Ski Resort Daily Opening Inspection

Ski resort daily opening inspections ensure all mountain operations meet safety standards before the public is admitted. This checklist addresses National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) safety protocols, ANSI B77.1 aerial tramway standards, trail marking requirements, and ski patrol readiness for safe mountain operations.

Industry: Sports and Recreation
Frequency: Daily - Before mountain opening
Estimated Time: 2-3 hours (full mountain)
Role: Mountain Manager / Ski Patrol Director
Total Items: 28

Trail and Terrain Conditions

Assess all trails for hazards and opening readiness.

All open trails have adequate snow coverage with no exposed rocks or hazards?
Grooming completed on all designated groomed trails?
Ski area boundary ropes and signs in place on all terrain edges?
Closure gates in place on all closed trails with clear signage?
Trail difficulty signs (green, blue, black, double black) visible at all intersections?
Terrain park features inspected and appropriately shaped with adequate snow?
Snowmaking guns off or repositioned away from open trails?

Lift Operations and Safety

Verify all lift systems are ready for operation.

All operating lifts inspected by certified lift operator before loading guests?
State tramway board inspection current for all operating lifts?
Bull wheels, sheave assemblies, and drive stations inspected and functioning?
Haul rope inspection completed with no broken wires or unusual wear?
All operating lift stations staffed with trained attendants?
Loading and unloading areas clear of obstacles and properly maintained?
Emergency stop systems tested and functioning on all operating lifts?

Ski Patrol and Emergency Readiness

Verify ski patrol coverage and emergency response readiness.

All patrol stations staffed with adequate patrol coverage for open terrain?
Patrol toboggans positioned at required intervals on mountain?
First aid stations and patrol huts stocked with required supplies?
AED units at patrol stations and accessible points on mountain?
Radio communications functioning between patrol, lifts, and base?
Lift evacuation equipment and plan ready for each operating lift?
Helicopter landing zone clear and accessible for medical evacuation?

Base Area and Guest Services

Inspect base lodge and guest-facing operations.

Parking areas cleared of snow and ice with adequate traction?
Base area walkways sanded or salted and free of dangerous ice?
Base lodge open and heated with food service operational?
Rental shop staffed and equipment ready for guest use?
Ski school instructors present for scheduled lessons?
Ticket office staffed and sales systems operational?
Daily mountain opening log completed and signed by mountain manager?

Related Sports Recreation Checklists

Related Ski Resorts Checklists

Why Use This Ski Resort Daily Opening Inspection?

This ski resort daily opening inspection helps sports and recreation teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for mountain manager / ski patrol director professionals, this checklist covers 28 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: daily - before mountain opening.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Ski Resort Daily Opening Inspection cover?

This checklist covers 28 inspection items across 4 sections: Trail and Terrain Conditions, Lift Operations and Safety, Ski Patrol and Emergency Readiness, Base Area and Guest Services. It is designed for sports and recreation operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed daily - before mountain opening. Each completion takes approximately 2-3 hours (full mountain).

Who should use this Ski Resort Daily Opening Inspection?

This checklist is designed for Mountain Manager / Ski Patrol Director professionals in the sports and recreation industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.