Safety Awareness at Glen Eden
Safety & Risk Awareness
Skiing and Snowboarding are the only activities permitted at Glen Eden. Alternative sliding sports such as tobogganing and snow-bikes are not permitted.
Skiing, snowboarding and other activities that take place at Glen Eden involve the risk of injury. The information contained in the Safety and Risk Awareness section is intended to inform you of the risks, dangers and hazards that you may encounter at Glen Eden and help you to stay safe while enjoying these activities. Whether you are a participant in these activities, or a parent or guardian of a minor participant, please take the time to familiarize yourself with the Safety and Risk Awareness information.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Skiing and snowboarding involve various risks, dangers and hazards including, but not limited to the following:
- Boarding, riding, and disembarking ski lifts.
- Changing weather conditions.
- Exposed rock, earth, ice, and other natural objects.
- Trees, tree wells, tree stumps and forest deadfall.
- The condition of snow or ice on or beneath the surface.
- Variations in the terrain, and the operation of snowmaking equipment, which may create blind spots or areas of reduced visibility.
- Variations in the surface or sub-surface, including changes due to man-made or artificial snow.
- Variable and difficult conditions, including moguls and snowmaking mounds.
- Streams, creeks, and exposed holes in the snowpack above streams or creeks.
- Cliffs and crevasses.
- Snowcat roads, road-banks or cut-banks.
- Collision with natural and man-made objects.
- Collision with lift towers, fences, snow making equipment, snow grooming equipment, snowcats, snowmobiles or other vehicles, equipment or structures.
- Encounters with domestic and wild animals including dogs and bears.
- Collision with other persons.
- Features in or out of freestyle terrain.
- Loss of balance or control; slips, trips and falls.
- Accidents during snow school lessons.
- Negligent first aid.
- Failure to act safely or within one’s own ability or to stay within designated areas.
- Negligence of other persons; and negligence on the part of the operator and its directors, officers, employees, instructors, agents, representatives, volunteers, independent contractors, subcontractors, sponsors, successors, and assigns.
We want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience on our trails and ski runs. Safety needs to be a priority for every guest at Glen Eden. Please take a moment to review the Alpine Responsibility Code prior to your visit. The Alpine Responsibility Code provides the basic rules of conduct and must be followed by all using the terrain.
Know Before You Go!
In addition to the Alpine Responsibility Code, here are some additional tips to help keep you safe and enjoying your day on the slopes:
Helmets
It is highly recommended to wear a helmet while skiing and riding. Skiers and snowboarders are encouraged to educate themselves on the benefits and limitations of helmet usage.
Plan your route
Find terrain that is suitable for your ability. Accidents occur when skiers and riders find themselves on terrain outside of their ability level. Before you head down the hill, plan out your route using a trail map and ski each run according to your ability.
Be aware of your surroundings
While on the hill, avoid collisions by giving others enough space on all sides. Be prepared for sudden changes in their speed or direction. If kids are present, slow down and give them more space. Know that skiers/riders can turn suddenly, so always stay in control.
Show courtesy
Respect the different levels and abilities of others on the slopes. It is your responsibility to avoid people downhill from you. Show courtesy by shouting out what side you are passing them on. Look uphill before you commence downhill, and yield to other skiers and snowboarders.
Rest on the side
Make sure you can be seen from all sides. If you need to stop, be sure to pull to the side of the trail to a place where you are visible to other skiers/riders. Never stop under a roller, jump, or on a blind corner.
Know your limits
Don’t overdo it. Be aware of fatigue. Do not attempt another run if you are tired or injured.
Be weather-wise
Dress appropriately for the weather and pay attention to weather alerts and warnings. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather and activity you are participating in. Have properly tuned gear. Be aware of changing snow surface conditions.
Impairment and smoking
Alcohol and drugs are NOT permitted on the property. Skiing and snowboarding are physical activities which require your full attention. Impairment caused by alcohol, drugs, or fatigue can significantly decrease your reaction time and your ability to make good decisions, and may result in injury of yourself or others. Smoking is not permitted on the ski hill or anywhere on the property south of the railway tracks.
