Written by Brooke Zealy, Killington Resort
Killington and Pico Resorts strive to create a fun environment for skiing and snowboarding. New this season is the introduction of the Mountain Safety Attendant program. These team members are on the hill and communicate directly with guests through verbal and visual cues, aiming to positively influence guest choices and etiquette.
Building on our current education and collision awareness program, which won the National Ski Area Association (NSAA) National Safety Award for Best Collision Prevention Program in 2019 and 2023, these new team members will continue to improve safety and guest service on the hill. will be represented on. Identifiable by their black and red vests, they seek to collectively positively influence guest decision-making by sharing information about your Responsibility Policy and her three principles of the #rideanotherday campaign.
This team uses a very deliberate strategy to realize its goals without resorting to the implicit threat of suspending ski privileges. This doesn’t mean the pass won’t be missed. Guests found to have violated resort policies or been disrespectful to staff may be subject to pass suspension.
Our mountain safety personnel monitor skiers and riders with a unique approach. Rather than evaluating guests on their perceived speed, style, relative skill level, or “out of control,” we attempt to evaluate decisions and actions relative to trail density in nearby areas. For example, skiing fast on an empty trail may be considered acceptable, but doing the same in a crowded area is not. January is recognized as National Safety Month, and you’ll notice an increase in signs and events around the resorts announcing this.
Safety is a season-long mission that requires everyone’s attention and cooperation. As a general rule, we ask all guests to go with the flow, use a spotter, be courteous, and follow our liability policy. If you want to ski fast (while staying in control), choose another spot on the hill that isn’t in the crowded beginner-intermediate slow zone.
“This is an ongoing process and we will continue to take an agile approach as we learn from experience,” said John Duke, risk and insurance manager at Killington. “Culture change programs take years to bring about noticeable changes in behavior and thinking. However, the changes that are achieved are permanent and are achieved over time through a ‘forced’ model.” It will create an on-hill culture that is much more fun than the traditional one. These changes will not happen overnight, and assistance, support and buy-in from guests and staff will be critical to the speed of change and the perceived success of this program. ”
So far, the overwhelming majority of guest reactions have been positive and courteous, and guests are aware of how their decisions create potential problems for themselves and others. we should remember. “It’s not about you, it’s about the people around you.”
Provided by Killington Resort
Killington Resort is introducing a new mountain safety attendant program designed to ensure accountability while skiing and riding.
