2012 WM Region Banquet info HERE
2012 WM Region Banquet Survey HERE

Contacts: Region Division National Subunits Ski Areas Partners

Region Activities: Annual Mtg Awards Calendar Elections Finance Governance Legal Maps Meetings Newsletters P&P

Programs: Alpine Avalanche CPR/AED Instr. Dev. MTR Nordic OEC Senior Women's

OnSeptember 25, 2008, Michigan adopted a new rule regarding the use of snowmobiles on ski slopes, runs, and trails.� The new Administrative Rule is: 2008 Amendment - R408.62 Regarding Motorized Vehicles .

The Ski Area must have a written policy that addresses:

►   Training required for anyone to operate an authorized vehicle on open ski slopes, runs, or trails;

►   Recommended routes for motorized vehicles to follow when used on open ski slopes, runs, or trails;

►   Circumstances under which a motorized vehicle may be used on open ski slopes, runs, or trails; and

►   Circumstances under which the required alarm must be utilized.

To operate a snowmobile, an operator must:

►   Be a least 18 years old;

►   Possess a valid driver�s license;

►   Complete mandatory training provided by the ski area that includes safe use of motorized vehicles on a ski slopes, runs, or trails when skiers are present, as established in the ski areas� written policies;

►   Whenever possible, give skiers the right-of-way;

►   Operate a vehicle at a rate of speed not greater than is reasonable for the conditions;

►   Not operate a snowmobile � in a careless or negligent manner likely to endanger any person or property;

►   Not operate a snowmobile � in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property; and

►   Not operate a privately owned motorized vehicles.

Patrollers must also know the following regulations and risk management matters. �These are requirements of the Michigan Ski Area Safety Act and the General Rules of the Michigan Ski Safety Board, not the National Ski Patrol.

►   Area patrols and patrollers must have written authorization from the ski area to transport toboggans up the chair lifts and rope tows. �It may also be advisable for the ski area to have a written plan and training program for transporting toboggans uphill. �Michigan General Rule �R 408.94 (Rule 34).

►   If notified, a patroller must record the name and address of individuals involved in an accident causing an injury to another person, or causing an injury to himself or herself. �This information should be attached to the areas incident report. �MCL �408.343.

►   Patrollers must know the duties required of skiers by the Michigan SASA, which also applies to patrollers.� MCL �408.341 and MCL �408.342.

►   Ski area should have written chairlift evacuation plan in their patrol rooms.

For more Michigan ski safety rules, refer to the following:

Michigan Ski Area Safety Act

Michigan Ski Area Safety Act - Skier Notice

Michigan Ski Area Safety Board - General Rules

Michigan Ski Area Safety Board Rules � R408.62

2008 Amendment - R408.62 Regarding Motorized Vehicles