Up-Hill Travel Policy

For the safety of all guests and employees, uphill travel is prohibited on Montana Snowbowl premises during operational hours, from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, in addition to when snowmaking, grooming, or other trail maintenance is in progress. We ask that everyone be off the premises during these times, allowing our teams to execute their job safely. Additionally, pets must remain on a leash and stay within the parking area. Thank you for your cooperation.

8.5 Winter Access to the Permit Area
The departure of individuals from the ski area, or those going off-area, is addressed in Sections 3.3.2 and 3.3.3. Access to the Permit Area is permitted as long as grooming, snowmaking operations or avalanche mitigation is not active on the specific run, and provided there is no uphill travel during regular business hours while lifts are operating. Uphill travel is prohibited from 8:30am to 5:30pm during winter hours, and 9am to 6pm during spring hours. Snowbowl assumes no responsibility for skiers or snowboarders within the ski area boundary outside of regular business hours.

Please contact Missoula Ranger District, 406-329-3814 if you have any questions.



Avalanches

While our snow safety and avalanche mitigation efforts aim to minimize risks, it’s important to acknowledge that avalanches and snow slides can still occur within and beyond posted boundaries at ski areas. These natural events are inherent risks of skiing, given the accumulation of snow on rugged terrain. We encourage all visitors to educate themselves on mitigating the dangers of avalanches through personal awareness and action. For further insights on avalanche risk reduction and prevention, we recommend visiting https://missoulaavalanche.org/ or reaching out to our knowledgeable Snowbowl ski patrol team.

Off Trail Use, Tree Wells and Snow Immersion Death

While skiing or snowboarding off the groomed runs and into deep powder is undoubtedly thrilling, it’s crucial to recognize and acknowledge the associated risks. When you choose to venture beyond the groomed trails, you are voluntarily assuming the potential dangers of a deep snow immersion accident. This type of incident occurs when a skier or rider falls into an area of deep, unconsolidated snow, becoming trapped and at risk of suffocation. These tragic outcomes are known as SIS hazards, or Snow Immersion Suffocation incidents. It’s essential to prioritize safety and awareness when exploring off-piste terrain to minimize the risk of such accidents and ensure a fulfilling and secure mountain experience. To mitigate this risk, consider the following precautions:

  • Always ski with a partner and make sure you are in visual contact at all times.
  • Stay away from trees. Even a 10-foot tree can have a deadly well.
  • Ski and ride in control

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY CODE

Winter:

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 Snowbowl employee

  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.

Know the Code-be Safety Conscious-It is Your Responsibility

Mountain Bikes:

Ride in control and within your ability level. You must be able to avoid other people and objects. Hikers maybe on the same trails and maintenance vehicles may be encountered.

Yield to slower riders, riders below you and foot traffic.

Wear a helmet–this is mandatory.  Depending on your riding style other appropriate safety gear is recommended.

Carefully inspect your bike before you go on the trails.

Plan and dress appropriately-the weather and conditions can change quickly.

Stay on marked trails.  Do not cut switchbacks.  No uphill bike traffic while the lift is operating.

Do not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.

Stay off the lift and trails if your ability is impaired by drugs, alcohol or fatigue.

If you are involved in or witness an accident, please assist.  Carry a cell phone, for help call Snowbowl (406)215-2636 or 911.  Trails are not regularly patrolled. Do not ride alone.

Look uphill and yield to other riders when entering a trail or starting downhill.

Be sure your have the physical dexterity, ability and knowledge to safely load, ride and unload the lift.  Ask the Lift Attendant for assistance if you need it.

Do not feed, provoke or approach wildlife.

DRONE RESTRICTIONS

Use of drones over Forest Service land is prohibited.  Use of drones over the private land at the base area requires prior approval from the Snowbowl management.