On the Slopes and In the Know: Vermont Ski Areas Prioritize Family Safety and Community Awareness
Ski season is in full swing, and while powder days and bluebird skies may be top of mind, ski resorts are putting safety front and center this January in honor of National Ski Safety Awareness Month. With a lineup of creative, community-focused events across the state, ski areas are leading with a clear message: safety is a shared responsibility—and it starts with education.
Whether your family is just learning to pizza and french fry or your teens are tackling black diamonds, knowing how to navigate the slopes safely is essential. And this season, resorts are offering more than just friendly reminders. Think: safety-themed arts and crafts, morning coffee chats with ski patrol, kid-friendly assemblies, and even a burrito-fueled safety quiz.
“While safety is a daily practice at ski areas, National Safety Month is an opportunity to remind skiers and riders that awareness and good decisions can help them—and others—have a great day on the mountain,” says Ski Vermont President Molly Mahar.
Community Connection Is Key
What makes Vermont’s approach stand out is its emphasis on community. From local ski hills like Saskadena Six to larger mountains like Stratton and Pico, the state’s ski areas are working hand in hand with local schools and nonprofit partners to broaden the conversation around slope safety.
Spearheading much of this collaboration is The Snow Angel Foundation, an organization focused on mountain safety and injury prevention. This January, Snow Angel co-hosted events such as S’more Safety at Saskadena Six, a safety quiz with burritos at Pico Mountain, and a special school assembly at Crossett Brook Middle School—the first of its kind in Vermont.
“Vermont’s ski culture and the deep ties between ski areas and their surrounding communities makes it a powerful place to have conversations about awareness, respect, and looking out for one another,” says Chauncy Johnson, co-founder of the Snow Angel Foundation.
Want to hear more about the mission behind Snow Angel and its work with Ski Vermont? Tune into this podcast episode on Spotify featuring an in-depth conversation with the foundation’s co-founders.
Tools for Safer Ski Days
A big part of these initiatives involves educating families and young skiers about key principles like the Triangle of Safety and Your Responsibility Code—guidelines that teach riders to be aware of their surroundings, respect others, and stay in control.
And it’s not just about what happens on the slopes. The safety message is expanding beyond the lift lines and into local classrooms, coffee shops, and après ski events—places where families gather, share stories, and build the culture of mindful mountain fun.
“Ski areas in Vermont have always been committed to safety,” notes Bryan Rivard, Ski Vermont’s Director of Communication. “Centering on a positive, community focus for education fits especially well with Vermont’s vibe. Seeing this expanding into the public school system is a perfect example of that.”
The Safety Movement Goes National
And it’s not just Vermont. Across the country, resorts are using January as a launchpad for broader safety initiatives that blend fun, education, and hands-on experiences. On January 24, resorts across California and Nevada will take part in Ski California Safety Day, now in its eighth year.
From avalanche dog demos and safety scavenger hunts to helmet discounts and on-snow patrol meet-and-greets, the day is designed to remind guests of all ages that safe skiing starts with shared awareness—and a little preparation.
Resorts like Bear Valley and Boreal are turning safety into an adventure, with games, themed rail jams, and even a zombie poker run focused on “saving brains” with helmet education. Diamond Peak invites teens to shadow ski patrol during their mountain sweep, while Mammoth Mountain rewards skiers who can recite safety tips with beanies and other giveaways.
Ski California President John Rice puts it simply: “The focus has always been to educate people about how to practice safety so they can have a great day every time they’re on the mountain.”
Want to test your knowledge? The Ski California Mountain Safety Guide features key tips on everything from chairlift etiquette to tree well hazards. Score 80% or better on the guide’s quiz, and you’ll be entered to win Praxis skis or even a 2026–27 unrestricted Ski California Gold Pass.
Teaching the Next Generation of Safe Skiers
For families, the takeaway is simple: ski safety is everyone’s responsibility—and teaching kids early sets the tone for a lifetime of fun and respectful mountain adventures. Whether you’re prepping for your first family ski trip or are a seasoned parent navigating lift lines with little ones, understanding the basics of ski safety can make all the difference.
“The dynamic nature of the sport means there are always inherent risks,” adds Mahar. “That’s why it’s important we all understand how our positive actions benefit the entire community.”
Throughout January—and continuing through the season—ski areas nationwide are stepping up with safety programming that feels welcoming, informative, and genuinely fun. You can check Ski Vermont’s Safety Calendar, visit SkiCalifornia.org, or head to NSAA.org for more resources.
Because when safety is woven into the culture—from the bunny hill to the black diamonds—it helps ensure every skier and rider gets to enjoy more days on snow.
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