Mountain Safety

Safety is everyone's responsibility!  At Northstar^TM Resort, we take safety very seriously.  Our Mountain Safety Team is always out there on the slopes ready and willing to help everyone stay safe and enjoy their day.
 
You can't miss our staff in their bright yellow jackets. We are on the mountain each day patrolling the 'Mellow Yellow Zones' and any other areas that could become congested. Mellow Yellow Zones are clearly identifiable by the bright orange banners and signs at the run entrances.  Our staff also keeps an eye on out of bounds areas and makes sure guests are staying inside the lines.
 
Our staff are on the look-out for skiers and riders traveling too fast or displaying reckless behavior.  Normally, a verbal warning will correct fast and reckless issues, but on occasion, skiing and riding privileges are suspended.
 
Out of bounds areas are exactly that - out of bounds.  Our Mountain Safety Team sets up out of bounds areas every day depending on the stability of mountain conditions.  Riding or skiing out of bounds can result in loss of pass or ticket, possible arrest by the Truckee police department and possible fine.  Just don't do it.
 
Our mission is to ensure that all guests and employees are aware of the Skier Responsibility Code, thereby making our slopes safer for all. You can help the Mountain Safety Team by skiing or riding in control, by staying in bounds, and by using common sense and courtesy while on our mountains.

On-Hill Emergency Contact

Ski patrollers and mountain safety hosts are stationed at the top of major chairlifts.  The first-aid room is serviced by Truckee Tahoe Medical Group and is located on the lower level of the Northstar Club building in the Village at Northstar™.  Report all accidents to the attendant at the bottom or top of the nearest chairlift.  To summon help, use the international signal of crossing your skis in an "X" uphill of the injured skier or rider, or contact Ski Patrol at 530.562.2445. 

How Fast is Too Fast?

Many people have a hard time remembering what it was like to be a beginner skier or snowboarder, and having to worry about whether there is enough space to attempt a turn. So first off, think about giving people some space. Next, remember that you must always be in control whether you are on an expert run or in a Mellow Yellow Zone. This is the first point of the Skier Responsibility Code. If you are in the air, you have no control over your speed or direction. Jumps and hits are not allowed in Mellow Yellow Zones.

Why Can't I Ski or Ride Out of Bounds?

Out of bounds areas are marked on the mountain because our Mountain Safety Team has identified the conditions in those areas as too unstable or dangerous, even for the most expert skiers and riders.  These areas are not regularly patrolled by Ski Patrol, thereby increasing the risk to skiers and riders who may become injured if they are in an out of bounds area.  There are always plenty of ways down the mountain without skiing going out of bounds!

How Can I Tell That I'm in a Mellow Yellow Zone?

The Mellow Yellow Zones are signed on the mountain with big yellow banners.  Most of them are at trail junctions, and at the beginning of runs where skiers and snowboarders converge.  Be aware of other skiers/riders, and please check your speed.

Why Can't I Go as Fast as I Want When There is No One Else on the Run?

Many of the Mellow Yellow Zones are on beginner runs, and where trails of different ratings converge.  Where beginners, kids and more advanced skiers/riders converge, everyone needs to slow down and be aware of who is around them.  Often beginners and children haven't developed this "run awareness" yet, and may not have the foresight or physical ability to avoid others.  Going slow in the Mellow Yellow Zones helps both beginners and advanced skiers navigate the runs and avoid collisions!

WARNING: Skiing, snowboarding and other winter recreational activities involve inherent and other risks of injury and death. Trail conditions vary constantly because of weather changes and ski/snowboard use. Bare spots, stumps, ice, variations in terrain, moguls, forest growth, rocks and debris, lift towers, snowmaking and grooming equipment and other natural and man-made obstacles and hazards may exist throughout the area. You must assume the risks of personal injury and death related to participation in recreational activities within this ski area. Violators of hit-and-run skiing may be prosecuted under Section 653-i of the California State Penal Code. It is unlawful for persons under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or any drug, or under the combined influence, to ski in a ski area (Sec. 12.134, Placer County ordinance).

Do not ski into "CLOSED" areas or beyond ski area boundaries; you may be prosecuted (CC 602.Q) or held liable for the cost of search and rescue.