Powder Ridge is dedicated to providing a safe, enjoyable winter recreation experience.  To help skiers and riders select routes appropriate for their ability levels, trail maps are provided in multiple locations throughout the resort.  Groomed trails are clearly marked with names and designated difficulty ratings.  All guests are expected to understand and adhere to the following rules regarding off-trail terrain and closed boundaries.

Off-Trail and Wooded Areas
– Discretionary Entry: Natural wooded areas exist between trails for environmental purposes, such as snow retention.  While these areas are not designated trails, guests may choose to enter them at their own discretion or remain on groomed runs.
– No Patrol Coverage: Wooded areas are not patrolled.  Guests entering these areas assume all inherent risks associated with natural, unmaintained terrain.

Closed Areas
– Strict Compliance: Guests may encounter closed areas while at the resort.  All skiers and riders must abide by all signage, fencing, and roping indicating a closed area.
– Reasons for Closures: Areas may be closed off due to a variety of reasons, including but not limited to: active snowmaking in progress, ungroomed or unstable terrain, hazards.
– Zero-Tolerance Enforcement: Entering a closed area is strictly forbidden.  Violations will result in the immediate removal of your ticket without a refund, and you will be required to leave the premises.  No warnings will be given.

All ski and snowboard equipment used on Powder Ridge slopes must be equipped with metal edges and bindings or an equivalant secure attachment system, as applicable to the device.  All equipment must also have an appropriate retention device or other approved measure to prevent runaway equipment.

Allowed Devices
The following devices are permitted, provided they meet all applicable safety requirements:
– Skis
– Snowboards
– Telemark Skis: a retention device is requipred. Uphill travel is prohibited.
– Monoskis: a retention device is required.
– Snowblades: a retention device is required.
– Adaptive Equipment, including sit-skis, provided the equipment: has metal edges and an ppropriate retention device, has a mechanism to securely attach the equipment to the chairlift, and can be safely loaded and unloaded from the lift.

Prohibited Devices
The following devices are not permitted on Powder Ridge slopes.  This list is not exhaustive:
– Snowbikes
– Snow scooters
– Sled dogs
– Plastic sliding equipment
– Sleds of any kind, including tubes, discs, body sleds, and tobaggans

Powder Ridge Management reserves the right to modify this list and determine which sliding devices are permitted at any time. 

For your safety and the safety or others, please follow all lift safety procedures.  Be familiar with the type of lift you are riding, abide by all signage, and ask a Powder Ridge employee for assistance if you have questions or need help loading or unloading.

Before Loading
– Secure all loose items before approaching the loading area.
– Remove ski pole straps from your wrists.
– Look over your shoulder to watch the chair approach.
– Follow all posted instructions and directions from lift attendants.
– Large accessories may not be worn while riding a chairlift or rope tow.  This includes, but is not limited to, child carriers, backpacks, and purses.

While Riding
– Sit all the way back in the chair, with your back against the seatback.
– Remain seated and follow all posted safety instructions throughout the ride.
– Be aware of your surroundings and other guests while riding.
– If you drop something, let it fall.  Do not lean over or attempt to retrieve it.  Remain seated with your back against the seatback.
– Powder Ridge staff or Ski Patrol can assist with retrieving items that fall from the lift.  Notify Powder Ridge employee or Ski Patrol for assistance.
– Foot traffice is not permitted on Powder Ridge chairlifts.  Guests must use the lifts only as intended and follow all posted access requirements.

Approaching the Top Terminal
– Keep ski tips or snowboards pointed up while approaching the unloading area.
– Keep your back against the seatback and remain seated until you reach the designated unloading area.

Powder Puff Chair – Restraint Bar
A restraint bar is available on our Powder Puff Quad Chairlift.  Powder Ridge strongly recommends that all guests riding this lift use the restraint bar.

When using the restraint bar:
– Wait until everyone is seated before lowering the bar.
– Slowly reach up and lower the bar once everyone is ready.
– Do not attempt to lower the bar if you cannot reach it safely.
– Adults should always assist children with lowering the restraint bar.
– As you approach the top terminal, watch for psoted signs indicatino when to raise the bar.

If you need assistance with the restraint bar or any part of the lift-loading or unloading process, ask a Powder Ridge employee for help.

We do not allow large accessories to be worn while on a lift/rope tow. This includes, but is not limited to; child carriers, backpacks, and purses.

Alcohol policy at Powder Ridge:

• No one under 21 will be served – we I.D. everyone, no exceptions!
• Any alcohol consumed here must be purchased from Powder Ridge.
• Alcohol may only be consumed at the base of the slopes or in the buildings- not on the lifts or on-hill.
• Do not over consume – intoxication leads to poor judgement and will result in a revoked lift ticket with no refund.
• We do appreciate everyone that enjoys a drink responsibly! Thank you!

Smoking policy at Powder Ridge:

Smoking is permitted in our designated smoking area for anyone of the legal age. Designated smoking areas are located outside at the north end of the main chalet and the parking lot.

Smoking is prohibited inside buildings, on the slopes or near main entrance doors, including any e-cig or vaping products.

All marijuana products, including smokless, are prohibited on Powder Ridge property.

Pets are only allowed in our parking lot and must not pose any hardship on other Powder Ridge guests. Pets must always be on a leash or in your vehicle, and you must clean up after the pet. Only exception is for service animals.

