Here at Mt., Ashland, we want everyone to have a great time but your visit comes with some personal responsibility to better protect you in our ever-changing high alpine environment.
This page will provide you with some helpful information to be sure your time here is a safe and enjoyable one.*
Use the AirFlare App
The Mt. Ashland Ski Patrol uses the AirFlare app to help locate lost or injured skiers. The app transforms your mobile phone into a wilderness rescue beacon that provides search teams multiple ways to find you on and off grid. AirFlare adds no weight or bulk to your pack, works with limited or no cellular service, extends off-grid battery life to a week or longer and requires no user action to be searchable. We highly recommend that all guests use this app in the even of an emergency–and the family features are also very helpful!
Know Before You Go
With over 240 acres of in-bounds terrain, and even more in the backcountry. It is important to have some knowledge of how snow behaves.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO (KBYG) has created amazing content and information for you to be safe.
“Know Before You Go is a free avalanche awareness program. Not much science, no warnings to stay out of the mountains, no formulas to memorize. In 1 hour, you will see the destructive power of avalanches, understand when and why they happen, and how you can have fun in the mountains and avoid avalanches.”
For more information please check out kbyg.org
Avalanche Safety
Where there is snow and skiable terrain, there can be avalanches. Our ski patrol goes out every morning to assess the mountain and give clearance on our terrain. They are properly trained for avalanche mitigation and rescue.
You can also learn about avalanche safety and how you can acquire the skills to stay as safe as possible by checking out The Avalanche Website.
Also just nearby we have Mt. Shasta which has its own Avalanche center. The Mount Shasta Avalanche Center can give you an idea of what is going on in the surrounding mountains.
Always remember if you are traveling in avalanche prone areas, or anywhere in the backcountry, always travel with a companion and make sure that you and your partner carry and know how to use:
- Avalanche Transceiver – to locate the burial site
- Probe – to pinpoint the victim
- Shovel – to extract the victim
When you leave the boundaries of Mt Ashland, you are responsible for your own rescue if needed. Staying within our boundaries makes emergency response from ski patrol timely. Always ski with a partner.
Snow Immersion Suffocation (SIS hazards)
When it snows, it is important to remember that tree wells can form in wooded areas.
Our friends at DeepSnowSafety provided the ski industry with awesome information on what to do if you or a friend are caught in a tree well
Always carry the proper equipment, beacon, shovel and probe. Know how to use these tools and always ski with a properly equipped companion that also knows how to use this rescue equipment.
Proper Attire
From our friends at The Snow Pros. Check them out for more awesome tips and tricks.
A good day on snow starts with a good set of skivvies, so here is what to wear on the mountain. Wicking base-layers keep you warm and comfortable by moving sweat away from your skin. Avoid cotton layers at all costs, they do the opposite. Also, be sure to wear one pair of ski or snowboard specific socks, and only one pair. They are designed to keep you warm.
Make sure your snow pants are waterproof, breathable, and appropriate for the climate that you are visiting. And underneath you only want to have on base-layers.
Mid-layers depend on the weather and your personal preference. Layering is great as the day’s weather changes, so can your outfit. A little cold put one on, a little warm take one off.
For jackets, you’ll want to make sure they’re waterproof and possibly insulated depending on the climate that you are in. If it’s cold, you’ll want a neck gaiter to keep your neck and face warm.
You should wear a properly fitted helmet designed for skiing or snowboarding. A bike helmet won’t do. You’ll also want ski goggles to protect your eyes from the sun (snow is very reflective), keep the elements out, and help you see where you are going.
The choice between gloves and mittens is a personal preference. In general, gloves allow for more dexterity while mittens are warmer.
And now you’re ready to go outside!
Lift Use
Remember that part of the Responsibility Code is :
Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.
For more information please check out https://www.thesnowpros.org/take-a-lesson/beginners-guide-to-skiing#6
http://www.nsaa.org/safety-programs/lift-safety/.
Night Skiing
Here on Mt. Ashland, we offer Twilight Skiing/Riding. On Thursdays and Fridays, we stay open till 9 pm with our lights on allowing you to enjoy the Lower mountain in the dark.
A few tips to remember to make the experience enjoyable:
- Wear proper clothing or bring more layers. It can get colder as the sun sets and some night weather comes in.
- Wear proper lenses. Dark-tinted lenses will not allow you to see, clear or yellow lenses will allow for better visibility.
- Stay aware of your surroundings and adhere to the skier’s etiquette. It can be difficult to see people or objects in the shadows night skiing. Be extra cautious not to cut people off or stand in blind spots. Make sure to take it slow and always watch your surroundings so you can have a great night on the mountain!
- Runs not lighted are closed when the sun sets, please respect our closures.
Uphill Policy
Did you know that Mt. Ashland has an Uphill Policy?
Check out all the information about skinning and other access information here or clicking on the image above!