Introduction to Wilderness Skiing and Snowboarding

The term "wilderness skiing and snowboarding" shall include all activities, accommodation, transportation, events and services provided, arranged, organized, conducted, sponsored or authorized by the operator and shall include, but is not limited to: skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, hiking, snowshoeing and other form of backcountry travel; rental or use of skis, snowboards or other equipment; demonstrations; orientational and instructional courses; loading, unloading and travel by or movement in or around helicopters, snowcats, snowmobiles and other motorized vehicles; and other activities, events and services in any way connected with or related to wilderness activities.

The use of helicopter or snowcat skiing premises and facilities, and participation in these activities, involves various risks, dangers and hazards. It is a condition of your use of the premises and facilities and your participation in helicopter or snowcat skiing or snowboarding that you assume all risk of personal injury, death or property loss resulting from any cause whatsoever, including negligence, breach of contract, or breach of any duty of care on the part of the operator. Your legal responsibility as a user of the premises and facilities or participant in activities provided by the operator is explained in the following notice, which you will see posted on the premises.

Skiing and snowboarding involves various risks, dangers and hazards including, but not limited to, the following:

• Avalanches occur frequently in the terrain used for wilderness activities and may be caused by natural forces or by persons travelling through the terrain.

• The operator may fail to predict whether the alpine terrain is safe for wilderness activities or whether an avalanche may occur.

• The terrain used for wilderness activities is uncontrolled, unmarked, not inspected and involves many risks, dangers and hazards in addition to that of avalanche. These may include, but are not limited to: cornices; crevasses; cliffs; trees, tree wells and tree stumps; creeks; rocks; boulders; forest deadfall; holes and depressions on or below the snow surface; cliffs; variable and difficult snow conditions; snowcat roads, snowmobile tracks, and road banks, fences, and other man-made structures; snow immersion; impact or collision with other persons, vehicles or objects; encounters with domestic or wild animals; loss of balance or control; slips, trips and falls; becoming lost or separated from one’s party or guide; negligent first aid; negligence of other persons, including other guests; and NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF THE OPERATOR.

• Negligence of other persons, and NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF THE OPERATOR and its directors, officers, employees, instructors, agents, representatives, volunteers, independent contractors, subcontractors, sponsors, successors and assigns.

• NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE OPERATOR TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT GUESTS FROM THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF WILDERNESS ACTIVITIES.

• Communication in the alpine terrain is difficult and in the event of an accident, rescue and medical treatment may not be available.

• Alpine weather conditions may be extreme and can change rapidly and without warning, making travel by helicopter, snowcat or snowmobile hazardous.  

YOU NEED TO BE AWARE OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH WILDERNESS ACTIVITIES AND FREELY ACCEPT AND FULLY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS AND THE POSSIBILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR LOSS RESULTING THEREFROM.

The Wilderness Skiing and Snowboarding Responsibility Code provides the basic rules of conduct and must be followed by all using the wilderness terrain and Mica facilities. There are elements of risk that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Please adhere to the code listed below and always show courtesy to others.

1. Listen to and follow your guide’s instructions.
2. Always stop above your guide.
3. Ski and snowboard close to other tracks set by your group.
4. Always keep spacing between each skier and rider as directed by your guide.
5. On tree runs always ski and snowboard with a partner, remove pole straps and be aware of tree hazards.
6. Always ski and snowboard in control and be aware of mountain hazards.
7. Approach and join a waiting/stopped group slowly and cautiously.
8. Electronics: turn off cell phone reception and don’t impair hearing with music devices.
9. Never ski or snowboard up to helicopter; always approach it on foot behind your guide.
10. Never walk to the rear of a helicopter and always keep yourselves and your equipment low.
11. Maintain the designated position as a helicopter arrives and departs.
12. Familiarize yourself avalanche rescue gear: transceiver, shovel, probe and radio.
13. Always have a skiing and snowboarding partner. Ski close enough to them that you will immediately know if they fall into a tree well or get caught in an avalanche.
14. You must not participate in wilderness skiing or snowboarding if your ability is impaired through the use of alcohol or drugs.

Each guest's participation in heli-skiing activities is conditional on them completing our Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement (the "Waiver") prior to participating in wilderness activities. By signing the Waiver, you accept the risks, dangers and hazards associated with heli skiing.

This waiver intends to do the following:

• Describes the risks, dangers, and hazards that are associated with wilderness skiing and snowboarding
• Asks you to acknowledge these risks and accept the fact that injuries and death are possibilities while participating in wilderness skiing and snowboarding

REVIEW OUR WAIVER 

All guests are required to sign both a digital Waiver at the time of deposit and a paper copy of the Waiver upon arrival at Mica

When visiting Mica Heli lodge, the premises is not limited to the skiing and snowboarding activities. The premises includes our lodge, trails, walkways, helicopter pads, snowcat garages, and other facilities. You will come across signage throughout the premises that are important to respect and understand. Please pay close attention to all signage. It is present for the safety of both guests and employees. Failing to follow the directions on these signs may result in self-imposed injury. It is your responsibility to be aware of signage at facilities at all times.

Slipping and falling in winter conditions has potential for serious injuries and should not be overlooked as a risk. There are many wet, snowy, icy, and slippery surfaces throughout a given facility. Slips, trips and falls are common, and all users should always take precautions. Ski boots and many types of other footwear do not provide good traction, and extra caution should be used when walking. Be particularly careful of slips and falls on snowy or icy surfaces if you have consumed alcohol.

REVIEW OUR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY SIGNAGE