Mountain safety

We are committed to providing safe operations for our guests, which includes loading children safely onto our chairlifts.

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Mt Hutt requires all children below the height of 130cm in height, measured at the lift (in their ski/ride gear if applicable), to ride the chairlift with an adult.

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Babies in Packs: Baby packs need to be removed and sat next to the parent, utilising one seat. Maximum of one baby pack per caregiver.

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Children taking lessons and any children riding together in groups (regardless of height) may be asked to ride with another adult guest, so they can assist with the safety bar or in an emergency. Confirm with the adult if they are comfortable to assist prior to loading a child next to them.

This policy applies for all children who use the chairlifts for skiing, snowboarding and sightseeing.

Look out for hazards and obstacles:

• Both natural and man-made. We may use poles, flags, ropes, fencing, signs, and other devices to provide visual warnings. We do our best to mark all hazards and obstacles. Be aware of changing conditions.
• If something requires Patrol's attention, please notify a member of staff immediately.

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Look out for over-snow vehicles:

• They may be on the slopes heading uphill or downhill, so stay clear of them at all times.

Lift incidents are almost always avoidable. It's important (and part of Your Responsibility Code) to know how to load, ride and unload all lifts safely.

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Loading

• Remove pole straps from wrists and hold in one hand. Remove backpacks and hold in your lap. Remove back foot from snowboard binding
• Be lined up with other guests and prepared to load before moving forward from the “wait Here” area.
• After the chair in front passes, move from the “Wait Here” area to the “Load Here” area
• At the “Load Here” area, look back and grab the part of the chair that is easiest for you, typically a side bar or backrest.
• If you need assistance or there is a problem, SPEAK UP, and tell a lift operator.

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Riding

• Balance the chair and try to all sit in the middle
• When a restraint bar is available, tell others and lower the bar when you can do so safely.
• Sit back and remain seated.
• Do not swing on the chair and ride respectively with other guests.
• Never jump from the chair.

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Unloading

• Check for lose clothing / bags that nothing will get caught
• Do not unload the chair until it is safe to do say. This is the area that specifies “unload here”
• When you are close, lift the safety bar up, keep tips up and ski/ride off the chair in a straight line. Move away from the unload ramp as quickly as possible.
• If you require the chair to be slowed – yell to the lift operator “slow chair”

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Sightseeing/Foot Passengers

• Please see our Guest Foot Passenger policy for more details.

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We allow dogs on-leash in the following areas:

• In the Carparks & Drop Zone
• Outside eating area/decks
• On the snow directly off the deck

Dogs are not allowed in the following areas:

• All skiable terrain when open to the public
• Chairs/Conveyors
• Base Building
• Patrol Base / Medical
• Toboggan Area
• Mount Hutt Forest Walking Tracks (refer to DOC website)

Exceptions to the above prohibited/on-leash areas are:

• Dogs that work directly under the supervision of NZSki staff or other rescue personnel, including avalanche dogs, search and rescue dogs, advertisement dogs.
• Disability assists dogs.
• Special events from time to time as approved by NZSki management

Dogs who are accompanying ski tourers/hikers/snowshoers may do so off-leash as long as they meet the following criteria;

1. They do not enter any of the dog prohibited areas or on-leash areas
2. The ski area is not open to the public.
3. Touring guidelines and designated touring routes are followed, i.e. at Coronet Peak no ski touring is permitted between 6pm and 4am. Refer to website for further information.
4. The dog is kept under effective control by voice or signal and the dog has excellent recall.
5. The owner can immediately leash and bring the dog under control if the dog causes a nuisance to any person or animal.
6. The dog walks / runs with the owner at all times.
7. The dog is well tempered and well mannered and there is no aggression towards staff or members of the public.
8. The owner has doggie bags and picks up all dog poo immediately and disposes of appropriately

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