Safety on the Mountain
Skiing and snowboarding are exciting and rewarding—but they also involve inherent risks. At the Snowbowl, your safety and the safety of others is a shared responsibility. Please ride in control, respect fellow guests, and choose terrain that matches your ability level. Staying alert and using good judgment can help prevent accidents and ensure everyone enjoys a safe day on the mountain.
If you witness or are involved in an accident, or if you see something that requires attention, don’t hesitate to contact Ski Patrol or the Main Office immediately.
Ski Patrol: 802-443-7613
Main Office: 802-443-7669
The Middlebury College Ski Patrol
The Middlebury College Ski Patrol is one of the most unique and longest running patrols in the country. With the exception of the Director and Assistant Director, the Patrol is staffed 100% by Middlebury College students. This professional and medically trained organization is certified by the National Ski Patrol and Vermont EMS. Patrol provides first response medical care, hazard marking and mitigation, rescue, and ambassador services to patrons and staff of the Snowbowl and Rikert Outdoor Center. Patrol also maintains and patrols the uphill skinning/hiking routes.
Patrollers are happy to answer questions pertaining to terrain and conditions on the mountain (including uphill routes), so feel free to stop in and chat! To find us on the mountain, visit our base area and summit huts at the Snowbowl, the ticket desk at Rikert, or ask any staff member to contact Ski Patrol via radio. On the mountain you’ll see us in red coats with white crosses. Patrol can also be contacted directly by phone at 802-443-7613.
For more information contact:
Sean Grzyb, Patrol Director: sgrzyb@middlebury.edu
Student Presidents: Rubi Murphy – rwmurphy@middlebury.edu
Holt Witter – fwitter@middlebury.edu
2025–2026 Members
- Abigail Weidner
Abigail Williams
Abraham Barrow
Adelle MacDowell
Alex Hayes
Alex Melville
Anna Kester
Annika Hamm
Annika Stookey
Babe Brown
Bobby Eilers
Catherine Tracy
Celia Geci
Connor Stephen
Dahlia Saifee
Dani Bronk
Daphne Wang
Diego Bradley
Eric Asherman
Finn Boyle
Frankie Marston
Greg Wilhelm
Hanna Freund
Hazel Hendler
Holt Witter
- Isa Mitchel
Jack Dyer
Jack Wrigley
Jake Freeman
Jake Lucarelli
Joe Morsman
Jon Brooks
Julia Randolph
Laz Rifkin
Liam Purcell
Luna Milligan
Madelyn Buxton
Max Hoganauer
Maya Purcell
Nick Bigelow
Nina Kellogg
Rebecca Lepinard
Riki Nakamura
Rubi Murphy
Ruth Weeks
Sasha Hanna
Sebastian Perez
Sofia Bobroff
Tom Spater
Will Roelofs
Zane Barnwell
Responsibility Code Poster
Exhibit respect and consideration for fellow participants at all times, acknowledging that skiing and snowboarding entail inherent risks.
Utilizing sound judgment and self-awareness can significantly mitigate these hazards. It’s crucial to accurately assess your skill level and engage in activities that align with it. Contribute to the advancement of safety consciousness among skiers and snowboarders. Adhere to the Responsibility Code outlined below and help foster a safe and positive outdoor environment.
Your Responsibility Code
- Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
- People ahead or downhill 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 markings.
- 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.
For those seeking comprehensive information on ski and snowboard safety programs and initiatives, a valuable resource is the
National Ski Areas Association.
Visit their website to explore educational materials and current safety measures in the skiing and snowboarding community.
All uphill skiers and riders must purchase an uphill ticket at the Snowbowl ticket office prior to using uphill routes.
General Requirements
- Stay off trails being groomed or where snow is being made.
- Use only designated uphill routes as shown on the map. All routes begin at the base of the Voter and Proctor trails.
- Hike in a group of 3 or more.
- Bring a cell phone and wear a headlamp and reflective clothing after dark.
- Know your location at all times, including trail names.
- No patrol services are available — use the mountain at your own risk.
Before/After Operating Hours
- Uphill ticket, uphill season pass, or downhill season pass is required.
- Be aware of grooming operations, snowmobiles, and other equipment on the mountain.
- Always follow designated routes marked with “Uphill” signs.
- Follow the Skier/Rider Responsibility Code.
- Keep to the side of the trail in single file; downhill traffic has the right of way.
- Stay within ski area boundaries when descending.
- Pets are not allowed.
- Ski patrol services are only available during operating hours.
- Snowbowl reserves the right to close uphill access at any time.
- Skins or snowshoes are required — boot-packing is not allowed due to safety and trail quality.
- All equipment must be approved for lift-served downhill use and include required safety features (e.g., brakes, leashes).
Inbounds Woods Skiing Policy
Skiing or snowboarding in the woods off designated trails within the ski area boundary is allowed, but please note:
- These areas are not maintained or monitored by Snowbowl staff.
- Unmarked obstacles and hazards exist — ski/ride at your own risk.
- Do not ski/ride alone. We strongly recommend traveling in groups of three or more.
- Snowbowl accepts no responsibility for damage to equipment or for skier/rider safety, injury, or death.
- Use good judgment and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Bailey Falls lift closes at 3:00 PM — do not enter the woods after this time.
Snowbowl Drone Policy
To ensure the safety, privacy, and enjoyment of all guests, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or “drones”) are strictly prohibited at the Middlebury Snowbowl at all times, including during operating hours and special events.
Exceptions may be made only under the following conditions:
- The drone is operated by Middlebury College’s authorized media team for official marketing, documentation, or safety purposes; or
- The operator has obtained prior written permission from the Snowbowl Manager, including proof of FAA certification and insurance, and has agreed to follow all safety guidelines and flight restrictions outlined by the Snowbowl.
Unauthorized drone use will result in immediate removal from the premises and may be subject to further action in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and respectful environment for all visitors.
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