Ski Idaho Urges Skiers, Riders To Adopt 'Your Responsibility Code'
January is National Ski Safety Awareness Month
KELLOGG, Idaho (Jan. 15, 2026) -- While safety on the slopes is important every day of the season, the Idaho Ski Areas Association, aka Ski Idaho, would like to remind skiers, riders, and other snow sliders that January is National Ski Safety Awareness Month.
According to Ski Idaho president and Silver Mountain Resort GM Jeff Colburn, National Ski Safety Awareness Month is an important opportunity to educate skiers and snowboarders about the 10 points of Your Responsibility Code.
"National Ski Safety Awareness Month is an important annual reminder for everyone on the mountain," Colburn said. "Skiing and snowboarding will always involve some inherent risk, but the clear, practical guidance of Your Responsibility Code gives people tools that can help them understand and reduce those risks and have the safest day possible on the slopes by making smart decisions."
For those unfamiliar with Your Responsibility Code, it lists 10 points skiers and snowboarders must follow when spending time on the mountain. Bright yellow signage posted throughout U.S. ski areas provides guests with reminders about the code, which has been in use since 1962 when it was developed by the National Ski Areas Association. Throughout the last 60 years, the code has undergone revision to stay in step with modern language and skiing behavior, covering 10 points:
- Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
- People ahead or downhill of you have the right of way. You must avoid them.
- Stop only 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. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
- 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 area employee.
Colburn said skiers and snowboarders should also know that following Your Responsibility Code also puts them in compliance with the Idaho Skier Safety Act ((part of Idaho Code 6-1106), a law that defines the responsibilities of those using Gem State ski slopes.
He also implores skiers and riders to wear helmets and to ride lifts with the safety bar down when available.
"With nearly 95 percent adoption of helmet usage and new technological advances in many areas, we are noting continued safety improvements on the slopes," Colburn said. "However, Your Responsibility Code is about all of us looking out for each other to make everyone's day a safe and enjoyable mountain experience."
He cited Idaho ski areas' adoption of AirFlare as an example of technology that improves safety on the slopes. The app, which turns smartphones into outdoors rescue locators, has helped save several lives at Gem State ski areas, offering skiers and riders an extra layer of safety and peace of mind. Seven Ski Idaho destinations -- including Bogus Basin, Brundage, Lookout Pass, Schweitzer, Silver Mountain, Soldier Mountain, and Tamarack -partner with AirFlare, yielding more coverage than any other state.
ABOUT SKI IDAHO
Founded in 1982, the Idaho Ski Areas Association, a.k.a. Ski Idaho, is a nonprofit association funded in part by the Idaho Travel Council via the state's 2 percent lodging tax paid by travelers and collected by hotel, motel, private campground, and vacation rentals owners. Boasting 29,000 feet of vertical spanning more than 22,000 acres, Idaho is home to America's first destination ski resort, the birthplace of the chairlift, and often considered the soul of skiing. Its 19 family friendly alpine ski areas offer trails and backcountry for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and skill levels, breathtaking views, hundreds of inches of fresh powder, affordable passes, and short lift lines. Many Ski Idaho destinations open for the summer season, as well, to provide lift-served mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, hiking and trail running, disc golf, horseback riding, and more. Visit skiidaho.us for more details.