National Safety Awareness Week Returns to Vail Mountain Beginning Saturday, Jan. 16
- “Put a lid on it” theme ties in with Vail Resorts’ new helmet initiative for employees, kids snowsports lessons
VAIL, Colo. – Jan. 13, 2010 – Vail Mountain employees are again gearing up for National Safety Awareness Week, Jan. 16-22, 2010, a week chock full of activities aimed at highlighting the safety efforts that occur daily at the resort. Vail Mountain has been recognized by the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) for its safety awareness efforts for 10 consecutive years.
During National Safety Awareness Week at Vail, guests are encouraged to participate in various events and activities during National Safety Awareness week at Vail, which are designed to raise awareness of safety initiatives on the mountain as well as measures that can be taken to help reduce certain elements of risk while skiing and snowboarding.
The focus of this season’s campaign at Vail, “Put a lid on it,” ties in to Vail Resorts’ overall commitment to skier and snowboarder safety and the recent helmet initiative, requiring all employees to wear a helmet when skiing or riding on the job. Additionally, all children ages 12 and under who participate in a group lesson are also required to wear a helmet, and helmet use is strongly recommended for all guests, regardless of age or ability.
“We’ve stepped up our commitment to safety this season with the helmet initiative at Vail Mountain and at our sister resorts. It’s only natural that we set the example for all who enjoy skiing and riding at Vail,” said Bob Cox, Manager, Vail Mountain Yellow Jacket Program. “As always, National Safety Awareness Week is an opportunity to raise awareness about skier and rider safety and the programs and initiatives that take place everyday on Vail Mountain.”
Guests and employees alike are encouraged verbally and through signage and advertisements across the mountain to know and abide by “Your Responsibility Code” as well as the Colorado Ski Safety Act. Employees will also have the opportunity to communicate various NSAA programs and messages to guests, such as “Objects are Closer Than They Appear,” “ASAP - Avalanche Safety Awareness Program,” “Smart Style - Freestyle Terrain Safety Initiative” and “GET SMART - Freestyle Terrain Users Guide.”
From the base areas to Vail’s highest elevations, guests will notice a heightened presence of Vail Ski Patrol and Yellow Jacket personnel and an added emphasis on safety enforcement, which includes revoking skier days for safety violations. Safety enforcement occurs on a daily basis at Vail and has resulted in more than 1,000 revoked skier days so far this season.
Guests are also encouraged to pick up the Pork Chop, Vail Mountain Safety Pig and Henry the Vail Ski Patrol Avalanche Dog trading cards. Both trading cards highlight the seven points of “Your Responsibility Code” in a fun take-away for both kids and adults. The trading cards will be distributed during Safety Week at the base areas, through Yellow Jacket and Ski Patrol personnel and at many events throughout the week. Yellow Jackets will also be recognizing guests who are following the seven steps of “Your Responsibility Code,” and entering them in a drawing. Three lucky winners will receive a combination of lift tickets and lunch on Vail Mountain.
Vail’s 2010 National Safety Awareness Week calendar of events is as follows:
SATURDAY, JAN. 16
During National Safety Awareness Week at Vail, guests are encouraged to participate in various events and activities during National Safety Awareness week at Vail, which are designed to raise awareness of safety initiatives on the mountain as well as measures that can be taken to help reduce certain elements of risk while skiing and snowboarding.
The focus of this season’s campaign at Vail, “Put a lid on it,” ties in to Vail Resorts’ overall commitment to skier and snowboarder safety and the recent helmet initiative, requiring all employees to wear a helmet when skiing or riding on the job. Additionally, all children ages 12 and under who participate in a group lesson are also required to wear a helmet, and helmet use is strongly recommended for all guests, regardless of age or ability.
“We’ve stepped up our commitment to safety this season with the helmet initiative at Vail Mountain and at our sister resorts. It’s only natural that we set the example for all who enjoy skiing and riding at Vail,” said Bob Cox, Manager, Vail Mountain Yellow Jacket Program. “As always, National Safety Awareness Week is an opportunity to raise awareness about skier and rider safety and the programs and initiatives that take place everyday on Vail Mountain.”
Guests and employees alike are encouraged verbally and through signage and advertisements across the mountain to know and abide by “Your Responsibility Code” as well as the Colorado Ski Safety Act. Employees will also have the opportunity to communicate various NSAA programs and messages to guests, such as “Objects are Closer Than They Appear,” “ASAP - Avalanche Safety Awareness Program,” “Smart Style - Freestyle Terrain Safety Initiative” and “GET SMART - Freestyle Terrain Users Guide.”
