Winter Safety

Let us help you prepare for your vacation to June Mountain. You’ll find tips for how to play it safe while having the best experience possible. FOR ON-HILL EMERGENCIES CALL (760) 914-0612

Ski California and its member resorts in California and Nevada designed a guide to educate guests on how to ski and snowboard responsibly and safely. Please review the information provided and follow these guidelines on and off the slopes to enhance both the fun and safety of all guests.


Get the free June Mountain app for access to interactive trail maps, on-hill tracking, and a Ski Patrol hotline button which can be used for Patrol to identify your location if needed.

WARNING: Snowboarding, skiing, and other snow related activities contain numerous inherent risks that may result in personal injury, death, or property damage.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY.
Pass and ticket holders must follow JMSA's rules and "Your Responsibility Code" below.

USER ASSUMES ALL RISKS INHERENT IN THE SPORT.
Your pass may be suspended or revoked without refund for failure to comply with rules, misconduct, nuisance, reckless behavior, or fraudulent use. Passes are non-transferable. Pass holder is bound by all JMSA rules, the Release of Liability and Indemnity Agreement, and the Conditions of Use.
Skiing can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross-country and other specialized ski equipment, such as that used by disabled or other skiers. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the code listed below and share with other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing experience.

KNOW THE CODE. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
- 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 an employee.

Procedures
Only “Skiers” with approved snow sliding devices will be permitted to ride MMSA & JMSA lifts or gondolas.
Approved Snow Sliding Devices: This list is not exhaustive.

  • Downhill Skis
  • Snowboards
  • Telemark Skis
  • Mono Skis
  • Snowblades

Approved ADA Adaptive Snow Sliding Devices: This list is not exhaustive.

  • Sit Skis
  • Mono Skis
  • Bi-Skis

Non-Approved Devices: This list is not exhaustive.

  • Cross-Country Skis
  • Boot Skis
  • Snow Decks
  • Snow Skates
  • Snow Surfers
  • Skis/Snowboards with plastic edges
  • Dual Board Snowboards
  • Snowshoes
  • Tandem Devices
  • Sleds, tubes or toboggans
  • Fat tire bikes

Ski Bikes: All ski bike users must contact Disables Sports Eastern Sierra to prove competence and receive approval. Approved ski bike users must visibly display their user permit at all times. Ski bike users must be able to load the lift without slowing or stopping. Only one rider per bike. Bikes must be able to fall over if separated from rider and have a leash.

