The Ski Area Boundary of Stowe Mountain Resort is clearly marked on all trail maps, signs and postings around the resort. Anything beyond this boundary is outside of the open and designated trail systems at Stowe Mountain Resort. Vermont law states that any person who uses a ski area's facilities to access terrain outside of the open and designated trail abandons certain rights and shall be liable for any costs of rescue, medical or other services.

If you choose to recreate beyond the Ski Area Boundary, please remember:

These areas contain many increased risks and hazards, many of which are hidden and/or may lie at or under the surface.

It is easy to get lost. Know where you are going and never go alone.

Weather constantly changes in the mountains. Monitor weather forecasts. Be prepared to bring extra supplies.

You and your party are on your own. Night falls quickly in the winter. If you head out too late in the afternoon, you may get caught in the dark, which can turn small problems into very big ones.

Call 911 in an emergency, but remember call services may be limited or unavailable in some areas.

Mount Mansfield is a unique and precious natural area. Travel on the summit can damage or kill rare, fragile plants. Please respect this precious resource and only travel where the snowpack is thick and stable.

Deep Snow Smarts

Any time you leave the maintained trails and enter the woods, you expose yourself to increased risks. With our recent snowfall, there are now additional hazards that are present in the woods, one of which is snow immersion suffocation. Snow immersion suffocation can occur when a skier or rider falls in soft, unconsolidated snow and cannot free him or herself. Immersion fatalities are most commonly associated with tree wells, where low hanging branches at the base of trees block snow from consolidating, creating a void that doesn't fill with packed snow. Other conditions, such as the presence of streams, rocks and fallen branches can create similarly hazardous conditions. In all of these situations, it is extremely difficult and often impossible for the fallen person to free him or herself. For this reason, it is critical that woods skiers and riders maintain line-of-sight contact with each other, so that they can assist fallen partners.

Never Forget Good Woods Smarts:

Don't go in alone and maintain line-of-sight with your partner(s). Use the leapfrog mentality when skiing with a partner or partners.

Know where you are going.

Wear a helmet.

Stay away from the base of trees and low-lying areas such as stream beds.

Don't enter the woods late in the day or in bad weather.

Carry a fully charged cell phone. Cell phones can be helpful, but there is no guarantee that you will have service in the mountains.

In the Event of a Snow Immersion Emergency:

Do not panic—struggling and thrashing can make the situation worse.

Carry a whistle in your chest pocket—one's voice can be lost within minutes of yelling.

Save Ski Patrol's phone number and enable voice command if your device is capable. This can assist with hands-free calling when immobilized, but never rely solely on you cell phone for emergency response.

If possible, try to create an air pocket in front of your face.

Remember, if you lose contact with a friend, you could lose a friend.

To view Stowe Mountain Rescue's "Backcountry Skiing & Riding Safety" video, click here

Accidents on the Trails

If you come across an injured skier or rider, remain calm. If you are a skier, and are able to do so, cross your skis above the injured person so that he/she is visible from above. Alternatively, ask someone to stand above the injured person. If you have a cell phone and have service, contact the Mount Mansfield Ski Patrol. Patrol is available whenever the lift is running.

Drone Use

Due to safety and privacy concerns for guests, employees and property, the operation or use of unmanned aerial systems, or drones, is prohibited above or within Stowe Mountain Resort.

Dogs

Dogs and skiing don't mix. We do not recommend that you bring your pet to the mountain. If you do, please keep him or her in the base areas, respect Stowe's leash law and maintain control of your dog.

Equipment

Alpine and telemark ski equipment, snowboard equipment and adaptive equipment are the only types of gear permitted for downhill use on Stowe's alpine trails.