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MAS operates backcountry skiing and snowboarding opportunities at the Bear Valley Mountain Resort using "soft boundaries" to exit and return through the ski area boundaries.
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 About "Soft Boundary" Skiing and Snowboarding  |
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MAS is fortunate to offer this unique and exciting program which explores and ventures into the exciting new world of "soft boundary" skiing and snowboarding. Through the use of chair lifts, bus shuttles and "soft boundaries", MAS can help folks find some of the best snow and untracked slopes at and around the Bear Valley Mountain Resort (BVMR). With MAS guides it doesn't take long to safely reach these secluded areas, leave your own tracks, and hear only the occasional birdcall or laughter of your friends.
"Soft Boundaries" are ski area boundaries that are opened and closed based on snow and weather conditions. "Soft Boundaries" are recognized by perimeter signs that state "Ski Area Boundary". Passing through a "Closed Ski Area Boundary" or under ribbon is punishable by law, as well as having your skiing and riding privilege revoked permanently. If you have any questions please contact MAS or ask a ski patroller.
When the "soft boundaries" are open, skiers and snowboarders can legally exit and return to and from the ski area. Learning how to properly exit and reenter the Bear Valley Mountain Resort is important to everyone's safety. Leaving the ski resort boundaries is a privilege. Please follow the rules of BVMR and respect some basic principles on backcountry safety. Without your cooperation this privilege will lost for everybody.
Often the terrain accessed through the "soft boundaries" can be remote and dangerous and should not be considered safe. Avalanche education is essential and many natural obstacles exist (e.g. variable snow conditions, cliffs, rocks, tree stumps and of course no trail markers). You are basically on your own in these areas.
MAS provides avalanche transceivers, shovels and probes, including instruction and practice on how to use them. MAS guides are trained in avalanche terrain recognition & avoidance, group management skills, rescue techniques, and wilderness medicine. MAS prides itself in a "zero incident" record in the backcountry and works diligently to train, improve and prepare it's guides for backcountry leadership.
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Safety |
The following list is intended to serve as a reminder of the numerous items, factors and considerations individuals and groups should make when skiing or snowboarding outside the ski area boundaries. This is not a definitive list.
• You should not go into the backcountry alone.
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Tell someone responsible your groups route and time table.
Arrange for a check-in upon your return.
• Never go through a "Closed Ski Area Boundary"! When in doubt ask.
• Use avalanche safety equipment (e.g. beacon, shovel and probe)
when appropriate.
• Know how to use your equipment.
• Get avalanche education.
• Make sure others in your group also have and know how to
use their avalanche safety equipment. Remember they are your rescue
team.
• Use the buddy system. Keep visual and auditory contact with
your buddy and others in the group.
• Determine potential hazards (i.e. avalanche potential, cliffs
and challenging snow conditions) and how individuals and the group
will deal with them.
• Do you know how to get back into the ski resort properly.
When in doubt ask.
• Ski and ride conservatively.