The list of standards below is not exhaustive, but they are the most prevalent behaviors that generate guest complaints, dissatisfaction and injury. These behaviors, depending on severity, may result in education or application of the “Three Strikes” program.
  • Ducking a roped closure for avalanche danger and/or other hazards. Mandatory 2 strikes plus 30 day suspension for pass holders and/or referral to law enforcement for prosecution under California Penal Code section 602r.
  • Out of control skiing or snowboarding, or the inability to stop or avoid other people or objects. This constitutes a violation of the Responsibility Code (Please see “Your Responsibility Code” section on this page.)
  • Reckless and irresponsible skiing or snowboarding including knowing or blatant disregard for the safety of others, and/or showing a lack of concern for the consequences of one’s own actions.
  • Malicious, sudden stops that intentionally result in snow spraying other guests.
  • Excessive speed in slow zones, congested areas, and at the base of all lifts. The speed expected is relevant to how many people are on the run, the conditions such as visibility, and/or snow surface quality. As a general rule, your speed should match that of the flow of traffic. You should always brake your speed when entering a slow zone, congested area, or a lift base area.
  • Jumping terrain barriers, slow fences and/or ducking of intersection flagging.
  • Improper or unsafe trail merging.
  • Failure to use a retention device. Although we don’t require or check to ensure that each skier/snowboarder has a retention device, you are responsible for a run-way ski or snowboard.
  • Leaving an accident scene if involved in a collision, except to notify authorities or obtain assistance, is illegal and constitutes a violation of our policies, and may result in referral to law enforcement for prosecution under California Penal Code section 653i.
  • Profanity will not be tolerated in and around company property. We insist that guests respect other guests.
  • No smoking or vaping in public areas and/or lift lines. Smoking/vaping are not tolerated in public spaces such as lift lines or anywhere within fifty feet from building entrances.
  • Intoxicated skiers/riders are not permitted to enter lift line mazes or ride lifts. This is for their safety, and for the safety of others. No open containers in lift lines or on lifts.
  • Cutting/ducking into full lift lines or in front of others is prohibited. Reckless or malicious ducking of intersection rope or flagging is prohibited and may incur corrective action.
  • Malicious throwing of snowballs or other items at individuals or property is prohibited. In instances where bodily harm or property damage occurs, the guest may also be referred to law enforcement. Any type of snowball throwing can lead to injury to bystanders; therefore, we ask all guests to refrain from this activity.
  • Littering is not tolerated on JMSA property or Forest Service land.
  • Talking on cell phones is not allowed beyond the RFID gates or while loading/unloading a lift for public safety.
  • Lewd, Indecent or Derogatory behavior that disturbs, alarms, angers or provokes others is prohibited.Examples include but are not limited to: lewd public gestures or language, obscene or indecent clothing, including without limitation overtly sexual attire that reveals the genitals or clothing that features obscene or indecent messages, or derogatory language, whether spoken or written, regarding any matter including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, age, sexual preference, or national origin. Vulgar, profane, threatening, bullying, abusive, or offensive language is similarly prohibited.
Minor Infraction or First OffenseMid-Level Infraction or Subsequent OffenseSerious Infraction or Repeat Offender
Code of Conduct Violation
Loss of day or multi-day ticket, or suspension of pass privileges for the day.24hr to 10-day suspension of skiing/riding privileges.May result in loss of pass or ticket privileges for the season.
Responsibility Code ViolationLoss of day or multi-day ticket, or suspension of pass privileges for the day.
24hr to 10-day suspension of skiing/riding privileges.
May result in loss of pass or ticket privileges for the season.
Unlawful Behavior or Criminal Acts24hr to 10-day suspension of skiing/riding privileges.
May result in loss of pass or ticket privileges for the season.
Ticket or pass privileges revoked.
Skiing/Riding in Closed Areas Single or multi-day ticket holders lose remainder of day ticket and subsequent days of skiing/riding. Season pass holders receive a 30-day suspension. All offenders are subject to law enforcement for prosecution under California Penal Code 602r. Loss of ticket privileges for the season. Season pass will be suspended for the remainder of the season. All offenders are subject to law enforcement for prosecution under California Penal Code 602r. All offenders are subject to law enforcement for prosecution under California Penal Code 602r.
At-Fault CollisionsMay result in required education. Loss of day ticket or multi-day tickets for one or more days. Pass holders may receive 24hr to 10-day suspension of skiing/riding privileges.Loss of ticket or multi-day ticket, or 10-day suspension of season pass.Ticket or pass privileges revoked.
Runaway EquipmentMay result in required education.Loss of day ticket or multi-day tickets for one or more days. Pass holders may receive 24hr suspension of skiing/riding privileges.Loss of day ticket or multi-day tickets for one or more days. Pass holders receive 24hr suspension of skiing/riding privileges.
Loss of ticket or multi-day ticket.Season pass holders receive a 10-day suspension.

Follow these four tips to ensure you and your friends have the best day on the hill.

MAKE A PLAN

Find Terrain That Suits Your Ability
Accidents can occur when skiers and riders find themselves on terrain out of their ability level. Before you head down the mountain, plan out your route using a trail map or the Mammoth App.

KNOW THE ZONE

Every Skier/Rider Gets 15 Feet
While on the hill, avoid collisions by giving others 15 feet of space on all sides. If kids are present, go slower and give them even more space. Know that skiers/riders can turn suddenly, so always stay in control.

STOP ON THE SIDE

Make Sure You Can Be Seen From All Directions
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.

