Mountain Safety

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For more information, please visit CWSAA’S website.

HBMR Code of Conduct

  1. Abide by the Alpine Responsibility Code.
  2. Be cordial and respectful to all fellow skiers/riders and employees.
  3. Respect all area closures and slow zones.
  4. Refrain from profane or abusive language in all public areas.
  5. Smoking in non-designated areas will not be tolerated.
  6. Alcohol consumption restricted to licensed areas at the Resort.
  7. Zero tolerance of narcotics use.
  8. Be accountable for your own actions.

Abiding by the Hudson Bay Mountain Resort Code of Conduct ensures everybody on the mountain enjoys their day.

It’s important to remember that our lifts are heavy machinery. For the safety of our guests and staff, we ask you to follow our tips for loading, riding and unloading all chairlifts and have a safe lift ride.

Mountain Policies

Motorized activities are prohibited on Hudson Bay Mountain Resort.

Motorized activity causes a negative environmental impact to a protected area as well the fact that these activities are high risk and could put additional strain on the healthcare system if injuries were to occur.

The BC Search and Rescue Association and Emergency Management BC are appealing to the public to take extra caution if heading into the outdoors.

BC Conservation Officer Services have been contacted and notified of these activities and will be sending resources to address this issue. If you see someone violating the non-motorized restrictions please file a report by calling 1-877-952-7277

Refund Policies

Hudson Bay Mountain does not give refunds on lift tickets. Tickets purchased are non-refundable and non-transferable, make sure to check the weather conditions prior to purchasing.

Although HBMR does not give refunds, we understand that weather may play a part in us being able to operate. For this reason, we have this policy in place.

If the entire mountain shuts down due to weather – 1/2 day snow checks (vouchers good for a half day for another day) will be given but only on the day of. If any shut down happens after 2 pm, no vouchers are given. Vouchers will not be given while lifts are still on stand-by or while other lifts are still operating.

Open Container Policy

Alcohol consumption outside of the licensed areas within the Hudson Bay Mountain resort property, including outdoors, is strictly prohibited.  Bringing your own personal alcohol for consumption anywhere on resort property is not permitted.

Hudson Bay Mountain Resort works hard to maintain a safe skiing and riding environment for all guests. All guests must be aware of the Alpine Responsibility Code as these are the rules of the mountain.

Babies in Backpacks

Under absolutely no circumstance will HBMR allow a person with a baby or an animal on their back (or front) on any of the lifts.

Children must be wearing ski/snowboard boots and have gear on.

Drones

Personal operation of drones on HBM is not allowed for a few reasons. 

There are very few areas on HBM where it is permissible to fly a drone. On the Prairie side there is private property (the cabins) and recording footage of private property is not allowed. On the chair side, we are within 8 kms of the airport and therefore not allowed.
We also do not allow personal drones flying over our lifts, as any accident could cause sufficient damage and pose a safety risk to the public.

https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/flying-your-drone-safely-legally#legal

 Dogs at Hudson Bay Mountain Policy

Dogs in the base area MUST be on leash and you MUST clean up after them. Failure to do so will result in being asked to leave. Dogs are NOT allowed to go up any of the lifts, even if they are leashed.

Ski touring up the HBM Ski Area Policy

During Operating Days, all ski touring up the HBM Ski Area must be done outside of the clearly marked boundary of the patrolled area on the Prairie side. In the past, HBM has built an uptrack on the Ptarmigan run, should this occur again, please ensure you grab an “uptrack ticket” from the box located at the bottom of the Skyline Chair before proceeding up the mountain. HBM really appreciates the compliance of these policies. If any clarification is needed, please feel free to speak to management.

Policy on Adaptive SnowSports

HBM will offer a 50% discount on a Season Pass, or a Full Day Lift Ticket.  To receive this discount a valid CADS (Candadian Adaptive Snow Sports) card must be presented at the time of purchase.  For more information regarding CADS: https://www.bcadaptive.com/content/membership

Lift Safety

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WHEN LOADING THE CHAIR

  • Get prepared and be ready. Remove your pole straps and hold your ski poles in one hand. Make sure your pole tips are pointing forward! Check for loose clothing and equipment. Remove backpacks.
  • Group up with your crew and move through the lift line. Line up with your group at the waiting board and follow the chair in front of you to the loading board. If you need the chair slowed for loading, let the lift attendant know.
  • Stop at the ‘stop here’ and then follow the next chair to the green ‘load here’ sign. Remember to keep your skis/board straight ahead and look behind you for the oncoming chair.
  • Grab onto the side or back of the chair and move yourself towards the back. If you’re skiing with kids, you may need to help pull them up onto the chair. If you require assistance please notify the lift attendant.
  • Sit back, lower the safety bar, and enjoy the ride. Let the other riders on the chair know that you’re lowering the bar to avoid any head collisions.

WHEN RIDING THE CHAIR

  • For your safety and the safety of others do not horse around, throw things off the chair, or swing/bounce the chair.
  • If you’re getting things out of your pocket use caution. It is easy to drop your phone, glove, pole and other items on skiers and riders below.
  • No smoking or vaping on chairs.
  • Leave the bar down until you see the ‘raise restraining device’ sign.
  • Sit back against the back rest while in motion.
  • Watch for and follow the signs/instructions.
  • Do not lift or leave the restraining bar up while riding.
  • Do not lean forward or adjust your boots, skis, or snowboard.
  • Do not attempt to touch trees or towers.

