Mountain Policies & Safety Information
PLEASE NOTE:
All fencing, pads, equipment covers, poles, signage, cones, rope, and other marking devices are provided to inform you of potential obstacles or hazards. THESE MARKING DEVICES WILL NOT PROTECT YOU FROM INJURY AND NOT ALL OBSTACLES OR HAZARDS WILL BE MARKED OR PADDED. The presence of these marking devices does not guarantee that all potential obstacles or hazards have been identified. It is your responsibility to avoid all marking devices, and all obstacles and hazards, whether marked or unmarked.
Uphill Travel Allowed At Your Own Risk.
Persons using the ski area for uphill travel assume all risks for their activities including route selection, stability analysis and all other actions related to uphill travel. Early/Late season & backcountry skiing/riding conditions exist, including thin cover, unmarked hazards and avalanches. Other risks include ongoing ski area operations, the possibility of stationary and/or moving equipment, on-snow vehicle traffic, winch cables, snow groomer ruts, berms and other area operation hazards. It is your responsibility to recognize and avoid these unmarked hazards. Terrain Park features if established are off limits.
During days of normal operations additional requirements include staying on the designated uphill travel routes designated on the Showdown trail map, stay off closed runs, and no dogs. Ski Patrol will clear the mountain daily at close of operations.
Showdown has no slope maintenance, rescue or liability obligations. Use of the ski area implies agreement of these terms and conditions.
Please park in the lower lot along the bank between upper & lower lots. Do not park at the lodge.
Your Responsibility Code:
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.
Winter sports involve risk of serious injury or death. Your knowledge, decisions and actions contribute to your safety and that of others. If you need help understanding the Code, please ask any ski area employee.
Avoiding Collisions so you can #RideAnotherD
Collisions are one of the most preventable accidents on the slopes. The easiest way to prevent a collision is to follow Your Responsibility Code, especially point number one: Ski and snowboard in control. But it can be difficult to communicate the importance of this to teenagers and those who consider themselves to be "experts." This video from the Ride Another Day initiative is meant to emphasize everyone's role in slope safety.
Tips for Avoiding Collisions
Complementing the Responsibility Code and it's 7 tenets, #RideAnotherDay promotes 3 actions every skier and rider can take to help keep themselves and those around safer on the slopes.
Be Ready
Be ready to slow down or avoid objects or other people at any time. Ski and ride in such a way that you are always able to control yourself regardless of conditions and avoid others and objects you may encounter on the run, groomed or otherwise.
Stay Alert
Stay alert to what’s going on around you, especially other skiers and riders. Being aware of those around and changing conditions will help you have a fun and safe day on the hill.
Plan Ahead
Ease up at blind spots, check uphill when merging onto trails, and give other skiers plenty of room when passing. Look out for spots on the run where traffic merges or you can't see what's coming next. If you are unfamiliar with a run, take it easy the first time down it and make note of places where you'll want to slow down, such as cat tracks and rollers. Also, give other skiers and riders lots or room, especially if you are passing them. There's plenty of space out there, so there's no need to crowd each other.
By doing these three things every run, you'll be helping keep the slopes safe and enjoyable, for you and everyone else.
Snow Immersion Suffocation
(SIS hazards)
Visit www.deepsnowsafety.org for more information on Tree Well and Snow Immersion Suffocation (SIS).
Skiing and snowboarding off the groomed runs and in deep powder is one of the most exciting and appealing parts of our sport. However, if you decide to leave the groomed trails you are voluntarily accepting the risk of a deep snow immersion accident. A deep snow, or tree well immersion accident occurs when a skier or rider falls into an area of deep unconsolidated snow and becomes immobilized and suffocates. Deaths resulting from these kinds of accidents are referred to as a SIS harzards or Snow Immersion Suffocation.
Park Smart Terrain Park Safety Program Messages:
START SMALL - Work your way up. Build your skills.
MAKE A PLAN - Every feature. Every time.
ALWAYS LOOK - Before you drop.
RESPECT - The features and other users.
