POLICIES & SAFETY

On & Off Hill

Terrain Access & Uphill

Responsibility Code

Mountain Bike Responsibility Code

Mountain Bike Loading

Helpful Tips

On-Hill Guest Standards

The list of standards below is not exhaustive, but they are the most prevalent behaviors that generate guest complaints, dissatisfaction, and injury. These behaviors may result in the loss of ticket or pass from Berkshire East.

Ducking a roped closure.
Out of control skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, or the inability to stop or avoid other people or objects. This constitutes a violation of the Responsibility Code.
Reckless and irresponsible skiing, snowboarding, or mountain biking 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, intentional sudden stops.
Excessive speed in slow zones, congested areas, and at the base of all lifts. The speed expected is relevant to how many people are in the area, weather conditions such as visibility, and/or ground surface quality. As a general rule, speed should match that of the flow of traffic; always brake speed when entering a slow zone, congested area, or at base areas.
Jumping terrain barriers, slow fences and/or ducking of intersection flagging.
Improper or unsafe trail merging.
Failure to use a retention device on skis and snowboards. Although we don’t require or check to ensure that each skier/snowboarder has a retention device, skiers and riders are responsible for a runaway ski or snowboard.
Leaving an accident scene if involved in a collision, except to notify authorities or obtain assistance.

Know how to load, ride, and unload lifts. Secure any and all loose clothing. Wearing backpacks is not recommended.

Off-Hill Conduct

The list of personal conduct standards below is not exhaustive, but they are the most prevalent behaviors that generate guest complaints and dissatisfaction.

Please avoid using profanity around others, in particular around families.
Focus on loading procedures when getting on and off lifts.
Do not cut or duck into full lift lines, crowded mazes, or in front of others.
Do not throw snowballs or other items at individuals or property. In instances where bodily harm or property damage occurs from malicious throwing of snowballs or other objects, the guest may also be referred to law enforcement.
Do not litter.

Alcohol and Substances Policy for Guests

Guest alcohol consumption is only permitted within the boundaries of the patio, deck, Main Lodge, and Crazy Horse Bar & Grill under Berkshire East’s liquor permit.
Drinking alcohol in not allowed on lifts, trails, or in the parking lots.
Guests who exhibit impairment from alcohol, marijuana, or other substances will not be allowed to board lifts.
No smoking or vaping in public spaces such as lift lines or within 50-feet of buildings or fueling operations.
Illicit substance use is not welcomed at Berkshire East. Please refrain from such use.

BERKSHIRE EAST TERRAIN ACCESS & UPHILL TRAVEL POLICY

An Uphill Access ticket or pass is still required for uphilling and should be purchased in advance during operational hours. Uphillers should be familiar with and adhere to all signage and uphill policies, both on the hill and on the website.

Berkshire East Uphill Travel Policy

Hours and Access:

An Uphill Travel Pass or day ticket is required and the user must have signed a Season Pass Release.

Uphill Access for early morning starts at 6:30am and is offered until the lifts open to the public. Early morning access only includes the trails Big Chief and Exhibition. Uphillers must both ascend and descend along one of these two trails. The remainder of the Berkshire East trails are closed to all recreational traffic until operational hours.

Uphill access continues into scheduled Operational Hours, and ends for the day when the lifts stop spinning. No recreational access is allowed outside of these times. Please respect that outside of open hours our Mountain Ops team is engaged in grooming, snowmaking, winch cat operations, and preparing the mountain for the day.

Berkshire East reserves the right to restrict uphill access at any time, including after fresh snowfall. Berkshire East is private property and recreating outside of the above hours is considered trespassing.

Uphiller’s Responsibilities

An Uphill Travel Pass or day ticket, and signed waiver are required for anyone engaging in Uphill Travel.
Those engaged in uphill travel are considered skiers under the Massachusetts Skier Safety Act and individuals should know "Your Responsibility Code".
Stay to the uphiller’s left/ skiers right side of the trail, wear visible and reflective clothing, use a headlamp at or after dusk, and choose a path that gives downhill traffic the best view of your location. Be aware of sharp turns and knolls where you may not be in view of downhill traffic. Be sure to be visible to other travelers and mountain operations.
Travel with another person when possible, especially during night sessions.
All downhill travel during operational hours must occur on open, lit (night sessions) ski trails.
Early morning access is only allowed on Big Chief and Exhibition. Uphillers must both ascend and descend along one of these two trails.
Be warned that snowmobiles, snowmaking equipment, snow grooming, winch cat cables, and other equipment may be encountered at any time on the mountain. You are responsible for staying clear of such equipment.
Animals are not allowed during operational hours on the trails at Berkshire East. Please leave them at home where it is warm and cozy! Emotional Support Animals are not permitted during operational hours on the trails at Berkshire East. Service Animals are permitted per state regulations. If additional assistance is required please contact us and we will be sure to connect you with a Manager.
Ski Patrol and other Mountain Ops personnel may ask to see your Uphill Travel Pass. Please kindly accommodate them.
Those traveling on trails not open to uphill travel, or without a pass, will be instructed to cease uphill travel. Berkshire East is on privately owned land. Uphilling, skiing, or riding on closed trails or outside of permitted early access or operational hours is considered trespassing.
Uphill travel is a privilege that should be respected and may be restricted as necessary. Always check the status of our trails in advance; uphill travel can be closed at any time.
Call Berkshire East Ski Patrol at 413-214-7167 for emergencies during operating hours, and 911 outside of operational hours.

