January is National Ski Safety Month
January is National Ski Safety Month at Ragged Mountain
January isn’t just about fresh snow and blue skies. It’s also National Ski Safety Month, when resorts across the country focus on educating skiers and riders about mountain safety and using common sense on the slopes.
At Ragged Mountain, safety is built into everything we do, from how we groom our trails to how our patrol team monitors conditions throughout the day. But January gives us a chance to remind everyone about the basics that keep our mountain community safe.
Know the Responsibility Code
THE TEN POINTS OF YOUR RESPONSIBILITY CODE ARE:
- Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
- People ahead of you have the right of way. You must avoid them.
- Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
- Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
- You must prevent runaway equipment.
- Read and obey all signs, warnings and hazard markers.
- Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
- You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
- Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.
Wear a Helmet
This one’s simple. Wear a helmet. Every time. We don’t care how good you are or how many years you’ve been skiing. Head injuries are a leading cause of death in snow sports, and a helmet can make the difference between walking away from a fall and ending your season, or worse.
This one’s simple. Wear a helmet. Every time. We don’t care how good you are or how many years you’ve been skiing. Head injuries are a leading cause of death in snow sports, and a helmet can make the difference between walking away from a fall and ending your season, or worse.
Helmets designed for skiing and snowboarding are made to handle the specific impacts that happen on snow. Your bike helmet doesn’t cut it. Get a real ski helmet and wear it.
What to Do If You See an Accident
If you come across an accident on the mountain, here’s what to do:
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Mark the scene. Cross your skis above the injured person or place a snowboard uphill of them so people coming down can see there’s a problem.
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Get help. Call our patrol at 603-856-5117 or flag down a patrol member or mountain employee.
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Stay if you can. Having someone on scene who saw what happened helps patrol respond faster.
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Don’t move the injured person. Our patrol team is trained to handle these situations. Let them do their job.
Ski Within Your Ability
This is probably the most important tip. A lot of accidents happen because people end up on terrain they’re not ready for. Maybe your friends talked you into it. Maybe you got lost and ended up somewhere steeper than you meant to. Whatever the reason, if you’re in over your head, slow down or find another way down.
There’s no shame in taking the easier route. We’d rather see you ski another day than watch you take a ride in a patrol sled.
Our Patrol Team Has Your Back
Our ski patrol is out there every day making sure the mountain is safe. They check conditions, mark hazards, help injured skiers and riders, and respond to emergencies. If they give you directions or tell you something, listen. They’re not trying to ruin your fun, they’re keeping everyone safe.
Skiing and riding are incredible sports, but they come with real risks. Most accidents are preventable if people pay attention, follow the rules, and use common sense.
This January, take a minute to refresh yourself on the Responsibility Code. Make sure your equipment is working right. Wear your helmet. Look out for the people around you.
We want to see you back on the mountain all season long. Stay safe out there.
Questions about mountain safety? Ask! We’re here to help.
Mark Your Calendars:
Saturday, January 17: Mic Ultra Beer Sampling 2pm to 5pm
On Martin Luther King Day, January 19th, we’re hosting our annual Ragged Mountain Food Drive. Nothing beats skiing with purpose.
Bring 5 non-perishable food items per person and you’ll score seriously discounted lift tickets: just $59 for adults and $47 for juniors and seniors (that’s a $20 savings). Every donation goes directly to the Danbury Food Pantry, helping our neighbors when they need it most. Lifts start spinning at 9:00am, so fuel up, grab your gear, and let’s make some memories together.
Saturday, January 24: Never Summer Snowboard On-snow Demo
We are hosting a NEVER SUMMER snowboard demo from 9am to 3pm and Saturday from 9am to 3pm. This is a FREE demo with the entire 2026 lineup. BYO bindings, license or cc required for deposit.
Saturday, January 24: Ski East High School Race
Our Competition Programs will host this event on VG.
Sunday, January 25: U12/U14 Western Division SL Seeding Race on Flying Yankee
Our Competition Program Manager, will oversee this event.
Friday, Jan. 30: Ski Monster – The Lady Monsters Nordica Demo
Saturday, January 31: Ski East Panel SL FINAL
Our Competition Programs will host this event on VG.
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