TAKE IT EASY - Know your limits. Land on your feet.
Freestyle Terrain Safety
The National Ski Areas Association and Burton Snowboards would like to welcome you to the "Park Smart" Terrain Park Safety initiative. Park Smart is a cooperative effort with the help of the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI) and National Ski Patrol (NSP) that emphasizes the proper use of terrain parks while delivering a unified message.
The Park Smart video below, along with TerrainParkSafety.org, work together to emphasize the importance of safety in terrain parks across the country. We are currently updating www.TerrainParkSafety.org with the most recent resources and information for the Park Smart program.
OTHER TIPS
Most ski areas have a small, entry-level progression area to help beginners experience smaller features in terrain parks.
Always ski or ride through a terrain park slowly and watch how other, experienced skiers or riders interact with the rails, jibs and jumps.
Consider taking a lesson; many ski areas have instructors certified in freestyle terrain instruction.
Most features or jumps in a terrain park have the option to ride around or avoid it, in case you are not comfortable using that feature.
Once you have used a jump feature in a terrain park, clear out of the landing area quickly to allow room for the next skiers or riders.
WINTER LIFT SAFETY FOR SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING
Riding the chairlift can be one of the best parts of the day — the views are beautiful, your legs get a rest and you get to catch up with (or make new) friends! But, it's important (and part of Your Responsibility Code) to know how to load, ride and unload all lifts safely. Whether this is a chairlift, a rope tow, or a carpet, knowing how to use these lifts will make your day more fun and safe.
NOT SURE HOW TO RIDE A CHAIRLIFT?
Ask an attendant, ski patroller, or other area employee for help. Learning how to ride the lift is also one of the features of a lesson, and another reason it's worth discovering snow with a pro.
TIPS FOR RIDING LIFTS SAFELY
Be familiar with the type of lift you are riding and what type of terrain it will bring you to. Ask for help if you need it.
Avoid distractions while waiting in the lift line: Do not use your smartphone.
Before loading, remove backpacks and secure loose items. Remove pole straps from wrists.
Before moving out to load the chair, make sure everyone in your group is ready.
Look over your shoulder to watch the chair approach.
Sit all the way in the chair, flush with the seat back.
Be aware of your surroundings while riding the lift. If you drop something, let it fall. You can always ask ski patrol or the lift attendant at the top for help retrieving the lost item.
As you approach the top terminal, prepare to raise the bar – but do not raise it too soon. Signs will help you know when to raise the bar.
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Riding a ski lift or chairlift is very safe. By following a few safety tips, you can avoid most incidents. However, chairlifts are very large pieces of moving equipment, so riding them should be taken seriously. While rare, injuries have occurred while riding a chairlift.
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Lifts fall into two categories, aerial and surface:
Aerial lifts: As the name implies, you are suspended in the air as you are transported up the hill or mountain. Aerial lifts are typically chairlifts, and there are also trams and gondolas (enclosed cabins). The chair or cabin is suspended from a system of towers and a wire cable, called a haul rope.
Surface lifts: With surface lifts, your feet stay on the ground. Ski areas have a few types of surface lifts. You may stand on a conveyor (like at the airport) or hold on to a rope or handle that pulls you up the hill. There are also surface lifts called a T or J bar, and like the rope tow, your feet stay on the ground as you are pulled along with a little rest (or T) for you to lean on.
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If you have never ridden a chairlift before, learning on the fly is not a good idea. Instead, take a lesson and let the instructor know one of your goals is to learn how to ride a lift. If you are not taking a lesson, you can learn from a friend or family member. Learn-to areas are a good place to start and usually feature a surface lift, excellent for helping new skiers learn to get the feel of their skis and balance. When you are ready to graduate to an aerial lift, start with a lift that is suitable for your ability. For instance, if you are just starting out and want to ski or ride on green (easiest) rated trails, read the signs at the bottom of the lift, which will indicate what type of terrain the lift will service.