WHEN UNLOADING THE CHAIR

  • When coming into the terminal, keep your ski/snowboard tip(s) up, and lift the safety bar once everyone is ready.
  • Check for loose equipment and clothing, and ensure that none of your gear is caught in the chair.
  • Do not hold onto the chair.
  • When aligned with the ‘unload here’ sign, stand up and slide down the ramp.
  • Move out of the way and to the side quickly so the next chair has plenty of room to unload.
  • If you happen to fall or leave something behind, clear out of the way as soon as you are able. Our lift operators are able to assist you.

Tree Well Safety

Tree wells are a common and dangerous hazard in deep snow.  

You can find information that applies to all our tree skiing terrain in bounds http://www.deepsnowsafety.org/ . and the https://skisafety.ca/ websites are very informative in regards to tree wells, as well as tree well safety and accident prevention around tree

Note: Strongly recommend that all guests who choose to ski/ride in the trees, do so with a friend, stay within visual and voice contact and carry a whistle for your own safety.

Terrain Park Safety & Etiquette

The HBMR Local Supply Co Terrain Park is over on the Prairie side of the mountain. Our park features a variety of jumps, rails, boxes, and urban hits, complete with zones for all abilities. Start small and work your way up increasing the difficulty gradually, do not attempt manoeuvres that are beyond your ability. 

TERRAIN PARK ETIQUETTE – THE SMARTSTYLE 5

1. Start Smart
Start small and work your way up, build your skills.

2. Make A Plan
For every feature, every time.

3. Always Look
Before you drop and call your drop in. Make sure to inspect every feature before you hit it. Keep landings clear, if you fall or see someone fall block the feature off.

4. Respect
The features, other users and the Park Crew staff. 
Rail takeoffs are used to get onto the rail not as a separate jump.

5. Take it Easy
Know your limit, keep within it.
If someone falls in a landing clear the area as soon as possible, or block the takeoff with an X if possible
.

Safety Tips

ADDITIONAL SAFETY TIPS

  • Respect ‘slow zones’ posted on mountains.
  • Ski/ride in control. You must always be able to quickly stop or turn to avoid objects or other skiers and riders. Take particular care in congested areas. Slow down and look ahead. Always be aware of your surroundings.
  • Be aware of runs merging, remember to look up and give way accordingly.
  • Do not gather by the off ramp of the chairlift, be sure to move out of the way quickly so the next chair has plenty of room to unload.
  • Stay in bounds no matter how tempting that snow may be! Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas. Trails and areas are closed for guest safety. Observe and obey all posted signs and warnings. Signs, markings and fences are in place for the safety of our guests. Ignoring these messages may put guests at greater risk, particularly those who follow tracks past boundaries.
  • Ski boots do not always offer good traction when walking on snow. Exercise caution around our base areas, parking lots and when turning corners.
  • Snow cats and snowmobiles may be encountered during operating hours. Give these vehicles a wide berth.
  • Identify meeting points with your group in case you become separated from your companions. All group members should know where to meet should separation occur.
  • If you need to stop on a run, do so on the shoulder/side and be sure oncoming skiers/riders can see you. Once you are ready to continue be sure to look up and give way to oncoming skiers/riders before beginning your decent.
  • Ski/ride with a buddy. Carry a whistle and be particularly cautious when skiing/riding in the trees.
  • Uphill skiing/skinning is only permitted on the uptrack on Ptarmigan or outside of the CRA.
  • Snowmobiling inside the CRA is not permitted at any time during operating hours. Registered snowmobiles may be used to transport goods to and from cabins, but only before 9 am and after 4:30 pm.

Personal Well Being

  • Wear a Helmet
    • HBMR recommends that all skiers and riders wear helmets. We recommend that everyone educates themselves in the uses, advantages and limitations of helmets.
  • Protect Your Skin
    • UV rays are reflected from the snow surface. Make sure to put sunscreen on exposed skin. Wear sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes.
  • Dress Appropriately
    • Dress in layers so you can remove or add layers depending on your body temperature. The base layer should wick moisture away from your body. Synthetic fabrics that are specifically designed and merino wool make great base layers. Avoid cotton as it won’t keep you warm when wet. Middle layer – think insulation! Down vests, wool sweaters, fleece pullovers are all great options. Top layer should be wind and water resistant and breathable.
  • Footwear
    • Ski boots can be difficult to walk in and do not offer good traction. Use extra caution when walking around base areas.
  • Stay hydrated; drink plenty of fluids (water, juice)
  • Eat snacks & good meals
  • Meeting points
    • When skiing in a group, make sure you have a designated meeting place. The meeting place should be a spot that everyone can easily find and access. If you become separated head to your designated meeting place.
  • Ski with a friend, if you ski or ride with a buddy, it’s much safer and usually more fun!
  • Carry a whistle. A whistle blast can carry further than the human voice if you get into trouble in the trees.

Wildfire Risk Management

British Columbia has invested significantly in mitigating the impact of wildfire on communities and critical infrastructure by reducing their
risk. The Crown Land Wildfire Risk Reduction (WRR) program is being administered through the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource
Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD). Mountain Resorts Branch, the provincial regulatory agency for ski areas in BC, is collaborating with BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) under this program for a variety of projects to protect mountain resort communities, critical
infrastructure and provincial assets on Crown Land.

For more information download the Wildfire Risk Reduction program package.