(Resort) Uphill Responsibly
The 2020 - 2021 splitboard season is upon us. Vermont has its first coating of snow in the greens. The central region of Vermont specifically is getting primed for kick off with Killington looking to open on November 14th (if mother nature cooperates). With that first snowfall it is a reminder to dust off our gear, tighten bolts, ptex end of season gouges, wax our bases and sharpen edges.
Most splitboarders, and others who are part of the uphill community almost always start at their local resort. It might be Jay Peak, Smuggs, Stowe, Suicide 6, Magic, or Stratton. We need to remember that early season splitboarding can be fun but also comes with its own challenges, and certain rules that we must respect.
As temperatures drop the mountains will begin to roar to life. Our beloved snow makers are hard at work dragging lines across the mountain, lighting up the snowmaking fan guns and towers to deliver what mother nature sometimes can’t. Those snow making machines typically have high pressure lines with water, and even electrical running to them. Skinning over them, or riding down on top of them can cut those lines and create a hazard for mountain operations. With that we need to be mindful of these resort operations. Snow makers are not on the lookout for people looking to earn their turns. They are operating in rough conditions, with their primary goal being making snow for us to slide on. Snow makers will be zipping around on ATV’s, Snowmobiles, and Snow Cats. We should always try to stay away from mountain operations when possible. Most resort uphill policy states that anyone accessing the mountain should find alternate routes and avoid any and all snow making. If you do happen to come across a snow maker take a moment to stop and thank them. Even a distanced wave and a smile goes a long way!
While some resorts are okay with early season skins up the mountain, others may not. You should check a resorts uphill policy frequently and often before you go. It can change at any moment. Everything from where to park, what routes to take, paid access, checking in, etc. can typically be found on a resort's uphill policy page, or their FB, Instagram, or Twitter. If you’re uncertain drop us a line, or more importantly reach out to the resort that you want to splitboard at, and if there is something that is unclear ask that resort directly. This gives them an opportunity to provide clarification to you, and a chance for them to make edits to their policy if needed.
When splitboarding at a resort we have to remember that it is not our land. Lots of capital, and man power go into maintaining the trails that we ride on, plowing the parking lots that we park in, and providing other amenities that we can sometimes take for granted. We should always follow a resorts uphill policy, but if a resort employee, regardless of who it is, tells us that we are breaking rules, it’s better to not get into an argument, and to be gracious and do what they’re asking. This may sound defeating but sometimes all it takes is one person to ruin the experience for all. They want to see us out there as much as we do, but we need to ensure that we are following the rules as a splitboard community.
Uphilling at a resort brings its own challenges. Early season conditions can look good from far but can be far from good. Sometimes it’s fast grass, or enough snow to look amazing but really under all of that fluff are hiding dragons ready to rip you down and send you crashing into the mountain side. Know your limits and understand that there probably won’t be patrol around if you get injured. Similarly we should avoid snow making operations all together. We never know when they’re going to have a winch cat, or running snow mobiles, or other potential hazards. Late season conditions when at a resort, can bring on waterbars, uncover rocks, and stumps that were hidden during the colder snowier months.
Just remember, when in doubt, check out the resort policy uphill page - and find the Vermont resort that you want to splitboard at. More often than not their rules are clearly stated, and if something is unclear get in contact with the resort before you depart to clear up any thing that is unclear.
See you out on the skin track!
SplitboardVT Crew