Watch other skiers and riders load the lift. You can learn a lot about the process through observation. If you’re in doubt, always ask an area employee for assistance. As you approach the loading area, it is OK to tell the operator that you are just learning and ask them to please slow the lift.
When you are about to approach the area where you will load the lift (think five groups back), give your full attention to the process. Most people who become unseated have a problem at the load area, often because they are distracted or trying to get organized at the last minute.
Lifts signs:
WAIT HERE is the sign/line you will see as you approach the lift. This means you are next. But first, you must STOP and wait for the chair to pass by you before you proceed out to the LOAD HERE line.
LOAD HERE is the line where you place your feet and stop to wait for the chair to come around and pick you up.
As the chair comes around, look over your shoulder and sit down once the chair comes in line with your back. Sit all the way back. When you and the others are organized, sitting all the way back, put down the restraint bar if the chairlift has one.
If you are riding solo or if there are fewer people than the chair can hold (think two people instead of four) distribute your weight evenly. That means, if you are riding solo, sit in the middle. Avoid putting all the weight on one side of the chair.
While you are on the chairlift:
No fooling around or rocking the chair.
Don’t try to wipe snow off your board or fix your boot or binding — stay in your seat.
As you approach the top, make a plan. Let others in your group know where you are headed. For instance, “I am going to the right.”
As you approach the top, wait until you see the sign telling you to raise the bar. Many people raise the bar way too early.
Let others in your group know before you raise the bar so everyone is ready.
Stand up once you get to the UNLOAD HERE sign.
Once you have unloaded, move out of the way so the next group does not ski into you.
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It is rare, but sometimes people fall off lifts. Following the tips on this page will help prevent a fall.
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There are many ways to successfully ride a chairlift, and it starts before you even sit down. As mentioned previously, taking a lesson is a great place to learn how to ride chairlifts. It seems obvious, but please do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs. Prior to getting on the chairlift, you may go through what is called a maze, lift line or queue. This helps organize skiers and riders before they get to the lift.
Remember to:
Read signs
Listen to instructions being shared by the lift attendants.
Get organized — are your goggles, gloves, backpack, poles, etc. adjusted and ready?
Put away your phone. One of the biggest distractions in the maze is phone interaction.
If you are listening to music, you are reducing your ability to hear what is going on around you. Turn off or turn down the volume.
Help your children or others in your party get organized, too.
Learn about the
B.a.s.I.c.s.
The B.A.S.I.C.S. program was created to reach athletes who choose to make smart decisions in the mountains and prevent injuries of any kind.
The core message of this year's short documentary revolves around the B.A.S.I.C.S. Triangle of Safety, focusing on three key elements – speed, space, and self.
Speed
There are 3 main types of collisions. Person to person, person to object, or person to nature.
Space
Collisions can happen to anyone at any time, anywhere on the mountain. there is increased risk in high traffic zones, merge points, transitions and roll overs, lift lines, and tree zones.
Self
Remember the “rules of the road” and respect the signage displayed on the mountain. It is there for a reason.
THE SNOW ANGEL FOUNDATION
The Snow Angel Foundation's mission is to prevent ski and snowboard collisions so that everyone can Ride Another Day! We accomplish our mission through education and awareness to promote safe skiing and snowboarding behaviors. The Foundation was started as a result of a life changing collision and a desire to ensure that these types of collisions never happen again. Since 2016, we have been creating a social movement among skiers and snowboarders with the “Ride Another Day” campaign. Snow Angel Foundation, founded in 2023, is the vehicle that will expand this campaign and transform the culture of skiing and snowboarding into a safety-oriented community. Partner with us so we can all Ride Another Day!
Helmet Safety
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.
Helmet Stats
Approximately 84% of skiers and snowboarders in the U.S. wear helmets
Nearly 100% of kids age 9 and under wear helmets. Many ski areas include helmets in a kids' rental package, and some may even require children to wear one in a lesson (for example, the state of New Jersey requires all kids under age 18 to wear a helmet while skiing or snowboarding).
