SAFETY
ON THE MOUNTAIN
At Crystal Mountain, your safety is our top priority. Please view the information below to ensure your visit is a great and safe one!
Important Phone Numbers
Ski Patrol: 231-378-HELP (4357)
Security: 231-631-0581
Operator: 888-968-7686 ext. 0
AERIAL DRONE POLICY
Out of safety concerns for our guests, employees, and resort property, Crystal Mountain Resort prohibits the operation of unmanned aerial systems, or aerial drones by the general public, including recreational users and hobbyists, without prior written authorization from the Resort. This prohibition includes drones for filming or videotaping, as well as any use by media or journalists operating above Crystal Mountain property. Please contact Joe Bolduc, Director of Risk Management and Resort Safety at 231-378-2258 if you have any questions or if you seek prior approval to operate any aerial drones. Any authorized operation of aerial drones will be governed by Federal Aviation Administration rules and regulations, as well as policies established by Crystal Mountain Resort, which may include certification, training, insurance coverage and indemnification.
WINTER SAFETY
KNOW THE CODE
Safety is everyone's responsibility. The Skier's Responsibility Code is a code of ethics for all skiers and snowboarders on the slopes.
- Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
- People ahead or downhill of you have the right of way. You must avoid them.
- Only stop 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.
- 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 employee.
AVOIDING COLLISIONS
The best way to avoid a collision is to follow the steps of the Skier Responsibility Code. It is also important to obey signs designating slow zones and intersecting areas. Also, minimize distractions (avoid headphones, loud music, texting and phone use) in order to maintain total awareness of your surroundings. It is recommended that all skiers and snowboarders share the slopes and always show respect for others.
National Ski Areas Association
Our friends at the National Ski Areas Association have plenty of great tips for staying safe on the slopes this winter!
Discover more Mountain Safety Tips »
Uphill Skiing Policy
ALL UPHILL TRAVEL IS AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Crystal Mountain Resort allows uphill skiing (skinning) during winter season one hour prior to chair lift hours of operation. For the safety of everyone on the mountain, anyone participating in these activities must adhere to the following guidelines:
1. You must have a valid season pass (and a signed waiver on file) or a current day ticket. Uphill travel equipment is required to have metal edges, a restraining device or brakes and an industry approved binding. (AT skis, Telemark skis and Split Board snowboards only, - CROSS COUNTRY SKIS ARE NOT ALLOWED.)
2. Contact Ski Patrol at (231) 378-4357 to let them know your intentions before ascending the trail.
3. The route of uphill traffic is, ascending HOOT OWL to the top of the CHEERS/BUCK complex. Uphill travel is only allowed on this designated route.
4. You must ascend and descend prior to lift operation hours.
5. You must travel down BUCK, GIGGLES OR THE CHEERS/TUCKS RUNS. All other trails and terrain parks are CLOSED outside of operating hours, with the exception of the designated uphill route, one hour prior to opening.
6. You must be visible to all traffic at all times, and follow the SKIER RESPONSIBILITY CODE.
7. No dogs are allowed on the mountain, except service dogs, which must be on a leash.
8. Overnight outside stays on the mountain, or surrounding areas, are not permitted.
9. Management reserves the right to close the mountain at any time. SLEDDING IS NOT PERMITTED ON ANY PART OF CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN SKI HILLS AT ANY TIME.
10. The mountain is closed and cleared of guests and staff at the end of each operation day.
If you access the mountain during the one hour prior to operating hours, you do so at YOUR OWN RISK. Conditions may be variable, due to weather, ungroomed surfaces and limited visibility.
Uphill skiers are warned that snowmobiles, snowmaking, snow grooming, winch cables and other equipment may be encountered at any time and that YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE to stay clear of such equipment. Use extra caution and always remain aware of your surroundings.
Stay to the side of the authorized uphill route and avoid spots where you may not be visible. When descending, avoid grooming operations, hill opening personnel and equipment.
Please be aware there are NO SKI PATROL services outside of operating hours and ski area buildings are closed and off limits. In case of an emergency, call the resort operator at (231) 378-2000 Ext. 0. They will dispatch 24 hr. SECURITY (231) 638-0581 or SKI PATROL (231) 378-4357 when on duty.
Winter Downhill Equipment Policy
Crystal Mountain Resort reviews our equipment policy periodically and this policy is in effect as of February 2023. You are responsible for obeying the Michigan Ski Area Safety Act regardless of the equipment you chose to use. Our lifts and trails are designed for use by guests on a wide variety of skiing and riding equipment incorporating an array of different binding systems that must be attached to at least one foot or the lower torso. Each guest shall have a device on their skiing and riding equipment that is capable of restraining or stopping it in the event the equipment becomes detached from the user. The Director of Risk and Resort Safety or The Mountain Managers retain the right to prohibit any type of equipment at their discretion.
Crystal Mountain Resort prohibits skiing or snowboarding while carrying a child or pet in a backpack or other suspension device.
Crystal Mountain Resort prohibits sleds of any type on our skiable terrain.
Allowed Equipment:
• Skis
• Snowboards
• Telemark
• Carving Boards
• Mono skis
• Ski skates
• Sit skis (adaptive)
• Alpine Touring equipment
National Ski Patrol
Are you interested in joining our Ski Patrol? We'd love to hear from you! Give us a call at 231-378-2258.
SUMMER SAFETY
KNOW THE CODE
When Mountain Biking, please remember that your knowledge, decisions and actions contribute to your safety and that of others.
- Stay in control. You're responsible for avoiding objects and people.
- Know your limits. Ride within your ability. Start small and work your way up.
- Protect yourself. Use an appropriate bike, helmet and protective equipment.
- Inspect and maintain your equipment. Know your components and their operation prior to riding.
- Be lift smart. Know how to load, ride and unload lifts safely. Ask if you need help.
- Inspect the trails and features. Conditions change constantly; plan and adjust your riding accordingly.
- Obey signs and warnings. Stay on marked trails only. Keep off closed trails and features. Ride in the direction indicated.
- Be visible. Do not stop where you obstruct a trail, feature, landing or are not visible.
- Look and yield to others. Look both ways and yield when entering or crossing a road or trail. When overtaking, use caution and yield to those ahead.
- Cooperate. If involved or witness to an accident, identify yourself to staff.