Snow User Responsibility
This is the most fundamental aspect of playing on the snow anywhere in the world. Similar to the ‘road code’ for driving your car, these are the ‘rules’ and everyone has a better day if we all follow these simple laws of the slopes. Failure to follow the Snow User Responsibility Code could result in consequences ranging from 2 hour loss of pass to a 2 week loss of pass. So take it easy out there.
| ATTENTION: |
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| Please respect all ropes, signage and ski area boundary markers. All may indicate possible dangers that may not be readily apparent. In particular, the snow making water reservoirs on both mountains are roped off from public access, clearly signed as hazardous areas and should be avoided. |
Otherwise known as the ‘Roadcode for the slopes’, these are the rules to play by so that everyone has the best possible experience while on thesnow. There are eight rules in total and it pays to know them all, our Trail Safety team will be spot checking customers and you may find yourself the lucky winner of a small prize if a correct answer is given!
The Snow Code
- Stay in Control at all times ~ Know your ability, start easy, be able to stop and avoid other people.
- People below you have the right of way ~ The skier or boarder downhill of you has the right of way. Don’t forget to look above before entering a trail.
- Obey all ski area signage ~ Signs are there for your safety. Keep out of closed areas.
- Look before you leap ~ Scope jumps first. Ensure the area is clear of others. Use a spotter on blind jumps.
- Stop where you can be seen ~ When stopping, try to move to the side of the trail and where you can be seen from above.
- Don’t lose what you use ~ Equipment must be secured while walking or stashing
- Stay on scene ~ If you are involved in, or witness, an accident, remain at the scene and identify yourself to the ski patrol.
- Respect gets respect ~ From the lift line to the slopes and through the park.
RAL staff will take an uncompromising approach to snow users that are witnessed offending against the responsibility code or the offence guidelines as listed below. This is done by using the four tier system outlined below based on the two’s infringement penalties. Before regaining their pass after the penalty is served the offender needs to sign an agreement to safe Skiing/Boarding on Mt Ruapehu.
Advisory Offences
- Losing a piece of equipment that could potentially harm another snow user.
- Stopping in a spot that is blind to other snow users from above.
- Speeding on a green trail or through a slow zone.
- Not clearing away from a congested area of lift unload area.
Two day loss of pass offences
- Leaving the scene of a collision that involved that person.
- Repetitive speeding through a slow zone or on a green trail.
- Jumping in an area where the landing is blind to the user.
- Colliding with the downhill snow user.
- Mildly Abusive behaviour.
- Skiing or boarding beyond a Closure Fence.
- Skiing or boarding out of control.
Two week loss of pass offences
- Colliding with the downhill snow user causing major injury.
- Crossing an avalanche closure.
- Extreme recklessness endangering other snow users.
- Abusive behaviour to another guest or staff member.