PEOPLE DOWNHILL HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY

Show Courtesy to Others
It is your responsibility to avoid people downhill from you. Be prepared for sudden changes in their speed or direction. Show courtesy by shouting out what side you are passing them on.
To make your visit as safe and enjoyable as possible, we strongly suggest that you take the time to review the following 11 Kids-on-Lifts Safety Tips with your children before they take their first chairlift ride.

1. Your small child (defined as a child shorter than 51" to the top of their helmet) may be assisted by the lift operator unless instructed differently by their parent or guardian.

2. A small child should not ride a chairlift alone.

3. A small child should sit to the far outside of the chair next to the armrest for added security.

4. A small child not seated next to an armrest should be accompanied by an adult.

5. When riding a fixed grip chairlift with your child (chairlifts that do not automatically slow down while loading and unloading), position them on the side next to the lift operator.

6. If your child uses ski poles they should take the straps off of their wrists and hold them in the hand away from the outside of the chair while loading.

7. Once they are ready they should quickly move from the Wait Here signs to the Load Board. They should remember "Boots on the board".

8. As the chair approaches the load board your child should turn to the outside of the chair, reach back with their free hand, and grab on to the vertical pole. They should remember "Turn, reach, and grab."

9. Your child should hold on to the vertical bar next to them all the way up the chairlift. They should remember "Hold on".

10. Your child should sit all the way back in the chair with their back touching the back of the chair. They should remember "Sit all the way back".

11. Your child should sit still until they reach the Unload Here signs. They should remember to "Sit still".

Our qualified lift staff can assist with loading small children and guests of any age. Don't hesitate to ask for lift assistance, if needed.



Terrain park safety laid out in 5 rules that all skiers and riders should know and practice.

1. Start Small
If you're just getting into the park for the first time, or first time that day, start with the smaller stuff and work your way up. If you aren’t sure about how to use a feature, build your skills first.
Freestyle terrain comes in different shapes and sizes, so starting out, look for small progression parks and features and then work your way up to medium or large parks and features.

2. Make a Plan
Every time you ski or ride on freestyle terrain, have a plan for each feature you are going to hit. Remember: your speed, approach and take-off will directly affect your maneuver and landing.
When first inspecting the jumps consider the following elements of each jump, and remember ATML:

A The approach zone is for setting your speed and stance
T The take-off zone is for making moves that start your trick
M The maneuver zone is for controlling your style
L The landing zone is for getting straight and riding away clean

3. Always Look
Before getting into freestyle terrain, observe all signage and warnings. Use your first run as a warm up and familiarize yourself with the park layout and features. Remember that features change constantly due to weather, usage and time of day, so it is important to continue to inspect features throughout the day.

4. Respect
Always have respect for terrain park features, as well as other skiers/riders. Only one person on a feature at a time – wait your turn and call your drop-in. Always clear away from the landing area quickly.
Also respect all signs – stay off closed features. Respect is important both in-park as well as the rest of the mountain, so be smart when you are heading down the slopes or over to the lift.

5. Take It Easy
Ride within your ability and consider taking a lesson if you want to build your knowledge, skills, and bag of tricks. Stay in control both on the ground and in the air – know your limits.
Remember you can control how big or small you take a feature by varying your speed and take off.
Inverted aerials increase the chance of serious injury and are not recommended.


It's extremely important to keep Snow Immersion Suffocation (SIS) safety at top of mind. Please ski/ride with a partner and be aware of potential SIS locations.
A tree well/SIS accident can happen when a skier or snowboarder falls into a tree well or area of deep loose snow and becomes immobilized and trapped under the snow and suffocates. Falling headfirst is the most common position SIS incidents occur. Please review these useful tips to avoid issues with SIS.

- Ride with a partner.

- Avoid the base of trees when skiing and riding in deep snow.

- If you are going to fall, attempt to do so feet first.

- The more snow, the higher the risk.

- Breathing becomes difficult when trapped under snow as loose snow packs in around you. Without an immediate rescue you can suffocate.

- The easiest way to avoid an SIS incident is to ski or ride with a partner and use extra caution when deep, loose snow exists - especially where trees exist.

- Odds of surviving an SIS incident when skiing/riding alone are low.

