Safety & Policies

Skiers, snowboarders, and lift passengers are governed by the NYS Safety in Skiing Code, Article 18 of the NYS General Obligations Law. Signed by Governor Mario Cuomo and enacted into law in 1989, the New York State Safety in Skiing Code is detailed below.

TO BE A SAFE SKIER
NYS LAW REQUIRES YOU TO KNOW AND OBSERVE
THE FOLLOWING DUTIES OF SKIERS:

1. Not to ski in any area not designated for skiing;
2. Not to ski beyond their limits or ability to overcome variations in slope, trail configuration and surface or subsurface conditions which may be caused or altered by weather, slope or trail maintenance work by the ski area operator, or skier use;
3. To abide by the directions of the ski area operator;
4. To remain in constant control of speed and course at all times while skiing so as to avoid contact with plainly visible or clearly marked obstacles and with other skiers and passengers on surface operating tramways;
5. To familiarize themselves with posted information before skiing any slope or trail, including all information posted pursuant to subdivision five of section 18-103 of this article;
6. Not to cross the uphill track of any surface lift, except at points clearly designated by the ski area operator;
7. Not to ski on a slope or trail or portion thereof that has been designated as “closed” by the ski area operator;
8. Not to leave the scene of any accident resulting in personal injury to another party until such times as the ski area operator arrives, except for the purpose of summoning aid;
9. Not to overtake another skier in such a manner as to cause contact with the skier being overtaken and to yield the right of way to the skier being overtaken;
10. Not to willfully stop on any slope or trail where such stopping is likely to cause a collision with other skiers or vehicles;
11. To yield to other skiers when entering a trail or starting downhill;
12. To wear retention straps or other devices to prevent runaway skis;
13. To report any personal injury to the ski area operator before leaving the ski area; and,
14. Not to willfully remove, deface, alter or otherwise damage signage, warning devices or implements, or other safety devices placed and maintained by the ski area operator pursuant to the requirements of section 18-103 of this article.

TO BE A SAFE LIFT PASSENGER
NYS LAW REQUIRES YOU TO KNOW AND OBSERVE
THE FOLLOWING DUTIES OF PASSENGERS:

1. To familiarize themselves with the safe use of any tramway prior to its use;
2. To remain in the tramway if the operation of a passenger tramway, as defined pursuant to section two hundred two-c of the labor law, is interrupted for any reason, until instructions or aid are provided by the ski area operator;
3. To board or disembark from passenger tramways only at points or areas designated by the ski area operator;
4. Not to eject any objects or material from a passenger tramway;
5. To use restraint devices in accordance with posted instructions;
6. To wear retention straps or other devices to prevent runaway skis;
7. Not to interfere with the operation of a passenger tramway;
8. Not to place or caused to be placed on the uphill track of a surface lift any object which may interfere with its normal operation; and,
9. Not to wear loose scarves, clothing, or accessories or expose long hair which may become entangled with any part of the device.

Skiers have the following additional duties to enable them to make informed decisions as to the advisability of their participation in the sport:
a. To seek out, read, review, and understand, in advance to skiing, the ‘Warning to Skiers’ summarized below and displayed where tickets are sold; and,

Warning to Skiers: Downhill skiing and snowboarding, like many other sports, contains inherent risks including, but not limited to the risk of personal injury, including catastrophic injury, or death, or property damage, which may be caused by variations in terrain or weather conditions; or surface or subsurface snow, ice, bare spots or areas of thin cover, moguls, ruts, bumps, or other persons using the facilities; or rocks, forest growth, debris, branches, trees, roots, stumps; or other natural objects or manmade objects that are incidental to the provision or maintenance of a ski facility in New York State. New York law imposes a duty on you to become apprised of and understand the risks inherent in the sport of skiing or snowboarding, which are set forth above, so that you make an informed decision of whether to participate in skiing or snowboarding notwithstanding the risks. New York also imposes additional duties upon you, to which you must adhere, for the purpose of avoiding injury caused by any of the risks inherent in skiing or snowboarding. If you are not willing to assume all of these risks and abide by these duties you must not participate in skiing or snowboarding at Bristol Mountain.
b. To obtain such education in the sport of skiing as the individual skier shall deem appropriate to his or her level of ability, including the familiarization with skills and duties necessary to reduce the risk of injury in such sport.

Your Responsibility Code

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 code listed below and share with other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing experience.

1.  Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
2.  People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
3.  Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
4.  Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
5.  You must prevent runaway equipment.
6.  Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
7.  Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
8.  You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
9.  Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
10.  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.