Uphill Access Routes:

Management may alter uphill travel routes at any time based on operational needs and conditions. Grooming and snowmaking always take priority over uphill access. Uphill access is only permitted on the trails below:

Route A: Big Chief Open: early access: 6:30 am- opening. Uphill travel outside of these hours is not

permitted.

Route B: Lower Mohawk > Roy’s Way (only when closed to downhill traffic) >Mohawk.

Open: Daytime; Evening

Route C: Thunder > Bolt > Mohawk. Open: Daytime; Evening Route

Route D: Thunder. Open: Daytime; Evening Route

Route E: Exhibition (underneath lift). *Ends at the top of Chair 4; does not continue to Summit. Partial ascent route. Open: Early Access, Daytime, Evening Route

Brief Route Descriptions:

Route A: Big Chief

This is the early access route. Chief is open for uphilling from 6:30am until the lifts open. Please respect that uphill travel outside of these hours is not permitted.

Route B & C: Thunder

Located on the east side of Berkshire East near the Thunderbolt Mountain Coaster. To enter the trail, proceed up the bottom of Lower Mohawk and turn left to pass under the Mountain Coaster. Proceed up Thunder, staying on the uphiller’s left of the trail. If conditions allow, Thunder > Bolt > Mohawk may also be used for uphill travel.

Route D: Mohawk > Roy’s Way > Mohawk

An alternative to Thunder, this trail is accessible to uphillers when Roy’s Way is closed to downhill travel, and conditions allow for skinning. From the Mountain Coaster base area, start skinning up Lower Mohawk, pass Thunder, and after the trail bends to the uphiller’s right, turn left onto Roy’s Way. At the top of Roy’s Way, merge back onto Mohawk and stay left to continue up Mohawk. Stay to uphiller’s left and continue up Mohawk to the summit.

Route E: Exhibition

This is the trail underneath Chair 4 and in front of the West Lodge. This uphill route is on looker’s right, skier’s left, underneath the lift. This route ends at the top of Exhibition, near the unload zone for Chair 4. Uphill travel is not permitted past this point on this route. This route does not reach the summit.

Passes & Tickets:

All guests engaged in Uphill Travel must have an Uphill Travel day ticket or pass on their person, and have signed an Uphill Travel Agreement.

An annual Uphill Season Pass is $50. An Uphill Day Ticket is $15.
Please collect your pass in person at Customer Service during open hours.
Carry your current Uphill Travel Pass with you while you travel uphill.
Ski Patrol and other Mountain Ops personnel may ask to see your Uphill Travel Pass. Please kindly accommodate them.
The Uphill Travel Pass does not provide Lift Access.
Trails are designed for use by skiers and riders. Any other form of uphill ascent or downhill descent, including foot traffic, on snow other than skis or snowboards is prohibited with the exception of snowshoeing on Thunder Trail.
Sledding or sliding in any form is prohibited (except during the annual “Cardboard Classic” event).

Remember, uphill travel access can close at any time. Uphill travel may be restricted for mountain operations, such as snowmaking, grooming, winch cat operations, high winds, or other conditions. Berkshire East reserves the right to restrict uphill access at any time, including after fresh snowfall. Entering closed terrain is prohibited, both during the ascent and descent. It is the user's responsibility to know what trails are open or closed, and travel accordingly.

This policy may be changed at any time. Participants are responsible for being familiar with routes and obtaining the most recent uphill policy.

LODGING CANCELLATION POLICY FOR THE WARFIELD HOUSE INN AND CAMPGROUND

Warfield House Inn:

Any cancellations made 7 days in advance to arrival date may receive a refund or the option to re-book to an alternate date. Any cancellations made less than 7 days prior to arrival date will forfeit any refund or option to re-book.

Camping:

Full refunds, minus a $10 administrative fee, will be issued for cancellations made up to 48 hours prior to check-in. No refunds will be given with less than 48 hours’ notice or for no-shows.
No refunds will be given for early departures related to poor weather.