- Prevention of falling into a tree well or area of deep snow is extremely important, odds of surviving deep snow immersion are low.

During SIS hazard research experiments, 90% of the research participants could not rescue themselves. Skiing/riding with a partner is crucial as death from drowning can occur in the same amount of time it takes in water.

About Tree Wells
- A tree well is a depression that forms around the base of a tree that contains a mix of low hanging branches, loose snow and air.
- Evergreen trees in particular (fir, hemlock, etc.) can have large, deep tree wells that form when low hanging branches block snow from filling in and consolidating around the base of the tree. These voids can be hidden from view by the tree’s low hanging branches.
- There is no easy way to identify if a particular tree has a dangerous tree well by sight therefore, treat all tree wells as dangerous.

Tree Well/ SIS Accidents Happen in Ungroomed Terrain
- Most Tree Well/SIS accidents happen where there is a combination of deep powder and trees, exactly where a vast majority of powder hounds want to ski/ride.
- Big storms make for epic powder days, but they also make for some extremely dangerous Tree Well/SIS conditions.
- The more fresh snow the higher the risk!
- Staying on groomed runs can greatly reduce the risk of an SIS incident.

SKI OR RIDE WITH A PARTNER!

What To Do If You Go Down
- Yell or use a whistle to get your partners attention.
- Do whatever you can to keep your head above the surface of the snow. Roll around, grab tree branches or the tree trunk, anything to keep from descending further.
- If possible, keep your feet below the level of your head.
- If you become immersed: Make a space around your face and protect your airway/stay calm/trust your partner is on their way.
- If possible, use your cell phone to call Mammoth’s emergency hotline: 760.934.0611

What To Do If Your Partner Goes Down
- Don’t leave to get help – stay with your partner!
- Call for additional resources. Use a whistle or yell for assistance. If possible, call 760.934.0611.
- Evaluate scene safety for yourself.

Immediately Begin Snow Immersion Rescue Efforts
- Go directly for the airway, and make sure to keep it clear.
- Be careful not to knock more snow into the hole.
- Do not try to pull victim out the way they fell in. Instead, determine where the head is and tunnel in from the side.
- When tunneling directly for the airway be careful not to knock more snow into the hole.
- Continue expanding the tunnel to the airway until you can extricate the body.

Safety Measures for Ungroomed Terrain
- Ride or ski with a partner and keep them IN SIGHT at all times.
- Ski or ride in control.
- Give tree wells a wide berth and look at the open spaces between the trees, not at them.
- Skiers should remove ski pole straps.
- Use common sense and look after one another out there.

The base of June Mountain is approximately 7,500 feet above sea level, and the elevation at the Chalet is 8,695 feet. Visitors may experience some minor side effects due to June’s high elevation.

Altitude Adjustment
When you first arrive, acclimatize yourself for a period of time prior to beginning strenuous activities. At high elevations, the atmosphere is thinner and there is less oxygen and less humidity available to you than at sea level. This can result in a number of symptoms such as muscle fatigue, insomnia, mild headaches or slight shortness of breath.

Avoid Sunburn
Our thin atmosphere filters out only a minimum of the sun’s ultraviolet (“UV”) rays and can result in severe sunburn. Be sure to take adequate precautions to protect your eyes and skin. During high-exposure activities such as spring skiing, those with fair skin may experience sunburn after only two hours of sun exposure, even after applying maximum sunscreen protection. Parents should be especially careful with young children, and apply a generous amount of sunscreen prior to any outdoor activities.

Keep Warm
At this elevation, the weather can change quickly. Prolonged exposure to the elements can cause serious problems. Children are not always aware that they are becoming too cold. Parents should watch for red noses and red ears. If this occurs, bring the child in from the cold, remove wet clothes and warm the child and affected areas immediately. Take frequent breaks from the cold or heat. It is wise to layer your clothes, no matter what the season. A t-shirt, wool sweater, nylon windbreaker with hood and a bottle of water are basics for just about any summer activity.

