Slow Zones and the Beginner Zone
Skiers and riders of various abilities merge in these areas which are indicated on the trail map. Going the appropriate speed for the skier/rider density and providing others with adequate space is very important in these areas. Please observe the posted “SLOW” and “BEGINNER ZONE” signs and travel at the same speed, or slower, than other guests utilizing the trails in these areas.
Make sure to familiarize yourself with Slow Zones and remember to always stay in control. People ahead of you have the right of way, it is your responsibility to be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
The Beginner Zone starts at the top of Bear Hollow, winds down through Snow Shoe, and continues on down Powder Puff to the base area. Higher-level skiers/riders are encouraged to avoid these runs in order to provide families and lower ability skiers/riders with the opportunity to improve their skills while avoiding uncomfortable situations.
The Mountain Safety Team and Ski Patrol will be monitoring these areas to help educate and encourage responsible skiing/riding. Out of control and reckless skiing/riding or actions that detract from the experience of others may be considered a violation of the Your Responsibility or Courtesy Codes. Both codes will be enforced by resort personnel. Consequences for violations may include suspension of resort privileges.
Restricted Access Terrain
Snowbasin Resort contains many acres of potential avalanche terrain. An “avalanche area” is a portion of the ski resort that contains steep terrain, cliffs, and other natural hazards. As the name would imply, these portions of the resort are subject to extreme weather, and possible avalanches. Avalanche Areas within the ski area boundary are delineated by rope lines with orange and black octagonal signs stating “Avalanche Area DANGER enter through gates only”.
The Avalanche Area rope lines are strategically placed to help keep our guests and resort employees safe. These rope lines allow Ski Patrol to perform avalanche reduction work without having to close the entire resort and allow Snowbasin Resort to keep the lifts and trails open during stormy weather. It is your responsibility to stay out of closed areas.
If you choose to ski and ride within these areas here’s what you need to know:
- Avalanche reduction measures within the ski area boundary reduce but DO NOT eliminate the risk of avalanches.
- Avalanche areas within the resort are rated as double black diamond terrain and are suited for EXPERTS ONLY. You should expect to encounter rocks, cliffs, avalanche debris, and other natural and manmade hazards that are not marked by ski patrol. These areas are not groomed and may have challenging snow conditions. There is no easy way down.
- ONLY enter through an “Open” Area Access Gate. NEVER cross under the rope. Avalanche Areas open and close depending upon conditions. Using the gate is the only way to ensure the area is open.
Entering into a closed area is a violation of local laws and can result in fines and the loss of skiing privileges. Remember your responsibility code: Obey All Posted Signs. Once through the gate please stay on the established track until you decide to go down. This helps create a better skiing and riding experience for everyone. Never hike above a rope line to gain access to an Avalanche Area.
The Snowbasin Ski Patrol wants you to have a fun and adventurous experience on the mountain. It is our goal to provide you with as much open terrain as possible. By following these guidelines, together we can make it the best day ever!
For more information on avalanche awareness and current status, visit Utah Avalanche Center’s website.
Area Boundary
The Area Boundary of Snowbasin Resort is indicated on the trail map and marked on the mountain using red signs with a white print. Travel beyond these signs is not recommended. Any persons doing so are responsible for their own safety. Rescue response outside the Area Boundary may be prolonged and at the person’s own expense.
The Snowbasin Ski Patrol and resort employees are focused on providing the best experience possible for guests of Snowbasin Resort. Many resources and hours of work are committed to reducing the risk of avalanche, marking hazards, and other risk reduction efforts within the Area Boundary of Snowbasin Resort. Traveling beyond the Area Boundary signs means you are leaving the area of services provided by Snowbasin Resort including avalanche reduction efforts and patrol services. Persons who travel beyond the Area Boundary may encounter dramatically different conditions immediately upon leaving the Area Boundary. It is your responsibility to look for Area Boundary signs and to know where you are at all times. Individuals who travel beyond the Area Boundary shall accept the risks and be prepared for self-rescue. Rescue response beyond the Area Boundary may require the assistance of local authorities.
Rescue efforts may be prolonged and at the individual’s expense. Individuals needing assistance outside the Area Boundary of Snowbasin Resort should contact 911.
Freestyle Terrain Safety
Our terrain parks can contain jumps, boxes, rails and other man-made features. Orange signs and fencing identify these types of terrain on the mountain. It is important to follow the “Smart Style” safety guidelines when entering this terrain:
- 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.
Our Terrain Park Sizes:
- Powder Puff = XS/S
- Blue Grouse = S/M
- Mini Orson’s = S/M/L
- Orsons = M/L
Please visit the Terrain Park Safety website for a comprehensive look at the Smart Style program.
Learn More

Snowshoe Adventure Zone
An educational adventure zone for families and kids was added within the Snowshoe Run and adjacent gladed terrain. Visit this for special skier safety information and discover fun educational exhibits.
Code Violations
Actions that detract from the experience of others may be considered a violation of the Your Responsibility or Courtesy Codes. Both codes will be enforced by all resort personnel. If any Snowbasin personnel finds you in violation of Your Responsibility Code or Snowbasin Guest Courtesy Code, it may result in loss of skiing privileges without any claim for reimbursement of expense or cost. Ski Patrol and Mountain Safety teams are dedicated to educating, enforcing these codes, and protecting our most vulnerable skier populations throughout the resort including the beginner and slow zones. Guests may have passes pulled for excessive fast skiing/riding in the beginner and slow zones; this is not a statement of their ability. Our beginning skier/rider guests are challenged and endangered by the behavior of those who move through these zones with excessive speed and no regard for space. This is not something we take lightly and “owe it” to everyone around us to create a safe environment. We urge you to respect others by knowing and following Your Responsibility Code while skiing and riding RAD!
The following approach based on severity and escalation determines the consequences of violations. First time violations of mild severity will likely result in education and a warning. Relatively minor violations where the guest’s response escalates the situation may result in a higher degree of consequences. More severe and subsequent documented violations will result in privilege suspensions up to and including revocation of lift tickets and season passes, and in the event of violation of statute/law, referral to law enforcement.
- 1st violation/strike is usually accompanied by a warning and continued privileges, depending on the nature of violation and attitude displayed.
- 2nd violation/strike is accompanied with discipline. Tickets generally are revoked, and season passes are suspended for a minimum of 14 days.
- 3rd violation/strike may result in ticket revocation and indefinite suspension of ability to purchase tickets. Passes may be suspended indefinitely.
Skiing in Closed areas is a violation of county ordinances and will result in 30-day loss of pass privileges on first offense. Repeated violations will result in permanent loss of pass privileges and /or citation from local law enforcement.
Employees are held to a higher standard; code of conduct violations or illegal activities will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Snowbasin Resort reserves the right to revoke guest privileges for violations to the Courtesy Code. Please remember that we are both stewards of the Forest Service land we contractually manage with them and a private business. It is our responsibility to create an equitable, safe and respectful place to recreate and enjoy these precious mountains.