ sunscreen on exposed skin every two hours.
• It’s not the heat of the sun that causes skin damage but radiation from the sun.
• What to look for in sunblock: SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both.

Eye health is important for everyone. Skiers and snowboarders spend long hours on the snow which can increase your risk of eye health issues. Fortunately, wearing good quality sunglasses and goggles, that offer UV-protection are a great way to significantly reduce these risks.

The “Three Strikes” program has been in place since the winter season of 2006-2007.

We use a severity and escalation approach.Violations with mild severity will most likely result in education and a warning. More severe violations will result in a ticket/pass punch. Relatively minor violations where the guest’s response escalates the situation may result in higher consequences. We track guests who receive multiple violations in order to educate and hold each person accountable.

1st Violation/Strike: The guest is usually allowed continued privileges depending on their attitude and the nature of the violation.

2nd Violation/Strike: Ticket holders will generally have their access revoked for the rest of the day without refund, and will be issued a minimum 24 hour suspension from further skiing or riding. Daily guests may be suspended for 10 days or more depending on their attitude and the nature of the violation. Pass holders will generally have their pass suspended for a minimum of 24 hours, but may be suspended for 10 days or more depending on their attitude and the nature of the violation.

3rd Violation/Strike: Pass holders and daily ticket purchasers will be suspended indefinitely. Management will reevaluate eligibility for future ticket and pass purchases anytime a guest receives a third warning/strike in one season.

Three Strikes Matrix
This Matrix is for general guidance. Mammoth Mountain reserves the right to impose disciplinary action other than as set forth herein.

One of the joys of visiting Mammoth Lakes is wildlife sightings, mostly American black bears. It is not unusual to see a bear wandering through town or near your hotel. Unfortunately for wildlife, humans can pose a problem to their natural habitat. Remember it is our responsibility to keep our wildlife wild. The best way of doing this, and preventing bears from becoming dependent on humans for food, is to follow these rules:

Never Feed Wildlife

• Do not leave any food or trash outside unattended.
• Remove all food and scented items (such as shampoo, deodorant, or lotion) from your car.
• Keep your car locked.
• Don’t leave pet food or bowls outside.
• Deposit all trash in a bear-proof trash can or dumpster and be sure to secure it afterward.
• Close and lock your windows when you leave if you’re staying on a ground floor level.

Coyote Safety Tips

• Secure food & deposit trash in a locked dumpster. Feeding coyotes is illegal and decreases their fear of humans.
• Keep a safe distance and never approach them or attempt to coax them towards you.
• If you see them on the road or in heavily trafficked areas, honk your horn, wave your arms, and yell to scare them away.

If You See a Bear

• Keep your distance and enjoy it from afar.
• Do not get between a mother bear and her cubs.
• If in a group, never surround a bear – give it a clear escape path.
• Don’t ever turn your back or run from a bear.
• Make loud noises and yell, clap or bang on something to scare it away.

If you see a bear misbehaving, such as trying to get into a dumpster, vehicle, or building, call 911 immediately. The town police and wildlife specialist are trained to handle wildlife situations.

When driving, especially at dusk or dawn, be on the lookout for animals crossing the roadway. Hitting a bear or deer can be fatal – not only to the animal but also to car passengers.

For more information on co-existing with wildlife in Mammoth Lakes, contact the Mammoth Lakes Police Department at 760.937.BEAR.