Summer Hiking and Biking Safety | Snowshoe Mountain Resort

GENERAL SAFETY

LIGHTNING & THUNDERSTORMS
Here in the mountains, the weather is notorious for changing quickly. In the summer, that means you should be on the lookout for afternoon thunderstorms. If you notice one approaching, seek shelter when possible. Of course, if you’re in one of our backcountry areas, finding shelter may not be so easy, which is why you should always be prepared. Hike or bike with a rain jacket and other appropriate gear, know your surroundings and be sure to avoid ridgetops, lift houses, lift towers, power lines, open ski runs, fences, signposts and the tallest tree or object in your vicinity.

FIRE DANGER
Don’t assume there is no danger of fire because you’re not out West. Fire dangers exist even here in the Appalachians. Read and obey all posted warning signs.

CONSTRUCTION WARNING
The majority of our facility repairs and mountain improvement projects take place during the summer months, so guests should always be observant of construction hazards. Vehicles may be encountered at any time and terrain could be temporarily closed for maintenance at times.

ADEQUATE CLOTHING
Again, the weather changes quickly here. The most important thing you can do is be prepared. Wear rugged footwear for hiking and biking, dress in layers, and pack sunscreen and rain gear on your outdoor adventures when possible.

ENVIRONMENT
In our industry, we must always strive to be stewards of the environment, to interact with our local flora and fauna respectfully and safely. The best way to accomplish this is to stay on designated hiking and biking trails. If you do encounter a wild animal, remain calm and back away slowly to ensure it doesn’t feel threatened. Never approach or feed wildlife. Leave wildflowers and plants in their native spaces (don’t bring any in, don’t take any out).

WATER
It is imperative that you stay hydrated during your summer adventures. Drinking water is available at numerous Village facilities and at the Boathouse, but not in the backcountry areas. Do not drink from streams or other natural waterways. Always take sufficient drinking water along when hiking and biking.

IF YOU ARE IN AN ACCIDENT OR SEE AN INJURY/ ILLNESS
Snowshoe Mountain maintains a team of trained patrollers that are available during normal operating hours to assist those in need of first aid, rescue and emergency assistance. Additional local Fire and Ems resources are also available to provide emergency services outside of normal operating hours and for those who are in need. Accidents can be reported through informing a Snowshoe staff member, utilizing any of our on mountain emergency phones, dialing 304-572-5400 (Resort Emergency Line) or dialing 911. Please be prepared to provide the location of the injured/ill and the nature of the injury/illness. If it all possible, attempt to have someone stay with the injured/ill until help arrives.

SUN SMART
The Go Sun Smart program recommends five easy things you can do- Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, Reapply it every two hours, Cover-up with sunglasses and light-weight clothes, Wear a wide-brim hat, and check the UV Index.

MAKE A PLAN
Snowshoe Mountain offers an array of activities and terrain to explore. Be prepared and plan ahead. Make sure that you have the proper equipment, clothing, footwear, and other articles to safely take part in the activities of your choice. Utilize Snowshoe trail maps to preplan routes. Notify a responsible party of where you are going and when you plan on returning.

ALCOHOL/DRUGS
Anyone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited from riding the lifts or participating in any activities. Open containers of alcohol are prohibited on the Snowshoe Mountain lift and trail systems.

BACKCOUNTRY TRAIL SYSTEM
Backcountry trails are designated for mixed use by hikers, cross-country mountain bikers, and other users and activities. Please be courteous to other trail users, yield when appropriate, and pass with care. Because our backcountry trails lead into remote areas with no services and little cell phone coverage, we recommend you ride or hike with a partner and let a responsible party know where you’re headed and when you plan to return. You may encounter authorized and unauthorized vehicles, trail work crews, and construction areas. Always stay alert and use caution! Backcountry trails may be temporarily closed due to maintenance, weather, special events, construction, or trail conditions. Please review a trail map, check the trail report and obtain additional information at the Mountain Adventure Center, the Outdoor Adventure Outpost or the Depot.

The backcountry trail system is not regularly patrolled and trails are not regularly cleared. Any type of assistance on these trails may be delayed due to their remote nature. Notify the Mountain Adventure Center, the Depot or Mountain Patrol if you see an obstacle or hazard on the trails. Please stay on designated trails.

Unauthorized motor vehicle use is strictly prohibited on the Snowshoe Mountain trail system.

cross country MOUNTAIN BIKING
Mountain Biking is different than road or street riding and is confined to marked unimproved or partially improved trails where rocks, dirt, loose gravel, stumps and even vehicles may be encountered at any time. Changing weather conditions, variations in terrain, including steepness, natural and man-made obstacles and features, and other dangers or conditions, are inherent risks that are part of the challenge of mountain biking. You must ride in control and within your own ability. You are using these premises at your own risk, and assume all risks in this activity. Cross Country Mountain Biking is permitted on designated backcountry trails, roads and other areas. Helmets must be worn and other appropriate protective gear is highly recommended. You can minimize risk drastically by reading and obeying all signs.

Summer Safety