Collision Prevention
MOVE WITH CONTROL
Big Sky's legendary 5,850 acres invite your biggest, boldest turns—but even with all that terrain beneath you, we operate as a community where safety is our highest priority. The freedom you feel on our slopes comes with a responsibility to yourself and those around you.
Speed: Control is Mastery
True skiing and snowboarding mastery isn't about your top speed; it's about staying in control. Get your turns in and be in the moment—it’s not a race to the bottom.
- Anticipate: Read the mountain ahead—scan for other guests and anticipate changes in visibility, snow, and terrain.
- Know Your Limits: Adjust your speed based on conditions and your ability.
- Respect Slow Zones: Immediately reduce speed in designated Slow Zones or high-traffic areas. Fast skiing in these zones may result in loss of lift access.
Space: Show Respect
Maintaining ample room for others is critical for preventing collisions. Everyone on the mountain has different styles and moves in their own way—when there’s 5,850 acres to share, a little room goes a long way.
- Right of Way: The downhill skier or rider always has the right of way. It's your responsibility to avoid people below you.
- Pass Wide: Pass with intention and ample room to avoid crowding. Communicate with those around you before you pass.
- Stop Safely: Never stop where you obstruct a trail or are not clearly visible from above. Move immediately to the side.
- Merge: Look uphill before starting downhill or merging onto a run.
Self: Own Your Day
Protecting yourself ensures you protect others.
- Awareness & Fatigue: Know when to call it. Fatigue and frustration lead to poor decisions. The mountain will be here tomorrow.
- Equipment: Wear a helmet. Maintain your gear, and ensure bindings are properly adjusted.
- Influence: Never ski or ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The #RideAnotherDay campaign was created by the Johnson family in partnership with NSAA to honor five-year-old Elise Johnson, who was struck and killed by an out-of-control rider while learning to ski. Through their generous donation, the Johnsons help prevent similar tragedies by promoting awareness, responsibility, and common sense on the mountain.
Your Responsibility Code
Think of the Your Responsibility Code and Montana Duties of a Skier as the language we all speak on the mountain: a shared understanding that allows us to move through this terrain with grace and awareness.
This page is dedicated to the core principles of avoiding on-mountain collisions while skiing and riding. For a comprehensive overview of all safety policies, mountain protocols, and your full Skier/Rider Responsibility, please visit our Safety Page.