DRONE POLICY

Berkshire East Mountain Resort prohibits the operation or use of unmanned aerial systems, or aerial drones, by the general public including recreational users and hobbyists.

This prohibition on drone use extends to any drones launched or operated from Resort property, as well as drones launched from private property outside of the Resort boundaries.

Any violation of this policy may involve suspension of the users skiing, snowboarding, or mountain biking privileges, revocation of the user's season pass, as well as confiscation of any equipment. Violators will be liable for any damages, including but not limited to, physical or personal injuries, property damage, damages for violations of privacy, regulatory fines, and legal fees.

In rare cases, drones may be used with written permission from management for special events and promotions.

PET POLICY

Pets are permitted if kept on a leash, no longer than 10-feet, at all times. Do not leave pets unattended. Do not leave pets in vehicles. Pets are not allowed in any buildings. We understand that your pet is part of the family, but please be courteous to other visitors. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. If your pet is a disturbance, threat, or nuisance to others, we reserve the right to ask you leave without a refund.

CANCELLATION POLICIES FOR SUMMER

Thunder Mountain Bike Park

Cancellations made with at least a 24 hour notice are fully refundable. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice will be nonrefundable. Cancellations must be made by phone by calling 413-339-6617. If Thunder Mountain Bike Park closes due to weather related concerns or for any other reason, you will be offered the chance to reschedule your reservation to another day or receive a refund. The amount of your reservation cost that can be applied to a rescheduled visit will be pro-rated based on hours of operation.

Rafting, Zip, Aerial and Coaster Activity Cancellation Policy

If You Have to Cancel:
If you choose not to purchase the cancellation insurance and need to cancel:

More than 30 days in advance of your trip date, we retain a $10 per person cancellation fee.
30 days or less in advance of your trip date, you forfeit the entire cost of your trip, unless you have purchased the Cancellation Insurance or have to cancel due to Covid restrictions (see below).
Covid related cancellations made 30 days to 24 hours before your scheduled trip date are ONLY eligible to rebook or receive a credit for the total amount paid. No-shows on the date of the trip or last-minute cancellations are not eligible for a credit. If you would prefer a refund, we encourage you to purchase the Cancellation Insurance.

Transferring Reservations:
All reservations are transferable to another person, but not another date, unless you have purchased Cancellation Insurance. Transferring to another date is the same as canceling.

Cancellation Insurance:
Cancellation insurance allows you to cancel or change the date of your reservation up to 24 hours in advance of your trip. Guests who cancel will receive a full refund minus the cost of the cancellation insurance and processing fee. It must be purchased for the whole group or not at all. No-shows on the date of the trip or last-minute cancellations are not covered by cancellation insurance.

Customers will receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.

CANCELLATION POLICIES FOR WINTER

Lift Tickets

Lift tickets are date-specific and nonrefundable. Tickets unable to be used on the designated day of issuance at purchase may be used on another day during the 23/24 winter season. Guests will be responsible for any difference in the ticket price for rescheduled days. Rescheduling of day tickets must take place before the close of business the day prior to the originally purchased day of use by calling 413-339-6618. All unused winter 23/24 lift tickets expire at the end of the 23/24 winter season. No refunds or credits will be given.

RESPONSIBILITY CODE

The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) advocates education, helmet use, respect, and common sense as very important components when cruising down the mountain. NSAA developed “Your Responsibility Code” to help skiers and boarders be aware that there are elements of risk in snowsports that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. It's your responsibility to know the code!

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY CODE

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 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.

SU CÓDIGO DE RESPONSABILIDAD

Mantén siempre el control. Debes ser capaz de detener o evitar personas u objetos.
Las personas que están por delante o cuesta abajo de ti tienen el derecho de paso. Debes evitarlos.
Deténgase solo donde sea visible desde arriba y no restrinja el tráfico.
Mira cuesta arriba y evita a los demás antes de comenzar cuesta abajo o entrar en un sendero.
Evite olvidar o perder equipo.
Lea y obedezca todas las señalizaciones, advertencias y marcas de peligro.
Manténgase alejado de los senderos cerrados y lejos de las areas cerradas.
Debe saber cómo, y ser capaz de cargar, montar y descargar telesillas de forma segura. Si necesita ayuda, pregúntele al asistente de la telesilla.
No utilice telesillas o terreno cuando esté bajo la influencia de alcohol o drogas.
Si está involucrado en una colisión o incidente, comparta su información de contacto entre sí y con un empleado.

Conozca y obedezca el código. Es su responsabilidad. Si necesita ayuda para entender el código, por favor pregunte a cualquier empleado del área de esquí.