Patrol Services
Patrol Services’ objective is to provide a safe and enjoyable on-hill experience for everyone. Their role is to reduce risk, educate guests, enforce on-hill policies and provide first aid at a First Responder level. Patrol Services operates on-hill during all operating hours.
Lift Safety
To travel uphill at ski areas, skiers and snowboarders use a variety of ski lifts. Users should be familiar with the use of lifts for their own safety and the safety of others. If you are unfamiliar with a lift or have questions, please ask a lift attendant for assistance and directions.
Here are a few tips:
CONVEYOR SAFETY
- Look & Wait: Move up to the marked line and wait your turn. Secure any loose items and remove pole straps from wrists.
- Load: Carefully step onto the conveyor.
- Stand: Stay standing for the entire ride.
- Unload: At the unloading area the conveyor will end allowing you to unload.
- Leave: Clear the area.
CHAIR LIFT SAFETY
Remember that skis and snowboards must be worn on the riders’ feet to use the chair lift.
- Look Back: Move up to marked line and look back to watch for approaching chair. Secure any loose items, remove any backpacks, and remove pole straps from wrists.
- Load: Hold ski poles in one hand and sit in chair.
- Lower: Lower safety bar once seated. The bar must remain down until indicated at the top of the lift. Do not swing or bounce the chair.
- Lift: Raise the safety bar once instructed to do so by the ‘Raise Safety Bar’ sign at the top of the chair lift.
- Stand: Once at unload ramp, stand and unload safely.
- Leave: Clear ramp area quickly.
On-Hill Signage & Terrain
Signage
The runs are marked with signage that indicates the difficulty:
Green Circle is Novice, the easiest run down for beginners
Blue Square is Intermediate to Advanced
Black Diamond is Advanced
Double Black Diamond is Advanced to Expert
Freestyle Terrain indicates a change in terrain and features
Things to remember:
Only advance to more difficult runs when the ability is suitable.
Stay within the boundaries of marked runs.
Freestyle Terrain features may be encountered throughout the area. These are made up of manmade and natural terrain variations. Designated Freestyle Terrain areas require helmet use. Features will be appropriately marked.
Ski Hill Conditions
Ski/snow conditions may change often and without warning. Glen Eden will do their best to identify and mark hazardous conditions, and hazardous areas such as merge zones, slow zones, and ski area boundaries, however, users should always be cautious of these variable conditions.
All treed, ribboned and fenced areas are deemed out of bounds unless otherwise posted. For your safety, and the safety of others, please respect all posted signs and the Alpine Responsibility Code. Skiers and Snowboarders caught out of bounds may be subject to ticket removal, and/or trespassing charges.
Terrain Park Safety
HELMETS ARE REQUIRED TO BE WORN IN THE TERRAIN PARK.
IF YOU ARE AN INEXPERIENCED RIDER TO THE TERRAIN PARK SETTING, START SMALL AND PROGRESS WITHIN YOUR ABILITY. SPEAK WITH TERRAIN PARK STAFF FOR TIPS AND TRICKS.
AIRBORNE MANOEUVRES INCREASE THE RISK. INVERTED AERIALS SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY AND ARE NOT RECOMMENDED.
Things to remember:
- Be courteous and mindful of others.
- Pick your line.
- Call out your drops.
- Don’t sit or stop on knuckles, blind spots or landings.
- Make sure to clear landing areas as quickly and safely as possible.
- Use features for their intended use.
- Review this Smart Style park etiquette video before entering the Terrain Park.
- If a feature is closed, it will be marked by a rope line, fencing, signs, or bamboo across its takeoff.
- Please do not remove and do not ride those features.
- If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to one of the Terrain Park staff.
Freestyle Terrain Designation
Freestyle Terrain has four levels of progression and designation for size. Start small and work your way up. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the terrain before attempting any of the features.
- Introductory freestyle terrain
- Small features, surface-level rails and boxes
- Less difficult features
- Small to medium size features
- Ride-on rails and small to medium half-pipe
- Difficult features
- Medium to large size features
- Introduction to jump-on rails
- Rails with gaps and narrow surfaces
- Large half-pipe
- More difficult features
- Largest size features and jumps
- Jump-on rails with gaps and narrow surfaces
- Advanced and Experts only
- Most difficult features
Glen Eden Regulations
LIFT TICKETS REQUIRED
A Glen Eden lift ticket and proper ski or snowboarding equipment are required when riding the slopes or lifts at Glen Eden.
