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Our Emphasis on Safety

Mt. Hood Meadows Emphasis on Safety

The US ski industry as a whole has consistently promoted and advanced safety with ongoing initiatives, education, training, inspections, sharing of knowledge, best practices and forums. As an industry we plan and implement various risk management strategies.

Mt. Hood Meadows' commitment to safety is fundamental to our operations. Accident and injury prevention for our guests supports our company’s core value of Wellness. Our commitment is exemplified through the ongoing efforts of our management team to prepare our recreation permit area for the enjoyment of our guests, while promoting work place safety to our team.

To accomplish this critical mission Meadows has created a core culture of safety awareness and accident prevention. To distinguish ourselves from other ski area operations, Meadows:

  • Hires, trains and supports ski patrol professionals who regularly and routinely conduct slope evaluation and stabilization, hazard identification, trail closures, guest and staff education and emergency response to those in need. 
  • Employs year-round lift, facilities and vehicle maintenance crews to assure our uphill transit system, transportation and facilities are well maintained, and to be able to respond immediately if there is a malfunction. 
  • Facilitates the Providence Mountain Emergency Services a Type B Emergency Room which operates during the winter season when we are open for guests. This facility is unique to the Northwest, providing a level of emergency response, care and treatment unavailable at other ski area operations. 
  • Partners with the Mt. Hood Ski Patrol whose volunteers generously provide additional response on weekends and holidays. Learn more about one of the oldest Ski Patrols. 
  • Supports, attends and in many cases Meadows personnel lead professional organizations and associations which address resort and workplace health and safety, including: 
    • National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) 
    • Pacific Northwest Ski Areas Association (PNSAA) 
    • American Society of Safety Engineers 
    • Professional Ski Instructors Association (PSIA) 
    • National Ski Patrol (NSP) 
    • Mt. Hood Ski Patrol 
    •  Northwest Avalanche Forecasting Center (NWAC) 
    • International Organization for Transportation by Rope (OITAF) 
    • American Society for Standards and Measures (ASTM) 
    • American National Standards Institute for Accredited Standards Committee on Aerial Passenger Ropeways (ANSI ASC B77). 
  • Employs a Workplace Safety Manager and supports a safety committee team to promote safety awareness, accident prevention and near-miss reporting to create a safer workplace.

MHM Safety Awards:

  • Governor’s Occupational Safety and Health Awards 2015 
    • Safety and Health Professional Award to Meadows Safety and Training Corinna Kupelwieser 
    • Employer Safety Award to Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort 
  • National Ski Areas Association National Safety Awards
    • Best Employee Education 2013/2014. 
    • Most Creative Safety Initiative for LIFT STARS, 2012/2013 
    • Best Use of the Web in a Safety Campaign, 2007/2008 
    • Most Impactful Safety Message, 2007/2008 
    • Best Use of the Web in a Safety Campaign, 2006/2007 
  • Pacific Northwest Ski Area Association Award 
    • Tower of Excellence Award to Meadows Ski Patrol and Risk Management Director Mel Toney, 2014 
  • Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital Foundation gratefully recognizes Mt. Hood Meadows as an Anna M. Spring Society – Partner in Health. Your generous contributions continue the efforts of Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital in building a healthier community. Received “Friend” recognition 2007.

Public Safety:

  • Mt. Hood Meadows employs certified Public Safety along with crowd management team for the safety of our guests and employees.