In this outdoor paradise, understanding and respecting safety rules is everyone's responsibility. Whether you're an experienced mountaineer or a first-time visitor, prioritizing safety ensures that everyone can enjoy the thrill of our slopes while minimizing risks. Your adventure starts here, and your safety is our priority.
Bald Mountain & Dollar Mountain: (208) 622-6262
Sun Valley trails are rated according to their difficulty relative to other trails on their respective mountains. Users of all ability levels should begin with easier trails before advancing.
Skiing can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas, you might see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country or other specialized equipment such as that used by the disabled. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the code listed below and share with other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing experience.
Review the Skier Responsibility Code
The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) promotes the use of helmets on the slopes. We urge skiers and riders to wear a helmet – but to ski or ride as if they are not wearing a helmet. NSAA views skiing and snowboarding in a controlled and responsible manner – not helmets only – as the primary safety consideration for all skiers and boarders. A skier’s behavior has as much or more to do with the safety of the sport as does any piece of equipment.
Though Sun Valley makes efforts to minimize risk of in-bounds avalanches, these natural events cannot always be avoided. Closed means closed. Areas are closed for various reasons – lack of snow, poor snow conditions, maintenance, wildlife considerations, grooming and most importantly – avalanche hazard and mitigation. In the interest of public safety, skiing in closed areas is against the law in Blaine County.
Take recommended safety precautions when skiing or riding in deep snow and be aware of the hazards that are present.
Whether you're skiing or snowboarding, be Park SMART and reduce your chances of getting hurt by following these safety tips:
Start small. Work your way up & build your skills.
Make a plan for every feature every time.
Always look before you drop.
Respect the features and other users.
Take it easy & know your limits.
Established in 1936 alongside Sun Valley Resort, the Sun Valley Ski Patrol has remained at the forefront of mountain safety and service for over 75 years.
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Sun Valley Resort allows access for uphill recreation on both Bald and Dollar Mountains during the winter season. Make yourself familiar with the hours, routes, and policies.
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1. Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
2. People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
3. Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
4. Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
5. You must prevent runaway equipment.
6. Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
7. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
8. You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
9. Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
10. If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.
The following skiing, riding, and sliding devices are allowed on the lifts and the mountain. Please note that not all devices are allowed on all lifts and that homemade equipment is not permitted.
Skis: Allowed with a working brake binding system or a retention device (must be worn while riding the slopes and lifts.)
Snowboards: Allowed with a retention device (snowboard bindings considered a device; leash preferred shawl riding the slopes and lifts.)
Telemark Skis: Allowed with a retention device (must be worn while riding the slopes and lifts) or a working brake system.
Monoskis/Sit-Ski: Allowed with a working brake system or retention device (must be worn while riding the slopes and lifts).
Snowblades: Allowed with a retention device (must be worn while riding the slopes and lifts.)
Ski Bikes/Snowbikes/Trikes: Allowed under following the parameters:
Snowdecks: Allowed but must have metal edges and a leash and must be designed to load the lift without stopping.
All other equipment is prohibited including, but not limited to rubber-tired bikes, homemade equipment, sleds, tubes, toboggans, scooters, etc. Use of additional equipment such as, but not limited to, “speed wings”, parasails, gliders, or other such devices is prohibited at all times. If in doubt, please contact the mountain before arriving.
Sun Valley Company allows the use of adaptive devices or other “manually-powered mobility aids” designed for use on the slopes, including mono skis, bi skis, skibikes, and outriggers. Reasonable accommodation for users of on slope “manually-powered mobility aids” will be made so long as such use does not create an undue burden on the safety and efficiency of normal operations. Users may be required to load and unload safely with minimal assistance or participate in an approved adaptive program. Additionally, the Sun Valley Ski Area offers or will arrange for adaptive equipment when requested in advance by individuals wanting to enjoy sports at the Sun Valley Ski Area.
Sun Valley Company in conjunction with the USDA Forest Service established a public access policy precluding motorized equipment on slopes and trails within the established boundaries of the Special Use Permit granted for public skiing access. That policy remains in effect.
The public access policy for Sun Valley Company was established to prevent serious harm to the environment and the natural resources. Due to the need to address soil integrity, erosion and vegetative concerns, the Ski Area has adopted a “no motorized” policy for the public during the summer season.
Due to concerns with actual safety practices in the winter season, Sun Valley Company has determined that the use of any power-driven devices or vehicles by the public would conflict with our safety requirements necessary for the reasonably safe operation of our on-slope activities.
Though Sun Valley makes efforts to minimize risk of in-bounds avalanches, these natural events cannot always be avoided. Stay out of closed areas, do not ski alone, and be aware of your surroundings. Call Ski Patrol immediately if you witness an avalanche. Avoid deep snow and tree wells, as these areas expose skiers to risk of snow immersion injuries and fatalities.
There is a big difference between closed areas within the ski resort and Baldy’s area boundaries.
Closed means closed. Areas are closed for various reasons – lack of snow, poor snow conditions, maintenance, wildlife considerations, grooming and most importantly – avalanche hazard and mitigation. In the interest of public safety, skiing in closed areas is against the law in Blaine County.
Snow and weather conditions can change quickly. Avalanche gates open and close accordingly for your safety. Never enter a closed area. You may lose your pass or receive a citation from Blaine County Sheriff (class B misdemeanor). If you are unsure about terrain access, please contact the Ski Patrol. In case of emergency call 911.
Public lands extend beyond Baldy’s boundary ropes. You are on your own when you go out-of-bounds. Rescue is not imminent when you leave the ski area and avalanche hazards are no different than touring in remote areas.
Skiers need to use good decision making when leaving the ski area and…
Skiers can practice their avalanche skills in Baldy’s automated Beacon Park. If you need assistance honing your skills or have questions about the avalanche hazard, stop by the ski patrol headquarters on top of Baldy or call the ski patrol at (208) 622-6262
For additional Avalanche Education and Information, please utilize the information from our partners at Sawtooth Avy —
Avalanche Education Opportunities - http://sawtoothavalanche.com/education.php
Avalanche Advisory for the Wood River Valley - http://sawtoothavalanche.com/adv-full.php
Out of safety concerns for guests, employees, and resort property, as well as concerns for individual privacy, Sun Valley Company prohibits the operation or use of unmanned aerial systems, or drones, by the general public on Sun Valley property – including recreational users and hobbyists – without the prior written authorization from the Company. This prohibition includes drones used for filming or videotaping, as well as any drone use by media or journalists operating above or within Sun Valley Company boundaries, including property under the special use permit with the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. The general public are not allowed to transport drones on any ski lift, or to cause drones to be carried uphill by any other means without prior written authorization from Sun Valley Company. This prohibition on drone operations or use extends to any drones launched or operated from Company property, as well as drones launched from private property outside of the Company boundaries. Any authorized operation of aerial drones may be governed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations, local law enforcement, and/or U.S. Forest Service or BLM regulations, as well as those policies separately established by Sun Valley Company, which may include drone registration, drone pilot certification, training, current Liability insurance coverage, indemnification requirements, and waivers or releases of liability. Any violation of this policy may result in suspension of skiing or snowboarding privileges, or the revocation of season pass, as well as confiscation of any drone equipment, and may subject violators to trespass from Sun Valley Company property and facilities, and personal liability for any damages, including, but not limited to, damages for violations of privacy and/or physical or personal injuries or property damage, as well as regulatory fines and legal fees.