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

This is a partial list. Officially endorsed by: National Ski Areas Association.

Visit the National Ski Areas Association website for additional ski resort safety information.

Helmets
Bristol Mountain places a high priority on providing our guests with a fun and safe mountain experience. While New York State does not currently mandate that helmets are worn, we do feel it is very important that parents, skiers, and snowboarders educate themselves about the benefits and limitations of helmets. Ultimately, the choice of whether or not to wear a helmet is one of personal or parental preference.

Freestyle Terrain may contain jumps, hits, ramps, banks, fun boxes, jibs, rails, half pipes, quarter pipes, snow cross, bumps and other constructed or natural terrain features. Prior to using Freestyle Terrain, you are responsible for familiarizing yourself with Freestyle Terrain and obeying all instructions, warnings and signs. Freestyle skill is required maintaining control on the ground and in the air.

Use of Freestyle Terrain exposes you to the risk of serious injury or death. Inverted aerials are not permitted. You assume the risk, and you must know the primary safety messages associated with Smart Style Freestyle Terrain:

MAKE A PLAN
Every time you use Freestyle Terrain, make a plan for each feature you want to use. Your speed, approach and take off will directly affect your maneuver and landing.

LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP
You are responsible for inspecting Freestyle Terrain before initial use and throughout the day. The features vary in size and change constantly due to snow conditions, weather, usage, grooming, and time of day. Scope around the jumps first not over them. Do not jump blindly. Use a spotter when necessary. Know your landings are clear out of the landing area.

EASY STYLE IT
Always ride or ski in control and within your ability level. Do not attempt Freestyle Terrain unless you have sufficient ability and experience to do so safely. You control the degree of difficulty you will encounter in using Freestyle Terrain both on the ground and in the air. Start small and work your way up. Inverted aerials not permitted.

RESPECT GETS RESPECT
Respect Freestyle Terrain and others from the lift line through the park. Only one person is permitted on a feature at a time. Wait your turn and call your start. Always clear the landing area quickly. Respect all signs and do not enter Freestyle Terrain or use features when closed.

SECTION A

1. 1. I accept for use as is the equipment listed on this form, and accept full financial responsibility for the care of the equipment while it is in my possession.  I will be responsiblefor the replacement at full value of any equipment rented under this form, but not returned to this shop.  I agree to return all equipment by the due date.  Equipment left slopeside and retrieved by staff will be charged $25 per item.
   2. I understand that the binding system cannot guarantee the user’s safety.  In downhill skiing, the binding system will not release at all times or under all circumstances where release may prevent injury or death, nor is it possible to predict every situation in which it will release.  In snowboarding, the binding system will not ordinarily release during use; these bindings are not designed to release as a result of forces generated during ordinary operation.
   3. I understand that the sports of skiing, snowboarding, and other recreational activities involve inherent and other risks of INJURY and DEATH.  I have read,  understand, and accept the risks described in the “Warning to Skiers” posted at the area. I voluntarily agree to expressly assume all risks of injury or death that may result from skiing/snowboarding or which relate in any way to the use of this equipment.
   4. I AGREE TO RELEASE Bristol Mountain, its employees, owners, affiliates, agents, officers, directors, and the manufacturers and distributors of this equipment (collectively “PROVIDERS”), from all liability for injury, death, property loss, and damage which results from the equipment user’s participation in the sport of skiing/snowboarding,  or is in any way related to use of this equipment,  including all liability which results from the NEGLIGENCE of PROVIDERS, or any other person or cause.
   5. I further agree to defend and indemnify PROVIDERS for any loss or damage, including any that results from claims or lawsuits for personal injury, death, property loss, and damage  related in any way to the use of this equipment.
   6. This agreement is governed by the applicable law of this state or province.  If any provision of this agreement is determined to be unenforceable, all other provisions shall be given full  force and effect.
   7. I understand and agree that no helmet can protect wearer against all foreseeable impacts to the head, and that skiing and snowboarding can expose the user to forces which exceed the limits of protection offered by this helmet. I understand that this helmet does not guard against injury to the neck, spine, or any other part of my body, and that these limits are  INHERENT RISKS of any activity in which this helmet will be used.

SECTION B

I have accurately represented the listed information and it is true and correct.  My use of this equipment acknowledges that I have received instruction on its use and I fully understand  the use and function.  I verify that the indicator settings recorded on this form agree with the visual indicator settings on the equipment I am renting.