From the base areas to Vail’s highest elevations, guests will notice a heightened presence of Vail Ski Patrol and Yellow Jacket personnel and an added emphasis on safety enforcement, which includes revoking skier days for safety violations. Safety enforcement occurs on a daily basis at Vail and has resulted in more than 1,000 revoked skier days so far this season.
Guests are also encouraged to pick up the Pork Chop, Vail Mountain Safety Pig and Henry the Vail Ski Patrol Avalanche Dog trading cards. Both trading cards highlight the seven points of “Your Responsibility Code” in a fun take-away for both kids and adults. The trading cards will be distributed during Safety Week at the base areas, through Yellow Jacket and Ski Patrol personnel and at many events throughout the week. Yellow Jackets will also be recognizing guests who are following the seven steps of “Your Responsibility Code,” and entering them in a drawing. Three lucky winners will receive a combination of lift tickets and lunch on Vail Mountain.
Vail’s 2010 National Safety Awareness Week calendar of events is as follows:
SATURDAY, JAN. 16
- Hot Chocolate with Vail Ski Patrol and Open House: Hosted by Pork Chop, Vail Mountain Safety Pig, at the top of the Mountaintop Express Lift (#4), 9:30-10:30 a.m. Also, meet Henry, the Ski Patrol Avi Pup. Vail Ski Patrol will host an Open House all day at Patrol Headquarters (top of the Mountaintop Express Lift (#4)). Call (970) 479-4610 for more information.
- Safety Event of the Day: Avalanche Safety Introduction: Henry’s Hut Top of the Mountaintop Express Lift (#4) at 10 a.m. First come, first served. Sign up with Vail Ski Patrol at (970) 754-4610.
- Vail Yellow Jacket Safety Fair: Bottom of the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead and the Vista Bahn Express Lift (#16) in Vail Village from 9-11 a.m. Check out the booths in the base areas and have your skis or snowboard registered with the Vail Police Department.
- Vail Sports Binding Check: Visit any Vail Sports location to have your ski bindings checked at 50% off (overnight drop-off of skis and one boot required). Just mention National Safety Awareness Week at Vail to receive the discount.
- Sweep with Vail Ski Patrol: Join the Vail Ski Patrol with trail closing at the end of the day. To sign up, call (970) 754-4610 or stop by Patrol Headquarters at the top of the Mountaintop Express Lift (#4) for more information.
- Vail Yellow Jacket Safety Fair: Bottom of the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead and the Vista Bahn Express Lift in Vail Village from 9-11 a.m. Check out the booths in the base areas and have your skis or snowboard registered with the Vail Police Department.
- Vail Sports Helmet Fitting: Get fitted for a helmet from 9-11 a.m. at the bottom of the Vista Bahn Express in Vail Village and receive a 20% discount on the purchase of a helmet at any Vail Sports location.
- Sweep with Vail Ski Patrol: Join the Vail Ski Patrol with trail closing at the end of the day. To sign up, call (970) 754-4610 or stop by Patrol Headquarters at the top of the Mountaintop Express Lift (#4) for more information.
- Vail Sports Binding Check: Visit any Vail Sports location to have your ski bindings checked at 50% off (overnight drop-off of skis and one boot required). Just mention National Safety Awareness Week at Vail to receive the discount.
- Safety Event of the Day: “Pigs on Ice” with Pork Chop, Vail Ski Patrol and Other Special Guests: Family fun at the Arrabelle at Vail Square Ice Rink 4-6 p.m. Bring your camera for pictures with Pork Chop!
- Vail Yellow Jacket Safety Message: Bottom of the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead and the Vista Bahn Express Lift in Vail Village from 9-11 a.m. Vail Mountain School’s second grade students will also be on hand helping to spread the safety message!
- Vail Sports Helmet Fitting: Get fitted for a helmet from 9-11 a.m. at the bottom of the Vista Bahn Express in Vail Village and receive a 20% discount on the purchase of a helmet at any Vail Sports location.
- Vail Sports Binding Check: Visit any Vail Sports location to have your ski bindings checked at 50% off (overnight drop-off of skis and one boot required). Just mention National Safety Awareness Week at Vail to receive the discount.
- Safety Event of the Day: “Cat Nap”: Get up-close and personal with a “sleeping” snow cat at Mid-Vail 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Sweep with Vail Ski Patrol: Join the Vail Ski Patrol with trail closing at the end of the day. To sign up, call (970) 754-4610 or stop by Patrol Headquarters at the top of the Mountaintop Express Lift (#4) for more information.
- Vail Sports Binding Check: Visit any Vail Sports location to have your ski bindings checked at 50% off (overnight drop-off of skis and one boot required). Just mention National Safety Awareness Week on Vail Mountain to receive the discount.
