Mountain Safety at Gunstock
In the event of an on-mountain emergency, Ski Patrol is available to assist you during Gunstock's normal hours of operation.
You can reach ski patrol by calling 603-737-4300 or visit the First Aid Room located by the Ticket Office (right in front of the flagpole).
The Gunstock Mountain Resort Ski Patrol employs a team of more than 70 professional patrollers. Gunstock's patrollers are well versed in outdoor and wilderness emergency care, rope rescue, and toboggan handling skills. Ski Patrol is responsible for opening and closing the resort, determining trail safety and assisting anyone who becomes injured. We welcome you to stop in and say hello! See you on the trails!
For more information about on-mountain safety, visit National Ski Areas Association.
Snow Angel Foundation and Gunstock Mountain Resort Partner on Safety Education and Community Outreach February 8
Snow Angel Foundation Founder Chauncy Johnson will visit Gunstock Mountain Resort on Sunday, February 8, to partner with the resort’s Ski Patrol to reinforce a shared commitment to education-driven mountain safety. Johnson will be on site meeting with Gunstock race teams and engaging guests during a community-focused, on-snow safety event, sharing messages on how to avoid on-slope collisions. The visit builds on Gunstock’s long-standing leadership as an early and active partner in the #RideAnotherDay safety campaign.
Uphill (Skinning) Safety
- You must make every effort to make yourself visible to downhill traffic (if any) at all times.
- Always travel uphill on the side(s) of the trail where you are most visible from above.
- Travel single file and do not stop in locations where you cannot be seen from above.
- You must yield to downhill traffic. Downhill traffic has the right of way.
- When traveling downhill, you must adhere to the Skiers Responsibility Code (see below).
- Use a headlamp and/or light-colored and reflective clothing when accessing the routes pre-dawn.
- You may not leave Gunstock property to access the backcountry.
- Be prepared for extreme weather conditions and be aware that if needed, medical response may be delayed or non-existent.
- Ski Patrol reserves the right to close the mountain to uphill access at any time due to severe weather, extreme surface conditions, mountain operations or other factors.
We ask that, as a guest at Gunstock, you abide by the Responsibility Code and always act Park Smart.
Responsibility Code
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 Your Responsibility Code, please ask any ski area employee.
Learn about the skier code with this helpful video!
- Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
- 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.
Park Smart
Park Smart Terrain Park Safety Initiative 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.
START SMALL - Work your way up. Build your skills.
MAKE A PLAN - Every feature. Every time.
ALWAYS LOOK - Before you drop.
RESPECT - The features and other users.
TAKE IT EASY - Know your limits. Land on your feet.
Helmet Saftey
The National Ski Areas Association promotes the use of helmets on the slopes urging skiers and riders to wear a helmet – but to ski or ride as if they are not wearing a helmet. NSAA views skiing and snowboarding in a controlled and responsible manner – not helmets only – as the primary safety consideration for all skiers and boarders. A skier’s behavior has as much or more to do with the safety of the sport as does any piece of equipment.
Lift Safety
Lift Safety Tips
Here are some common points to help you have a more informed experience on the chairlift. This list complements the skier and rider 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.
- If the lift has a restraint bar, wait until everyone is seated, and slowly reach up and lower the 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.
Lift Load and Unload
Using and riding chair lifts when skiing and snowboarding is one of the primary safety considerations for users. Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely. As you approach the lift read all signs and warnings. If you are unfamiliar with a lift please ask the attendant for help if needed. A skier’s behavior has as much or more to do with the safety of the sport as does any piece of equipment from helmet to chair lift.
Kids on Lifts is an educational program specifically designed to help parents and children
be aware of proper loading and unloading of chairlifts. The website, www.KidsonLifts.org,
contains FAQ’s and safety tips on how to load, ride and unload responsibly, general skiing and riding tips.
ABCs of Riding the Chairlft
A - Attention! Ask the attendant if you are unsure or if you need help with the lift.
B - Bottom to Bottom, Back to Back! Keep your bottom on the seat and your back against the back of the chair.
C - Careful! Don't fool around on the lift. Face foward the whole ride.
Ride Another Day
Five year-old Elise Johnson was just learning to ski when an out of control rider struck and killed her. Elise's parents, Kelli and Chauncy Johnson, wanted to help prevent such accidents befalling other families. The Johnson family generously offered a donation to create the #RideAnotherDay campaign in partnership with NSAA. The campaign encourages awareness, responsibility and common sense to reduce the risk of on-mountain collisions between skiers and riders.
This safety program is a main pillar of collision safety and uses artwork and media content to spread awareness. It is important to educate your guests and community on this powerful topic. Watch and read the video and article below to learn what you can do to promote safety on the hill. The #RideAnotherDay campaign has both a print and a video component where ski areas can find artwork and posters to help spread the collision safety message to their guests.
Tips for Avoiding Collisions
Complementing the Responsibility Code and it's 10 tenets, #RideAnotherDay promotes 3 actions every skier and rider can take to help keep themselves and those around safer on the slopes.
1. Be Ready
Be ready to slow down or avoid objects or other people at any time. Ski and ride in such a way that you are always able to control yourself regardless of conditions and avoid others and objects you may encounter on the run, groomed or otherwise.
2. Stay Alert
Stay alert to what s going on around you, especially other skiers and riders. Being aware of those around and changing conditions will help you have a fun and safe day on the hill.
3. Plan Ahead
Ease up at blind spots, check uphill when merging onto trails, and give other skiers plenty of room when passing. Look out for spots on the run where traffic merges or you can't see what's coming next. If you are unfamiliar with a run, take it easy the first time down it and make note of places where you'll want to slow down, such as cat tracks and rollers. Also, give other skiers and riders lots or room, especially if you are passing them. There's plenty of space out there, so there's no need to crowd each other.
By doing these three things every run, you'll be helping keep the slopes safe and enjoyable, for you and everyone else.