Mountain Signage - Mt. Norquay Ski Resort

We use a number of different signs to indicate conditions, boundaries and warnings at Banff Norquay Ski & Summer Resort.

Please pay close attention to mountain signage. It is present for the safety of both guests and employees. Failing to follow the directions on these signs may result in the loss of your ticket or pass. It is your responsibility to be aware of mountain signage at all times.

On this page:

Frequently Used Signs

The following are some of our more frequently used signs:

Avalanche

Avalanche signage indicates areas prone to avalanche and areas closed for avalanche control work, potentially using explosives. This signage is typically present at the boundaries of our more advanced terrain and can indicate the terrain is either closed (red) or to ski with caution (yellow).

Boundary

Boundary signage is used in conjunction with ropes at the edge of our ski area boundary to indicate the area beyond which patrol and avalanche control work is not conducted.The terrain within the ski area boundary is patrolled and some hazards are marked. The area beyond the ski area boundary is neither controlled nor patrolled. Some ski areas permit users to travel beyond the ski area boundary into the backcountry.

Backcountry Travel

Backcountry travel can be very hazardous and requires specialized equipment, training and experience. Do not travel into the backcountry if you are not qualified to do so.

Cliff

Cliff signage is used on ungroomed terrain to indicate areas where skiing is not possible without mandatory air. We have large cliffs within the area boundary, and size is not indicated on these signs. Use caution, or you could find yourself cliffed out.

Slow

Slow signage is used in high traffic areas. If you see this sign you must reduce your speed to the average speed of those around you and keep your skis or snowboard on the ground. Failure to do so may result in confiscation of your lift ticket or pass.

Remember Alpine Responsibility Code #6. “Read and obey all signs, warning and hazard markings.

Closed means Closed

Closed runs

Entering closed runs and areas is strictly prohibited. Runs are closed for several reasons: trees have fallen onto the run, ditches or holes have rendered the run unsafe, a race or other events are taking place, Terrain Parks are not yet ready to open, or perhaps machinery is operating. Observe and obey all posted signs and warnings. Ignoring these messages may put you at greater risk. Those who violate closures may lose lift privileges.

Closed Resort

When the ski area is closed, access to the area is strictly forbidden for your safety.

While closed the ski area is not patrolled and area is not maintained for public use. Hazards may not be marked, areas will not be controlled for avalanches, and machinery may be working.

Remember Alpine Responsibility Code #6. “Read and obey all signs, warning and hazard markings.

Relative Trail Difficulty

Green Circle, Blue Square or Black Diamond trails are not necessarily the same as a similarly rated trail at another area.

Participants should work their way up, beginning with the easiest trails, no matter what their ability level may be, until they are familiar with the trails at each ski area.