SLOPES ARE RESERVED FOR THOSE WHO ARE SKIING OR SNOWBOARDING
Walking on the hills without the proper equipment is prohibited. If you or someone you are with requires assistance skiing or snowboarding, we highly recommend enrolling them in a Private Lesson or an 8-week lesson program.
NO TOBOGGANING
Tobogganing is prohibited on Glen Eden/Kelso Conservation Area property.
NO ALCOHOL
The possession of alcohol is prohibited within the park.
NO SMOKING
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the property south of the railway tracks (on the ski hill, around the chalets/lodges).
NO ICE FISHING
Ice fishing is prohibited on Kelso Lake. During the winter season water is taken from the Lake and used for snowmaking. As a result, ice on the edge of the Lake can at times become unstable.
NO CONDUCTING LESSONS
The use of your Season Pass, or Lift Ticket to teach lessons or conduct business is strictly prohibited without a signed activity agreement in place. Those found in breach of this clause may see their pass or ticket revoked without refund.
TICKET REMOVAL POLICY
The Alpine Responsibility Code consists of 10 points that when adhered to, create a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. Please take the time to review the Alpine Responsibility Code displayed above. As part of our Safety Education Program, members of the Patrol Department have been authorized to remove the Lift Ticket or Season Pass from anyone who fails to adhere to the Alpine Responsibility Code. The Patrol Department also has authorization to remove a Lift Ticket or Season Pass without warning for the misuse of any Lift or Elevating Device, tampering with any Safety Equipment, any abusive conduct and the consumption of Alcohol or Illegal Drugs.
AEDs
There are multiple Automated External Defibrillator (AED) units available at Glen Eden. AED’s can be found at:
- Glen Eden Trailhead Shop
- Glen Eden Workshop
- Glen Eden Patrol Services
Drones
For safety and privacy purposes, Conservation Halton strictly prohibits the operation of commercial or personal aerial drones on any property.
Third Party Lesson Agreements
Engaging in a lesson agreement with an outside party is prohibited unless that third party has entered into an agreement with Glen Eden.
Activity Safety
Please read the information below that provides more details on what other activities are available, and the sorts of risks that they pose.
Activities involve certain elements of risk, danger and hazards. Injuries may occur while participating in these activities. The following list includes, but is not limited to, examples of the type of risk which may result from participating in these activities:
- Slipping, tripping and falling, including falling from heights.
- Unpredictable weather.
- Loss of balance or control.
- Cuts, bruises, sprains, strains, fractures.
- Marked and unmarked obstacles.
- Natural or manmade features or objects.
- Falling trees and limbs.
- Changes in terrain and condition.
- Rocks, trees, tree stumps, exposed roots, low branches, cliffs, drops, holes, and potholes.
- Wet and slippery surfaces and features.
- Debris on runs.
- Collision with other visitors, structures, or property.
- Encounters with wildlife, domestic animals, insects, or plant.
- Carelessness of other visitors.
Activities Available
Dog Walking
Dog walking is not permitted on the ski hill but may still be enjoyed in the North and East ends of Kelso Conservation Area. Learn more about dog walking safety on our Conservation Halton website.
Hiking
Hiking is not permitted on the ski hill but is allowed in the North and East areas of Kelso Conservation Area and on the marked trails at Kelso Summit (5301 Steeles Ave. West, Milton). Learn more about hiking safety on our Conservation Halton website.
Attraction Safety
Please read the information below that provides more details on what attractions are available, and the types of risks they pose.
Attractions Available
Disk Golf – Winter
Disc Golf is played by teeing off from a marked location and throwing a disc towards a basket. The fewer throws it takes to get from Tee to basket the better. A 9-hole Disc Golf course is available at Kelso Conservation Area/Glen Eden. The main risks associated with disc golf are strains, sprains, and slips, trips and falls from uneven or slippery terrain. You can help mitigate these risks by warming up before you play, acting in an appropriate manner, and reading appropriate signage.