UPHILL SKIING GUIDE

There will be times when skinning and hiking is prohibited. The uphill travel prohibition can be for any reason, at any time. During an uphill travel prohibition there is no uphill travel allowed.

Failure to adhere to these Uphill Skiing policies and prohibitions can result in the loss of skiing privileges. It is the responsibility of the skier to check the snow report for up to date details on Uphill Travel Prohibitions and Routes. Check the snow report before proceeding.

The Snow Report will be updated daily with Uphill Travel Details.

Uphill travel is permitted at Mad River Glen under the following guidelines. You are required to use proper touring equipment for on snow travel (Skins/Snowshoes). No POST-HOLING.

During Hours of Lift Operations: Uphill travel is permitted for MAD RIVER GLEN COOPERATIVE SHAREHOLDERS and MAD RIVER GLEN PASSHOLDERS (A Mad Card is not considered a season pass) to the top of the Sunnyside Double Chair only, unless otherwise indicated on the Snow Report. Uphill travel during operational hours is restricted to skins and skis only and you must obey all trail closures. You must be a SHAREHOLDER OR MRG PASSHOLDER (Your pass must be valid on the day you plan to skin) to skin during operational hours. During the hours of lift operation all uphill skiers must read and sign the Uphill Pass Agreement and obtain an Uphill Travel Pass (no charge). The Uphill Travel Pass is available in the Ticket Office at Mad River Glen. You must carry the Uphill Travel Pass with you while skinning during operational hours. Uphill travel during operational hours to the top of the Double Chair is limited to a defined route as determined by Mad River Glen Cooperative Management. The uphill route will be designated on the Daily Snow Report. Skiers may descend any open trail.

Pre and Post Ski Season: Uphill travel is permitted at any time unless otherwise indicated on the Snow Report. You must obey all trail closures.

During the Ski Season before lift opening (9am weekdays, 8:30 weekends & holidays): Uphill travel is permitted unless otherwise indicated on the Snow Report. You must leave the base area at least 45 minutes before scheduled lift operations. You must begin your descent by the time lifts are scheduled to open. You must obey all trail closures.

During the Ski Season after lifts close (between 3:30 and 4 depending on time of year): Uphill travel is permitted unless otherwise indicated on the Snow Report. You must wait for the lifts to close before leaving the base area. You must obey all trail closures.

The following general guidelines must be adhered to:

WARNING:

SNOWMAKING EQUIPMENT, WATER/POWER LINES, SNOWCATS, SNOW MACHINES, MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT AND OTHER HAZARDS CAN BE ENCOUNTERED ANYWHERE AT ANYTIME ON THE MOUNTAIN, IN ANY SEASON. PLEASE USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN ON THE MOUNTAIN. ALWAYS DISPLAY A LIGHT AND WEAR REFLECTIVE CLOTHING. WHEN ENCOUNTERING MOUNTAIN OPERATIONS STAFF AND VEHICLES, PLEASE MOVE OUT OF THE WAY AND STOP ANY UPHILL OR DOWNHILL ACTIVITY UNTIL THEY PASS BY.

PARKING:

Parking is limited to the area located on this map during the ski season (generally early December to mid-April). We need to be able to plow the main lot without interference by parked cars and also allow our day skiers to come and go. Pre and Post season parking is allowed in the main lot. There is no parking for uphill travel on the Mad River Glen side of Route 17 including the employee parking lots AT ANY TIME.

DOGS:

Dogs are not allowed on the mountain at any time during the ski season (generally early December to mid-April) regardless of whether the mountain is open or closed. We love dogs and many of us have our own, but we kindly ask you to leave them at home.

Uphill traffic shall:

Ascend the skier’s left side of the trail (skinner’s right) unless otherwise indicated on the snow report

Travel as close to the trail edge as is reasonably possible

When more than one person is ascending, always proceed single file.

Look uphill and yield to the downhill skiers

Follow the Your Responsibility Code.

Obey all signage and closures. Skinners should ALWAYS ski only on open trails and NEVER duck a rope.

IF YOU GET HURT during non-operational hours CALL 911:

We do not provide emergency services outside of our regular hours of operation. Do not depend on rescue or ski patrol services in the offseason, during pre- or post-season, at night, or even mid-season if the mountain is not operating and the lifts are not running. In the event you are hurt be prepared for a lengthy time spent outdoors, preparing for your own self-rescue, and for your own personal first-aid. Recreating off-hours at MRG should be no different than other backcountry activity – potential rescue could take many hours and be complicated by weather, location, and availability of resources. Do not depend on others for assistance. Call 911 in the event of an emergency and know your location so that you can report it to the dispatcher.

BE PREPARED:

Plan your trip ahead of time and let others know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Be aware of prior, current, and future weather conditions on the mountain – our weather can and does change with little to no notice. Equip yourself with proper food, fuel, light, and clothing in the event you are injured and need to spend more time outside in the elements than planned (even overnight). Don’t go alone – groups of 3 are recommended so that in an emergency the injured can have 1 person provide first aid and 1 person to go get help.

BE SEEN / HEARD:

You are responsible for wearing bright reflective clothing and for displaying a light so you can be seen. Just as our vehicles are equipped with warning lights, you should equip yourself so that you are visible. Carry multiple/redundant forms of communication – cell phones do not always work, lose their charge, or malfunction in cold/wet environments.

CHOOSE (AND SKI) WISELY:

As with any backcountry ski plan, be sure to scout what you plan to ski. Unknown and unseen hazards exist and ski conditions/obstacles can and do change quickly. Water bars, tree branches, rocks, and other hazards are present and may not be visible or apparent. Ski conservatively and on trails with which you are familiar and comfortable skiing in any condition.

SNOWCAT/SNOWMOBILE SAFETY:

If you see a snow cat or snowmobile coming, don’t hide! Go the side of the trail, stop, and shine your light toward the snow cat. Operators want to know you’re there and see where you are.

If the full width of the trail isn’t groomed, you should expect snow cats to return once they’ve gone by you. Make sure that you are able to step to the side of the trail if they return.

NEVER follow a snow cat down the mountain. Even the best skier can catch an edge and fall – and you don’t want to come in contact with a snow cat.

SNOWMAKING IN PROGRESS:

Snowmaking equipment can pose serious hazards in addition to the ones described above. Snowmaking snow may be wet and heavy, and snow may not be consistent from gun to gun. We also may have long hoses and live electric wires stretched between our movable guns and fixed hydrants. STAY AWAY. Do not ski on or over any hoses, electric wires, or equipment! The hoses contain high-pressure water and the wires carry high voltage electricity and skiing over them is extremely dangerous. STAY AWAY FROM ALL SNOWMAKING EQUIPMENT.

A valid ticket or Season Pass is required to access the lifts.