POLICIES & SAFETY
General Policies
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 Backyard Patio, Crazy Horse Bar & Grill, Crazy Horse deck, Main Lodge, and West Lodge under Berkshire East’s liquor permit.
- Drinking alcohol is not allowed on lifts, lift lines, 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.
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.
Responsibility Codes
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. NO STRAIGHT LINING - fast and reckless skiing will not be tolerated and could result in the loss of your ticket or pass.
- 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. NO SE PERMITE CICLO RECTO "STRAIGHT LINING" - no se tolerará esquiar de forma rápida e imprudente y podría resultar en la pérdida de su boleto o pase.
- 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.
Our Young Adult Patrollers at Berkshire East review the NSAA Your Responsibility Code in this educational video.
An explanation of Straight-Lining in skiing, why we don't want it to occur, and what to do instead. An educational video with Berkshire East Ski Patrol.
The National Ski Areas Association and Burton Snowboards would like to welcome you to the "Park Smart" Terrain Park Safety initiative. Park Smart is the evolution of the original Smart Style program. A cooperative effort with the help of the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI) and National Ski Patrol (NSP) that emphasizes the proper use of terrain parks while delivering a unified message.
NSAA has developed the Mountain Biker's Responsibility Code below to help inform users about the basic information, decision-making and actions every rider should know and take prior to and while riding on the variety of trails within a ski areas trail network.
Similar to the ten points of the winter Responsibility Code, this code reminds users that there are elements of risk in mountain biking that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce.
MOUNTAIN BIKER'S RESPONSIBILITY CODE
Mountain biking involves risk of serious injury or death. Your knowledge, decisions and actions contribute to your safety and that of others.
ALWAYS:
- STAY IN CONTROL. You're responsible for avoiding objects and people.
- KNOW YOUR LIMITS. Ride within your ability. Start small and work your way up.
- PROTECT YOURSELF. Use an appropriate bike, helmet and protective equipment.
- INSPECT AND MAINTAIN YOUR EQUIPMENT. Know your components and their operation prior to riding.
- BE LIFT SMART. Know how to load, ride and unload lifts safely.
Ask if you need help. - INSPECT THE TRAILS AND FEATURES. Conditions change constantly; plan and adjust your riding accordingly.
- OBEY SIGNS AND WARNINGS. Stay on marked trails only. Keep off closed trails and features. Ride in the direction indicated.
- BE VISIBLE. Do not stop where you obstruct a trail, feature, landing or are not visible.
- LOOK AND YIELD TO OTHERS. Look both ways and yield when entering or crossing a road or trail. When overtaking, use caution and yield to those ahead.
- COOPERATE. If involved in or witness to an incident, identify yourself to staff.
Know and Follow the Code. It is Your Responsibility.
CÓDIGO DE RESPONSABILIDAD DEL CICLISMO DE MONTAÑA
El ciclismo de montaña implica riesgo de lesiones graves o muerte. Tu conocimiento, decisiones y acciones contribuyen a tu seguridad y la de los demás.
SIEMPRE:
1. MANTÉN EL CONTROL. Eres responsable de evitar objetos y personas.
2. CONOCE TUS LÍMITES. Conduce dentro de tus posibilidades. Comienza de a poco y ve aumentando.
3. PROTÉGETE. Utiliza una bicicleta, un casco y un equipo de protección adecuados.
4. INSPECCIONA Y MANTEN TU EQUIPO. Conoce los componentes y su funcionamiento antes de montar.
5. UTILIZA INTELIGENTEMENTE LOS ELEVADORES. Aprende a cargar, utilizar y descargar elevadores de forma segura. Pregunta si necesitas ayuda.
6. INSPECCIONE LOS SENDEROS Y LAS CARACTERÍSTICAS. Las condiciones cambian constantemente; planifique y ajuste su conducción en consecuencia.
7. OBEDEZCA LAS SEÑALES Y ADVERTENCIAS. Permanezca solo en los senderos marcados. Manténgase alejado de los senderos y las características cerradas. Conduzca en la dirección indicada.
8. SEA VISIBLE. No se detenga donde obstruya un sendero, una característica, un lugar de aterrizaje o donde no sea visible.
9. MIRE Y CEDA EL PASO A LOS DEMÁS. Mire a ambos lados y ceda el paso al ingresar o cruzar una carretera o sendero. Al adelantar, tenga cuidado y ceda el paso a los que van adelante.
10. COOPERE. Si está involucrado o es testigo de un incidente, identifíquese ante el personal.
Conozca y siga el Código. Es su responsabilidad.
How to Load Lifts
This list complements Your Responsibility Code.
- Be familiar with the type of lift you are riding, and ask for help if you need it.
- Before loading, remove backpacks and secure loose items. Remove pole straps from wrists.
- Look over your shoulder to watch the chair approach.
- Sit all the way in the chair, with your back to the seat rest.
- Wait until everyone is seated, and slowly reach up and lower the restraint bar. Do not attempt to lower the bar if you cannot reach it! Adults should always help kids to lower the bar.
- Be aware of your surroundings while riding the lift. If you drop something, let it fall! You can always ask ski patrol for help retrieving the lost item.
- As you approach the top terminal, prepare to raise the bar. Look for signs advising you to do so to help with your timing.
Please watch these instructional videos on How to Load Lifts. Always ask Lift Attendants if you have questions or need assistance.
Please watch these instructional videos on How to Load Lifts. Always ask Lift Attendants if you have questions or need assistance.
Please watch these instructional videos on How to Load Lifts. Always ask Lift Attendants if you have questions or need assistance.
Please watch these instructional videos on How to Load Lifts. Always ask Lift Attendants if you have questions or need assistance.
Helpful Tips for Beginners
- Beginner's Guide to Skiing - watch
- Beginner's Guide to Snowboarding - watch
- How to Unload the Chair Lift - watch
- Ski Tips for Kids - read
- Professional Ski Instructors of America - read
- Association of Snowboard Instructors - read
While these videos are helpful, taking lessons from professional instructors is always best. Learn more about the Berkshire East Ski School here.
Become familiar with signs like the ones below near lifts, Magic Carpets, trails, and around the resort.
SPOT INSURANCE
Shred Fearlessly, with Spot Injury Insurance!
Add Spot Insurance to your daily lift ticket for $8 or $64 for your season pass. Spot can pay your medical bills up to $25,000, with $0 deductible, in the unlikely case of an injury on the mountain this season at Berkshire East and/or Catamount. Your plan works whether you have health insurance or not, and coordinates with any existing health plans you may have.
Who is covered? All registered ski, snowboard, or mountain biking participants of Berkshire East Mountain Resort or Catamount Mountain Resort's voluntary daily pass program.
When are you covered? While participating in skiing, snowboarding, or mountain biking activities.
Where are you covered? Within bounds at Berkshire East Mountain Resort and Catamount Mountain Resort.