HANCOCK -- Another great winter is almost upon us and your Mont Ripley Ski Patrol welcomes all skiers and snowboarders. We have several safety suggestions for you to consider: Skiing and snowboarding can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country and other specialized ski equipment, such as that used by disabled or other skiers. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce.

Observe the Responsibility Code listed below and share with other skiers for a great skiing experience.

1. Always stay in control.
2. People ahead of you have the right of way.
3. Stop in a safe place for you and others.
4. Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.
5. Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
6. Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails.
7. Know how to use the lifts safely.

Be safety conscious and KNOW THE CODE. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

We recommend that all guests at Mont Ripley consider wearing a helmet. "Wear a Helmet, not a hat! Protect your head, no spare for that!". Plus they are warm!

ICE – In Case of Emergency is a program that emergency personnel are implementing. To participate, all you need to do is to put an emergency contact into your cell phone and label it with “ICE”. In the event that you can not communicate with emergency personnel, they will look for this entry in your phone and make contact.

Mont Ripley Patrollers are Members of the National Ski Patrol and are well trained and ready to assist you at any time. We are in radio contact with hill employees and the chalet. Never hesitate to ask a patroller or hill employee for any kind of assistance. Have a safe and adventuresome ski/board season.

Interested in getting a behind-the-scenes look at what life can be like in the National Ski Patrol? Check out the new TV series "Ski Patrol" on TruTV.