Terrain Park Safety

TO REPORT A SKI RELATED COLLISION OR ACCIDENT, PLEASE CALL PALISADES DISPATCH AT 530.452.7145 OR ALPINE DISPATCH AT 530.581.8222.
Your Guide to Safe Freestyle Terrain
At Palisades Tahoe, we're committed to creating an environment where you can push your limits safely while having the time of your life. Our terrain parks are designed for progression, creativity, and fun – but they require knowledge, respect, and smart decision-making. Before you drop in, remember the five pillars of Park SMART.
1) Start Small
Build your skills progressively. Every pro started with their first rail slide and first small jump. Master the fundamentals on smaller features before advancing to larger ones. There's no shame in spending time in our beginner parks – it's the foundation for everything that comes next. Even experienced riders should warm up on smaller features and progress to bigger features to ensure they feel good about their body mechanics, timing, balance, weather, and snow conditions.
2) Make a Plan
Plan for how you intend to ride each feature. Understand the approach, takeoff, landing, and runout. Don’t be shy about asking Terrain Park staff or other riders for help and advice. Visualize your line and have a backup plan. Watch how others are hitting the features and see what’s working and what isn’t. Features can change throughout the day due to weather and traffic, so stack the deck in your favor and prepare a plan.
3) Always Look
Observe all signage and warnings. Do not duck ropes, ignore warnings, or ride closed features. Before you drop in, always check that the landing area and runout are clear. Other riders may be stopped below features or hiking back up. If you can’t see, use a spotter and position them where they can see hazards and help ensure the feature is clear for you to hit. They can also help close the feature if you fall.
4) Respect
Respect the features, the mountain, and other users. Follow park etiquette: one person on a feature at a time, don't cut in line, call your drop, and always clear the landing area quickly. Help others when needed. Respect the Terrain Park crew and respect all closures. Respect also means respecting your own limitations and knowing when to call it a day.
5) Take It Easy
Know your limits and land on your feet. Progression takes time, and the mountains will always be here tomorrow. Practice tricks you can do in your sleep before trying new ones. Try new tricks on smaller features first. Listen to your body, stay hydrated, and don't let peer pressure push you beyond your comfort zone.
    • Park Etiquette
      Fundamentals
      • One at a time: Only one person on a feature at a time
      • Clear the landing: Move away from landing areas immediately after hitting features

      Communication & Signaling
      Call Your Drop – Before using any feature, clearly signal your intention:
      • Raise one arm in the air and call out "dropping" or "going."
      • Make eye contact with other riders when possible.
      • Move forward slowly toward the feature after calling your drop.
      • Ensure no one else is dropping at the same time and proceed towards the feature.

      Emergency Feature Closure – If someone crashes or is injured on a feature, immediately close it by:
      • Placing your skis vertically in an X-shape in the snow at the feature entrance (snowboarders place board vertically)
      • Physically block the feature to prevent others from hitting it while holding your arms above your head in an “X”
      • Call Ski Patrol at 530-452-7145
      • Stay with the injured person until help arrives

      Using Spotters
      • Have a friend watch for hazards while you ride features
      • Spotters can see approaching dangers and signal when landings are clear
      • Spotters are especially important on blind features or during busy periods
      • Spotters should position themselves where they're visible to both the rider and approaching traffic
    • Park Sizing

      Terrain Park Sizing System
      Parks are categorized by feature size to help you choose appropriate terrain:

      • XS (Extra Small): Perfect for first-time park users
      • S (Small): Beginner to intermediate features
      • M (Medium): Intermediate features requiring solid skills
      • L (Large): Advanced features for experienced riders
      • XL (Extra Large): Expert-level features
    • Proper Feature Use
      Proper and Improper Feature Use
      Features Are Designed for Specific Uses: Each terrain park feature has an intended purpose and proper method of use. Improper use significantly increases injury risk and does not respect the park, its staff, and other riders.

      Jumps
      • Designed for gaining air and landing in designated landing zones
      • Never use knuckles or rollers as jumps - these areas are not designed for takeoff
      • Approach with appropriate speed - too fast or too slow creates dangerous situations
      • Land in the "sweet spot" of the landing area, not short or long
      • Never traverse under a jump or across its landing area
      • Always clear the landing area as quickly as possible

      Rails and Boxes (Jibs)
      • Designed for sliding only, not jumping
      • Jib takeoffs are for entering the feature, not for gaining air
      • Never traverse under a rail/box or across its landing area
      • Always clear the landing area as quickly as possible
    • Special Considerations for Children

      Special Responsibility for Children

      Parents and guardians must understand that children are at higher risk in terrain parks due to:
      • Decreased decision-making abilities and risk assessment skills
      • Less developed balance, strength, and motor skills
      • Susceptibility to peer pressure

        Children should only use terrain parks when they have:

      • Demonstrated advanced skiing/snowboarding skills on regular terrain
      • Received proper instruction in terrain park basics
      • Adult supervision and guidance appropriate to their skill level
      • Understand and can follow Park SMART rules and safety protocols
    • Weather and Seasonal Information

      Typical Season
      • Opening: December (weather dependent)
      • Peak Season: January through March
      • Spring Features: April through Closing Day (conditions permitting)
      • Park Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

      Weather Considerations
      Terrain parks are weather-dependent, and features may be modified, closed, or temporarily unavailable due to:
      • Heavy snowfall requiring rebuilding
      • High winds affecting safety
      • Temperature fluctuations affecting snow quality
      • Visibility conditions

      Stay Updated
      • Check our daily terrain park updates on the Palisades Tahoe blog
      • Follow @PalisadesTahoe on social media for real-time updates
      • Speak with terrain park staff on the mountain for current conditions
      • Email terrain park suggestions to: info@palisadestahoe.com
    Important Reminders
    Freestyle terrain has inherent risks that can result in serious injury or death. By choosing to use terrain parks, you accept these risks and take responsibility for your own safety and that of others around you.
    • Always wear a helmet and appropriate protective gear
    • Stay within your ability level and comfort zone
    • Be aware that features and conditions change throughout the day
    • Respect all area closures and posted signage
    • Consider taking a freestyle lesson to improve your skills safely

    At Palisades Tahoe, we believe the best riding happens when you're pushing your limits safely, having fun with friends, and building lifelong memories. Whether you're sliding your first box or throwing your biggest trick yet, we're here to support your progression every step of the way. See you in the parks!