A peer-reviewed scientific study found that potentially serious head injuries in skiing decreased as helmet usage increased. Helmets have been found to reduce the severity of head injuries and almost completely prevent lacerations.
Drone Policy
Out of safety concerns for guests, employees, and resort property, as well as concerns for individual privacy, Showdown Montana prohibits the operation or use of unmanned aerial systems, or drones, by the general public – including recreational users and hobbyists – without the prior written authorization from the Resort. This prohibition includes drones used for filming or videotaping, as well as any drone use by media or journalists operating above or within Showdown Montana boundaries. This prohibition on drone operations or use extends to any drones launched or operated from Resort property, as well as drones launched from private property outside of the Resort boundaries. Please contact a resort representative if you have any questions or if you seek prior authorization to operate any aerial drones. Any authorized operation of aerial drones may be governed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations, local law enforcement, U.S. Forest Service rules, as well as those policies separately established by this Resort, which may include certification, training, insurance coverage, indemnification requirements, and waivers or releases of liability. Any violation of this policy may involve suspension of your skiing or snowboarding privileges, or the revocation of your season pass, as well as confiscation of any drone equipment, and may subject violators to any damages, including, but not limited to, damages for violations of privacy and/or physical or personal injuries or property damage, as well as regulatory fines and legal fees.
Unmanned aerial drone use by guests or the media is prohibited without prior written approval of Showdown Montana.
Showdown Montana Equipment Use Policy
Showdown requires 72 hours notice for approval on adaptive equipment.
Showdown is committed to providing persons with qualifying disabilities the full and equal enjoyment of its goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages and accommodations. Showdown recognizes that no policy can address every possible scenario which may arise or every individual’s specific needs. Showdown allows the use of adaptive devices or other ‘manually-powered mobility aids’ designed and manufactured primarily for use by individuals who have disabilities, including without limitation, mono skis, bi skis, outriggers and sit-skis. If your preferred device is not listed, please contact us. Due to Showdown’s limited staff, Showdown would request that any person requesting an exception or modification to the above policy contact Showdown 72 hours prior to the date of your arrival. Contact can be made at 406-236-5522 or email aj@showdownmontana.com
Showdown Montana allows conventional ski equipment, tele-mark or cross country equipment and snowboard equipment when used in accordance with the rules and regulations of the ski resort. Conventional Ski equipment will have metal edges and device to prevent runaways.
A person with a disability is allowed to utilize any specialized equipment that has been designed and manufactured solely for the use by individuals who have disabilities, for example on snow mono-skis, bi-skis, outriggers and sit-skis. A person using specialized equipment must be able to safely load and unload the lift, either independently or with the assistance of a companion.
Snow Bikes must be inspected for safety and compatibility by a qualified Showdown staff. In general, Snow Bikes must have skis on the device and rider, be able to maintain directional and speed control, and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. Most mountain bike conversions will not fit requirements. All Snow Bike riders are required to purchase a ten dollar certification permit.
The following devices are examples of devices with incompatibility and safety concerns regarding the ability of individuals to maintain directional and speed control and other provisions mandated by the Your Responsibility Code and Montana State Law. Plastic Snowboards, Boot Skis, Ski bobs, Snow Scoots, Toboggans, Sleds, Platters, Inner-Tubes, Bodysleds, Airboards, Kayaks and Hang Gliders.
Drone use is prohibited except as specified in the Showdown Montana drone policy.
Showdown Montana reserves the right to disallow other devices not listed if it determines there is a safety concern for our users on allowed devices.
Showdown Montana has determined that the use of any power-driven devices or vehicles, including power-driven mobility devices or vehicles used by persons with disabilities, would conflict with the ski resort’s safety requirements necessary for the reasonably safe operation of our on-slope activities. These safety concerns include that the use of the devices on the slopes may expose the user and skiers/snowboarders to a safety hazard, such as collisions with downhill skiers and snowboarders. Power-driven devices are allowed in the parking lot and base area where foot traffic is permitted.
These safety requirements are based on actual risks and are not intended to be discriminatory in any way.