STRATTON MOUNTAIN, Vermont ??” Stratton Mountain’s innovative Safety Education Session (SES) terrain park program has earned national awards and the attention of resorts across North America. Skiers and snowboarders are required to attend SES, a mid-mountain educational program offered throughout the day and featuring a short video and Q & A, before earning access to Stratton’s No. 1 ranked terrain parks (SKI Magazine 2006).

“This is a great program to teach riders how to be safe in the park, which makes it a safer place for everyone,” said Ross Powers, two-time Olympic medalist and Stratton snowboarder.

“We have several parks for various abilities. Parks are ideal for fun and progression but also come with serious risk if you are not prepared or don’t know the rules,” explains Mountain Operations Director Mike Quinn. “We hope to give guests a little insight to keep our parks safe for years to come.”

“Safety is a way of life for us here at Stratton and our goal is to keep the message simple and clear to our guests and fellow employees,” Quinn added. “Stratton is taking the responsibility code to the next level by creating a culture of safety, courtesy and respect. Our resort wide safety campaigns; “Play Safe, Play Smart and Enjoy the Mountain,” as well as our “Work Safe, Work Smart and Enjoy the Mountain” are running strong in year four.

In addition to tips on the snow report, website, message boards, Stratton offers the following programs as season-long safety initiatives:

SAFETY SATURDAYS feature a different activity each week for guests and staff, such as demonstrations on how to load, unload and how to handle beginner skiers/snowboarders who sit next to you. “We’ve passed out stickers, coupons, know the codes ??В¦ all while positively promoting Stratton’s culture involving guest safety.”
SAFETY MESSAGE in public schools via tours and visits year to spread the safety message. Give-aways included Snowmonster coloring books and stickers giving them a heads up on safety before they get to the snow.

STRATTON SAFETY BEAR, a 10-foot carved bear sits at the summit with this sign: “Drawing from our longstanding commitment to respect and nurture the environment and those who enjoy it we’re proud to announce Play Safe, Play Smart, a mountain-wide safety and awareness campaign. Play Safe, Play Smart aims to help us all experience more of the mountain now, and for years to come”. Many ski school classes stop to take note.

SLOPE WATCH PROGRAM steps up the presence of Safety Patrol to encourage skier and rider responsibility on the trails and in the terrain parks. “Guest feedback has been exceptional,” Operations Director Quinn notes.

FREE COUPONS ??“ if we see someone demonstrating great safety etiquette we compliment them w/ a 20% discount to our Tuning Center.

Activities during National Safety Awareness Week include, Play Safe Message on our lift tickets, Local Kids Poster Contest, Safety Gift Bags, and tours and more.

For more information, check www.stratton.com.