- Free Adult Ski Tips: Intermediate and advanced skiers depart Mid-Vail at 11 a.m.
- Extreme Terrain Rescue Training: Vail Ski Patrol will be conducting rescue training at the Chair 4 Cliffs at 11 a.m.
- Sweep with Vail Ski Patrol: Join the Vail Ski Patrol with trail closing at the end of the day. To sign up, call (970) 754-4610 or stop by Patrol Headquarters at the top of the Mountaintop Express Lift (#4) for more information.
- Safety Event of the Day: Take Care of Your Body: Head to the Marketplace at Eagles Nest or the Look Ma Level at Mid-Vail, for information from Howard Head Sports Medicine Clinic about taking care of your body, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Special guest at one of these locations: Pork Chop, Vail Mountain Safety Pig.
- Vail Sports Binding Check: Visit any Vail Sports location to have your ski bindings checked at 50% off (overnight drop-off of skis and one boot required). Just mention National Safety Awareness Week on Vail Mountain to receive the discount.
- Free Adult Ski Tips: Intermediate and advanced skiers depart Mid-Vail at 11 a.m.
- Sweep with Vail Ski Patrol: Join the Vail Ski Patrol with trail closing at the end of the day. To sign up, call (970) 754-4610 or stop by Patrol Headquarters at the top of the Mountaintop Express Lift (#4) for more information.
- “Cat Nap”: Get up-close and personal with a “sleeping” snow cat at Mid-Vail 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- “Body By Bigger”: Join Vail Ski Patroller Jason Bigger for ski conditioning tips at 10 a.m. Henry’s Hut at the top of the Mountaintop Express Lift (#4).
- Safety Event of the Day: Vail Snowsports School Presents Terrain Park Etiquette: Join snowboard instructors at the Golden Peak Terrain Park for up to date park use information; meet at the log structure above the park at 12 p.m.
- Safety Event of the Day: Avalanche Rescue Challenge: Register at Patrol Headquarters, at the top of the Mountaintop Express Lift (#4). Teams of two; $10 per person. Prizes awarded for fastest team.
- Vail Sports Binding Check: Visit any Vail Sports location to have your ski bindings checked at 50% off (overnight drop-off of skis and one boot required). Just mention National Safety Awareness Week on Vail Mountain to receive the discount.
- Take Care of Your Body: Head to our on-mountain restaurants, Marketplace at Eagles Nest, Look Ma Level at Mid-Vail, for information from Howard Head Sports Medicine Clinic about taking care of your body, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Special guest at one of these locations: Pork Chop, Vail Mountain Safety Pig.
- Sweep With Vail Ski Patrol: Join the Vail Ski Patrol with trail closing at the end of the day. To sign up, call (970) 754-4610 or stop by Patrol Headquarters at the top of the Mountaintop Express Lift (#4) for more information.
- Free Adult Ski Tips: Intermediate and advanced skiers depart Mid-Vail at 11 a.m.
- Beacon Basin Challenge: Test your skills with an avalanche beacon at Beacon Basin by China Town Patrol Outpost at the top of the Sourdough Express Lift (#14).
- Vail Sports Binding Check: Visit any Vail Sports location to have your ski bindings checked at 50% off (overnight drop-off of skis and one boot required). Just mention National Safety Awareness Week on Vail Mountain to receive the discount.
- Free Adult Ski Tips: Intermediate and advanced skiers depart Mid-Vail at 11 a.m.
- Safety Event of the Day: Vail Safety Scavenger Hunt: Join in a safety scavenger hunt on Vail Mountain! Sign up Golden Peak Base Area at 12 p.m. outside the ticket office. All participants that complete scavenger hunt will be entered in a raffle for great prizes. The drawing will take place at Patrol Headquarters Friday afternoon and winners will be notified.
- Sweep with Vail Ski Patrol: Join the Vail Ski Patrol with trail closing at the end of the day. To sign up, call (970) 754-4610 or stop by Patrol Headquarters at the top of the Mountaintop Express Lift (#4) for more information.
- Flight for Life Helicopter Viewing: Informative look at the helicopter and its crew at the top of the Avanti Express Lift (#2) at 1-2:30 p.m.
About Vail Resorts
Vail Resorts, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the leading mountain resort operator in the United States. The Company's subsidiaries operate the mountain resort properties of Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone mountain resorts in Colorado, Heavenly Mountain Resort in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada, and the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. The Company's subsidiary, RockResorts, a luxury resort hotel company, manages casually elegant properties across the United States and the Caribbean. Vail Resorts Development Company is the real estate planning, development and construction subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc. Vail Resorts is a publicly held company traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: MTN). The Vail Resorts company website is www.vailresorts.com and the consumer website is www.snow.com.