RED Safety & Awareness
SKI PATROL: 778-457-5000
For all snow emergencies on the mountain from 8am-4pm daily, contact ski patrol. For all other emergencies, call 911.
Avalanche Safety
Within the Red Ski Area Boundary active avalanche control occurs as conditions warrant. It is still essential when off piste skiing within the ski area boundary to be aware that avalanches can occur and thus all recommendations covered in deep snow safety (see deep snow safety) should be followed.
To learn more see: www.deepsnowsafety.org
Leaving the Ski Area Boundary:
In all directions beyond the Ski Area Boundary avalanche terrain exists. There is no avalanche control or signage and much of the terrain leads to steep, heavily treed terrain away from the base area and rescue. If you go beyond the Ski Area Boundary you are assuming all of the responsibility for your safety.
It is recommended that all people leaving the Ski Area Boundary know the current avalanche conditions for the Kootenay Boundary Region:
Avalanche Conditions Map
It is recommended that all people leaving the Ski Area Boundary have these essentials:
- Avalanche Safety Training
- A partner
- A route plan
- An avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel and the skills to initiate an avalanche rescue
- Communications: radio or cell phone
- A check-in plan with friends or family
- First aid equipment
- Extra clothing
Backcountry gates exist at common backcountry access points:
Granite Mountain Silver Sheep:
Whitewolf Ridge: Simple terrain. Open trees.
* Caution. The west facing terrain leads down to Big Sheep Creek 40 km distant from the ski Area.
Mt. Roberts: Challenging terrain and steep trees.
The North facing chutes are complex, steep, corniced terrain.
* Some terrain leads down and away from the ski area to the Cascade Highway 10 km from the Ski Area.
Record peak: Complex steep corniced North face
*All terrain leads away from the ski area down to Big Sheep Creek or the Cascade Highway
Grey Mountain:
Long May You Run Gate: The Headwall. Challenging terrain.
*Some terrain leads away from the ski area to Big Sheep Creek.
Kirkup Cat Road:
Mt. Kirkup: Challenging terrain. Large cornices on the east face. Open convexities on the north face.
*Some terrain leads down and away from the ski area to Big Sheep Creek or to Highway 3b, 8 km distant from the ski area
Watch This:
We recommend this film to anyone interested in leaving the Ski Area Boundary “Know Before You Go”
BCA Beacon Training Park
RED hosts a Beacon Training Park for use by all backcountry enthusiasts. It's located 100m up from the base area, underneath the Silverlode Chair.
A BCA Wireless Beacon Training Park System has been installed within this dedicated area. This system provides an easy and efficient way for recreationalists and pros to practice with their avalanche transceivers. Eight waterproof transmitter boxes are controlled wirelessly through a portable, weatherproof control panel. To change the search scenario, the controller simply flicks the on/off switch.
The easiest access to the park is on skis/snowboard from the side of Panhandle ski run.
Special thanks to Louis McBride of McBride Construction for setting up and maintaining this park for all users.
Tree well and Deep Snow Immersion
Tree wells, and areas of unsupportive snow exist within and outside the ski area boundary. A tree well is a hole or depression that forms around the base of a tree as snow accumulates. A deep snow immersion incident occurs when a person falls into these holes and becomes entrapped. The more the person struggles the more entrapped they become. Other dangerous areas of unsupportive snow include creek beds, gulley features and natural depressions in the terrain.
The risk of a tree well accident can be avoided by following these basic practices when off piste skiing:
- Always ski or ride with a partner
- Always stay in visual contact with your partner so you can see each other in a fall
- Carry a whistle and stay in voice contact with your partner
- Remove ski pole straps
For more on tree well safety education, visit www.deepsnowsafety.org.
RED Safety Policies
Once RED is open for season, there is absolutely no hiking or touring within the RED Mountain boundary during or outside of operating hours. There is machinery and equipment working on the mountain at all hours and it is imperative that guests stay off the mountain to avoid any interaction between public and the equipment. This prohibited usage includes cross country skiing, ski touring, hiking, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and any other form of mountain activity. Be forewarned that, if you contravene this request, the RCMP will be notified, you will be fined for trespassing and your pass privileges for skiing and riding at RED will be revoked. Our team is working hard to keep themselves and the public safe and your cooperation is appreciated.
There are no dogs allowed on the ski trails, lifts, or in buildings. An exception is made for our RED avalanche rescue dog.
All dogs around the base area and parking lots must be kept on a leash. You must remain in control of your dog at all times, and any dogs showing aggressive behaviour will not be permitted on the premises. You must assume all responsibility for your dog, including cleaning up after it.
Violation of these rules will result in a warning for the dog owner. Continued violations will result in the removal of the dog owner’s day or season pass.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Guests are permitted to smoke ONLY in designated smoking areas and NOT within 6 meters from any doors, windows or vents.
Guests are prohibited from smoking cannabis in any location on the resort.
No foot passengers are allowed on any lift without prior approval.
Various types of equipment exist and can be accommodated within the policy as long as they meet the following criteria:
- Have bindings and/or foot straps that allow the device to remain safely on the rider while riding a chairlift.
- Have a safety leash
- Have metal edges
Ski/Board Biking, Sledding, Sliding, Tobogganing and Tubing are not permitted at RED.
RED Mountain Resort has a strict "No Personal Drones Allowed" policy for the safety of all guests and its employees.
If you are interested in media content opportunities with RED Mountain Resort and their Marketing Department, all requests must be made at least 7 days in advance of the requested date. Requests must be in writing and include the following information:
- Purpose of the drone usage and intended flight plan
- Portfolio link or attachments of prior drone photography or footage
- Name and specifications of the drone (weight)
- Name and experience of the pilot (how many flights, how long he/she has had the drone)
- Contact details of operator
- Proof of liability insurance per occurrence and UAV exemption if required – see Transport Canada Regulations for details
Please send your request to Chelsea Weisgerber, Sales & Marketing Manager at chelsea.weisgerber@redresort.com.
Motorized vehicles including snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, cars and trucks are not permitted within the RED Mountain Resort Controlled Recreation Area (CRA) at any time of the year. Operations, maintenance and construction work is ongoing within the CRA on a year-round basis and therefore the potential for safety conflicts between RED Mountain workers and unauthorized motorized vehicles is present. In addition, the area is closed to hunting.
ADDITIONAL AWARENESS AT RED
Ski Well be Well
The Canadian Ski Council along with the CWSAA, OSRA, ASSQ and ASRA supports a thoughtful return to outdoor winter recreation. An advisory group of ski industry leaders developed the Ski Well, Be Well operational best practices based on scientific guidelines from experts. These practices can be adapted to each ski area’s unique operation, and can be scaled according to the appropriate local COVID-19 response.
Your health and safety, and that of all our guests, employees and communities, is what we value most, and is the guiding influence for these best practices.
