LAS GOATS

RULES ABOUT SKIING/SNOWBOARDING OFF-PISTE - PLEASE READ!

Please remember that skiing or snowboarding off-piste is NOT allowed and is against LAS rules.
Students caught skiing off-piste risk punishment and loss of skiing privileges, but more importantly risk injury or even death if hitting a tree or rock, falling precariously in deep snow or being caught in an avalanche. 

While it's true - and has been stated at various presentations - that the term "off-piste" is vague and overarching, that technically off-pistemeans "anything off a groomed run", and that certain areas of off-piste terrain are much more dangerous than others, it is not possible nor prudent for LAS to delineate allowable off-piste areas, and therefore LAS desires to keep it simple and adhere to the "black & white" definition of the term.
The ONLY exception to this rule is if you are in the company of a certified guide and and you have parental permission for guided off-piste skiing. 

Skiing in areas that are OUT OF BOUNDS (including closed areas, areas marked off with signs and/or a rope, or trails/runs that leave the resort such as the YELLOW TRAIL) are strictly forbidden. Violators risk loss of skiing privileges and other severe sanctions. Such areas are dangerous and contain a risk of natural and triggered avalanches AND potentially hazardous obstacles such as fallen trees or branches, rocks, hidden fence posts, etc. Such areas are NOT controlled by mountain safety personnel.

Students who have completed the Avalanche Awareness and Foundation courses: the courses are designed to provide you with information and knowledge to better understand avalanche terrain, the dangers of avalanches and the factors that cause avalanches. These courses are NOT intended to teach you how to ski off-piste or allow you special privileges to ski off-piste at your leisure. The same LAS rules are enforced and apply to you. The courses are intended to allow you to be more informed, become more responsible, make smart decisions, and allows you the opportunity to join guided off-piste skiing excursions. 

LAS has an obligation and a priority - to the best of the school's ability - to keep all its students and staff members safe and secure at all times. All policies and procedures are done to this end. 

Please check the Avalanche Hazard forecast each time you go out on the mountain.
Remember that when the ORANGE LIGHT is flashing at the base of the resort, the avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE (level 3) and extra precaution should be taken in regards to the snow and weather conditions.
Almost all avalanche fatalities occur when the conditions are CONSIDERABLE (Level 3) and MODERATE (Level 2).

We thank you for your compliance and understanding of these rules. 

- the Ott family and the Administration, the Director of Safety and Security and the Student Life Dept.