Terrain Closures: What They Mean And Why They're Important

I know most of you don’t need told this, but entering closed terrain on the ski area is a bad idea. There are a whole load of reasons why terrain might be closed, including (but not limited to) lack of snow, avalanche danger, dangerous terrain, difficult access for ski patrol, or, simply the fact that it’s not a part of the resort’s terrain.

Also, importantly, closed terrain does not mean ski at your own risk. Gated backcountry access is one thing. You’re welcome to head into that kind of terrain, as long as you have the proper knowledge, experience, and an avalanche beacon/shovel/probe. Gated backcountry is ski at your own risk, and it will be marked as so. Closed terrain is closed terrain. Don’t go there.

In case you need a little reminder as to what closed terrain is and what it means, here’s the crew at Whistler Blackcomb to explain the different signs and closures.

It’s important to note that different resorts might have different signs and signals for different types of closures. Check and understand your resorts symbols and closure signs! If it says closed, I can guarantee you that means it’s closed.

Again, I hope most of you know this already. I hope most of you don’t need this reminder. Maybe just show this to your kids, maybe make yourself watch it in case you have a nasty habit of ducking ropes. Just keep in mind, entering closed terrain could endanger not just you, but the patrollers who may need to rescue you and the public below or around you.