I agree that the terms of this agreement are binding and shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York. I also agree that any legal action relating to participation at Bristol Mountain will be brought in the New York State Supreme Court, County of Ontario, or the United States District Court for the Western District of New York.

Out of safety concerns for guests, employees, and resort property, as well as concerns for individual privacy, Bristol Mountain Resort 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 Bristol Mountain Resort 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 585-374-6000 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, 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.

Our Privacy Policy

Thank you for visiting BristolMountain.com. Your privacy is important to us. We are committed to the privacy of personally identifiable information and use strict security standards to safeguard it. We restrict access of your personal information to those employees who need to know that information to provide products or services to you. We train our employees in the proper handling of personal information. We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect your nonpublic personal information.

The Information We Collect

We collect information that is needed to serve you and to administer our business. At this site, you can order products, season passes, enter contests, subscribe to a service or otherwise express an opinion. The types of personally identifiable information that may be collected at these pages include: name, address, date of birth, e-mail address, telephone number and credit card information.

Any personal information you supply to Bristol Mountain will allow us to fulfill your request for our products, programs and services, respond to your inquiries, notify you of mountain news, special events or contests, and to offer you products, programs or services that we believe may be of interest to you.

We use the information that you provide about others to enable us to send them Gift Cards or products you have purchased for them. We may use this information to inform them of our products, programs, or services.

We may use the information that we collect to improve the design and content of our site or to enhance our ability to market products or services. We may also use this information collectively to analyze site usage.

The Information We Disclose

Before Bristol Mountain provides your information to others, they must agree to follow appropriate standards of security and confidentiality. We may disclose the information we collect to companies that perform marketing or other services on our behalf.

We will not disclose personally identifiable information to companies whose practices are not covered by this Privacy Statement (e.g., other marketers, magazine publishers, retailers, participatory databases, and non-profit organizations) for the purpose of marketing products or services to you.

Opting Out

Bristol Mountain will not use or transfer personally identifiable information provided to us without also providing you with an opportunity to opt out. If you do not wish to receive any communication from us, please notify us of your intent to unsubscribe by sending an email to fun@bristolmt.com.

Our site may contain links to other sites whose information practices differ from ours. Visitors should consult the other sites’ Privacy Statements as we have no control over information that is submitted to or collected by these third parties. Our site may offer content (e.g., contests, sweepstakes, or promotions) that is sponsored by or cobranded with third parties. By virtue of these relationships, the third parties may obtain personally identifiable information that visitors voluntarily submit to participate in the site activity. Bristol Mountain has no control over these third parties’ use of this information.

Cookies

To enhance your experience with this site, we use “cookies.” Cookies are text files placed in your computer’s browser to store your preferences. Cookies, by themselves, do not tell us your e-mail address or other personally identifiable information unless you choose to provide this information to us by, for example, registering for entry in a contest. However, once you choose to furnish the site with personally identifiable information, this information may be linked to the data stored in the cookie. We use cookies to understand site usage and to improve the content and offerings on our site. For example, we may use cookies to personalize your experience at our web pages (e.g., to save your password in password-protected areas). The ultimate goal is providing content that visitors to the site want and making it convenient to access.

By purchasing a seasons pass or lift ticket our patrons agree to allow Bristol Mountain to use their likeness captured in photos or video for marketing, social media promotional opportunities.

How To Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about Bristol Mountain’s online policy, you may contact us by calling 585-374-6000 or sending an email to fun@bristolmt.com

I have read and agree to obey Bristol Mountain Chairlift Ride Rules & Regulations at all times. I understand that Chairlift Riding involves significant risks of serious injury or death. Some of these inherent risks of Chairlift riding include, but are not limited to: activity-related risks (lift failure; falls; misloads; injuries while unloading; injuries from failing to follow instructions, signage and warnings; collisions with stationary or other objects; loss of balance; over-exertion; dehydration; becoming lost or separated from the group); environmental-related risks (exposure to cold or elements; heat-related illness; trees; rocks; tree stumps; logs; roots; loose gravel or sand;, holes; depressions; uneven, steep, or slippery terrain; falling or fallen limbs; encountering wild animals; bee stings, ticks or other insects; snakes; poisonous plants; being caught in a sudden change in the weather; being away from immediate emergency medical care); and other risks (inappropriate or negligent actions of co-participants; participant overestimating his/her capacity; weather conditions, or participant ability; faulty or malfunctioning equipment; inappropriate shoes or clothing of participant).