Drink Plenty of Liquids
You may become dehydrated more quickly at high altitude than at sea level, so drink plenty of water and other fluids (8-10 glasses daily). You should avoid drinking alcoholic beverages for the first 24 hours of your stay.

Protect Your Eyes from High Altitude Sun and Wind

It is important to use proper UV protection for your eyes. The surface of the dirt or water can act as a reflector of UV rays and can generate a great deal of UV exposure to the eyes. Equip yourself and your children with UV sunglasses or goggles. Failure to wear proper eye protection can result in an actual burn of the eye’s surface – a painful condition requiring medical treatment. Wind and blowing dust can wreak havoc on sensitive eyes so make sure to have protection even when the weather seems calm.

Listen to Your Body
If you experience symptoms such as headache, insomnia and/or fatigue, you may have a mild form of “altitude sickness.” These symptoms are a warning to decrease your activity level. If symptoms persist or begin to worry you, don’t hesitate to come to the Emergency Department or Sierra Park Family Medicine Clinic.

In the interest of the health, welfare and safety for our guests, employees, and property, June Mountain strictly prohibits the unauthorized use of drones and all other small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) on its property. This prohibition includes but is not limited to, aircraft launched off-site that travels anywhere on or above resort property.

Due to safety and privacy concerns, June Mountain Ski Area prohibits the operation or use on or above Resort property of unmanned aerial systems, or drones, by the general public—including model aircraft by recreational users and hobbyists—without the prior written authorization from June Mountain Ski Area. This prohibition includes drones used for filming or videotaping, as well as any drone use by media or journalists operating above or within the area boundaries. This prohibition extends to any devices launched or operated from Resort property, as well as any launched from private property outside of the Resort boundaries. Please contact Mountain Operations if you have any questions or if you seek prior authorization to operate any such devices. Any authorized operation of drones on or above Resort property will be governed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations, local law enforcement, [and / or U.S. Forest Service rules], as well as those policies separately established by this Resort, which may include certification, training, insurance coverage, indemnification requirements, and waivers or releases of liability. Any violation of this policy may involve suspension of your access privileges to the Resort, or the revocation of your season pass, as well as confiscation of any prohibited equipment, and may subject violators to any liability for damages, including, but not limited to, damages for trespass, violations of privacy, and physical injuries to persons and/or property, as well as legal fees.
Variable weather conditions exist in the Sierra; thunderstorms, wind events and even snowstorms are common in these mountains. Seek shelter when you see a storm developing. Keep off ridge tops and stay clear of lift houses, lift towers, power lines, open ski runs, the tallest tree in the vicinity, fences and signposts.

What You Need to Know
  • NO PLACE outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area
  • If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you
  • When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter
  • Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder
Last Resort Outdoor Risk Reduction Tips
If you are caught outside with no safe shelter anywhere nearby the following actions may reduce your risk:
  • Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks
  • Never lie flat on the ground
  • Never shelter under an isolated tree
  • Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter
  • Immediately get out and away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water
  • Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills, etc.)
June Mountain is home to a diverse wildlife population in the summer. You can see red tail hawks, osprey's, bald eagles, mule deer, coyotes, black bears, ground squirrels and chipmunks. Please keep our wildlife wild and do not feed them. Do not leave food in your car, bears will break in and eat it.
Vehicle access to June Mountain is restricted to company vehicles and those having legitimate business on the mountain only. To gain access to June Mountain you must submit a request form to Mammoth Resorts Mountain Operations.

Paws on patrol

It's not just the humans that are helping to keep June Mountain safe, it's also our furry 4-legged patrol dog friend—Jennie Roux! If you see her on the mountain, make sure to wave hello. Check out June Mountain's fellow 4-legged patrol friends at Mammoth Mountain.

Patrol Dog Jennie Roux
Jennie Roux
Breed: Black Labrador Date of Birth: May 2, 2017 Began Duty: Winter 2017/18 Human: Eric Diem Favorite Activities: Fetching her flying squirrel toy. Fun Fact: Jennie loves to listening to humans and tilting her head in response. Her favorite human words are "Bird" and "Toy".

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