Loon Serious Fun Guide

Serious Fun Guide
Click the links below to read our Serious Fun Guide:
Ski and Snowboard Safety Tips
Helmet Safety
Knee Friendly Skiing
Know the Symbols
Pipe and Park Etiquette

Ski & Snowboarding Safety Tips

Prior to Hitting the Slopes...

• Get in shape. Don't try to ski yourself into shape. You'll enjoy skiing more if you're physically fit.
• Obtain proper equipment. Be sure to have your ski or snowboard bindings adjusted correctly at a local ski shop. You can rent good ski or snowboarding equipment at resorts.
• Dress in layers. Layering allows you to accommodate your body's constantly changing temperature. For example, dress in polypropylene underwear (top and bottoms), which feels good next to the skin, dries quickly, absorbs sweat, and keeps you warm (cotton is not recommended). Wear a turtleneck, sweater and jacket.
• Be prepared. Mother Nature has a mind of her own. Bring a hat with you to the slopes; 60 percent of heat loss is through the head. Wear gloves or mittens (mittens are usually better for those susceptible to cold hands).
• Wear sun protection. The sun reflects off the snow and is stronger than you think, even on cloudy days!
• Always wear eye protection. Have sunglasses and goggles with you. Skiing and snowboarding are a lot more fun when you can see. While on the Slopes…
• Take a lesson. Like anything, you improve most when you receive guidance. The best way to become a good skier or snowboarder is to take a lesson from a qualified instructor.
• Control. The key to successful skiing/snowboarding is control. To have it, you must be aware of your technique, the terrain and the skiers/snowboarders around you. Be aware of the snow conditions and how they can change. As conditions turn firm, the skiing gets hard and fast. Begin a run slowly.
• Know your limits. Learn to ski and snowboard smoothly and in control. If you find yourself on a slope that exceeds your ability level, keep your skis/snowboard on and side-slip or step down the slope.
• Drink plenty of water. Be careful not to become dehydrated.
• Curb alcohol consumption. Skiing and snowboarding do not mix well with alcohol or drugs.
• If you're tired, stop skiing. In this day and age of multi-passenger gondolas and high-speed chairlifts, you can get a lot more time on the slopes compared to the days when guests were limited to fixed grip chairlifts. Stop before you become fatigued.
• Courtesy is cool. When overtaking others, call out "On your right" or "On your left."

WARNING: Loon Mountain invites its guests to ski and ride only within the maintained boundaries of its slopes and trails. Unmarked hazards and obstacles do exist outside the maintained slopes and trails. In addition, snowmaking and snow grooming operations are routinely in progress on slopes and trails. Please keep a safe distance!