Powder Ridge maintains specific rules regarding food, personal property, and seating to ensure a clean, comforable, and welcoming environment for all guests.

Outside Food and Beverages
– Carry-on food is allowed on the main level of the chalet, as well as on the upstairs and downstairs levels on the south end of the building.
– Carry-on food is strictly prohibited inside Chester’s Bar & Grill.
– Large food containers or storage coolers must be kept in your vehicle.
– Crockpots, hot places, and electrical coffee or hot chocolate pots are strictly prohibited inside all resort buildings. 
– Food and snack tables for groups are not allowed at any time.  Seating and tables must remain available for all guests to enjoy and cannot be occupied by private food spreads.

Alcohol Policy
– Carry-on alcohol is strictly prohibited anywhere on Powder Ridge property.
– All alcohol beverages consumed at Powder Ridge must be purchased directly from the resort.  For full regulatory details, please refer to our Alcohol Policy tab.

Gear Storage and Unattended Items
– All personal gear must be placed in a rental locker, stored in the cubbies located throughout the resort, or kept in your vehicle.
– Unattended items left in open areas are not secure.  Powder Ridge staff may move unattended bags or gear left at tables and walkways to a designated holding location.
– All concession and alcohol sales at the resort are subject to standard sales tax.

Seating Guidelines
– Tables and chairs are provided for the comfort of all resort visitors on a first-come, first-served basis, Chester’s Bar & Grill included.
– Tables may not be reserved, guarded, or left unattended with personal belongings while you are on the ski lopes, Chester’s Bar & Grill included.

All concession and alcohol sales at the resort are subject to sales tax. 

Powder Ridge maintains specific policies to ensure security, liability protection, and property management across the resort.  All guests must familiarize themselves with and adhere to the regulations detailed below.

Theft of Services
– Ticket Requirement: All skiers and riders are required to have a valid lift ticket visible at all times while on the slopes.  Tickets are nontransferrable.
– Legal Enforcement: Any individual found skiing or riding without a valid lift ticket will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Lost or Stolen Property
– Resort Liability: Powder Ridge is not responsible for lost or stolen property.
– Equipment Safety: Guests are highly encouraged to secure their gear.  The resort offers multiple options to safeguard equipment and valuables:
1. Locks: Available for purchase in the Ski Shop
2. Equipment Check: Check your equipment in at the Rental Shop for $1/day or $10 for the entire season.
3. Lockers: Avalable for day or full-season rentals to store belongings such as cell phones, wallets, purses, backpacks, and footwear.  Large lockers also available for storing ski/snowboard equipment.
– Precautionary Measures: Valuables should be securely stored at all times.  Unattended property left on tables or around the chalet is not secure.

Photography and Media Consent
– Publicity Rights: By purchasing a lift ticket or entering the resort, guests grant Powder Ridge the right to photograph or film individuals and events.
– Usage: These images and recordings may be used for marketing, advertising, or publicity purposes without further personal consent or compensation. 

Drone Policy
– Public Prohibition: The operation or use of drones or unmanned aerial systems by the general public is strictly prohibited.  This restriction applies to all recreational users, hobbyists, media, and journalists. 

Powder Ridge encourages safe riding habits and equipment choices.  While personal gear remains the decision of individual guests, all skiers and riders should follow these guidelines for personal safety and situational awareness.

Helmet Safety
– Safety Recommendation: Powder Ridge highly recommends that all skiers and snowboarders wear an appropriate snow sports helmets.  Powder Ridge rents helmets, and Powder Ridge Ski Patrol sells them.
– Injury Prevention: Proper helmet use may reduce the risk of head injury.  Whether to wear a helmet is a personal choice, but guests are strongly urged to protect themselves on the slopes.
– Fit and Awareness: Ensure that any helmet you select is properly fitted and does not inhibit your vision or hearing.

Goggles and Eye Protection
– General Practice: Eye protection is highly recommended any time you are on the snow.
– Benefits: Goggles or sports sunglasses protect your eyes from snow, wind, debris, and UV glare, ensuring clear visibilty while navigating trails.

Electronic Devices and Headphones
– Discouraged Use: The use of headphones or earbuds is strongly discouraged while skiing, riding, or during the loading and unloading of lifts.
– Situational Awareness: Wearing listening devices reduces your ability to hear verbal warnings from other skiers/riders, operational instructions from lift attendants, or emergency communication from the Ski Patrol.

The Powder Ridge Ski Patrol is a dedicated team of trained patrollers who deliver emergency first aid and promote overall resrot safety.  Ski Patrol is actively on duty whenever the chairlifts are operating to the public.  All guests and staff must follow the protocols below for summoning medical assistance and reporting incidents.

Contacting Ski Patrol
– Staff Assistance: Inform any Powder Ridge employee immediately if assistance is needed. All staff members have direct access to emergency communication channels to summon a patroller.
– Physical Location: The Ski Patrol headquarters is located in the grey building directly behind the main chalet, identified by a bright red door and the official Ski Patrol logo.
– Phone Contact: Ski Patrol or emergency assistance can be reached directly by calling 320.398.7200.

Incident and Collision Reporting
– Mandatory Exchange: In accordance with Your Responsibility Code, all individuals involved in a collision must exchange personal identification and contact information.
– Required Notification: Parties involved in any collision or incident resulting in injury or property damage must immediately report the event to the Powder Ridge Ski Patrol to ensure proper documentation.