Below please find a list of safety topics, knowledge and suggestions for visiting Granite Peak and safely enjoying your time on the slopes!
Here’s what they mean:
- Green Circle: Easier
- Blue Square: More Difficult
- Black Diamond: Most Difficult
- Double-Black Diamond: Most Difficult, use extra caution
- Orange Oval: Freestyle Terrain
You’ll find them on trail maps and posted on signs on the mountain. The same trail symbols are used at every resort in the country, but as Albert Einstein must have said, “It’s all relative.”
The trail ratings are consistent within each resort. So all the “Greens” at a ski area will be about the same difficulty, as will the “Blues” and the “Blacks.”
Chairlifts have been around since skiing began. Here we have three high speed detachable chairlifts Comet, Dasher & Cupid. These chairs will detach from the haul rope in the load and unload area to assist guests getting on and off.
You need to be ready to go once you step into the terminal area. Please make sure all your children and party is complete and ready. Loading is the most important part of riding a lift. As soon as you are situated on the lift and sitting with your back against the chair back lower the safety bar. Lift rides are short so please this is the time that no fooling around should occur! (Adults & Kids!)
Before you ride a lift during your first few days, make sure you can handle the trails at the top. Granite Peak is steeper at the top and mellower down low. Beginners should stick to the Santa and Blitzen Lifts.
- NOTE: All Beginners NEED TO EXIT at the BLITZEN MID-STATION UNLOAD! Expert terrain is at the top!
Some skiers think they can improve by skiing tough terrain when their skills aren’t up to that level, but that’s a good way to get hurt. Instead, take a lesson.
Check your trail map and make sure the trail symbols off of that lift fit your ability. If you have any questions or need directions, go talk to a lift attendant or anyone in a resort uniform.
- “What’s the easiest way down?”
- “Where’s the closest groomed trail?”
- “What’s the capital of New Guinea?” :-)
- They want you to have fun nearly as much as you do.
Helmets can help mitigate head injuries on the slopes. Bonus: they also keep your head warm! Not all ski areas require helmets, but it is a good idea to outfit your child with one, and wear one yourself. While wearing a helmet is a personal choice, you would be setting a good example for the young ones in your family if you chose to wear one while skiing or riding.
