Mobility Devices

A. Winter Operations

The ski area allows individuals with mobility disabilities to use designated devices, such as wheelchairs and other manually powered aids, in areas/facilities open to the public.

1. This ski area allows the use of adaptive devices or other manually powered mobility aids on the slopes.
2. Adaptive devices may be defined as specialized equipment that has been designed and manufactured primarily for use by individuals who have disabilities, including but not limited to mono skis, bi skis, sit-skis and outriggers. Mountain Highs Winter Sports School will arrange for any adaptive equipment that meets this definition while in a scheduled lesson with our Adaptive School.  Please call ahead to schedule a lesson with our certified staff  760 316 7861.
3. Mountain High prohibits the use of any power drive-driven mobility device’ on ski trails or within the ski area boundary (as defined by the National Forest Service), except for the use of snowmobiles by Mountain High employees as defined in the Resorts Snowmobile Guideline.
4. This Ski Area has determined that the use of power driven devices or vehicles by the public, including other power-driven mobility devices used by individuals with mobility disabilities, would conflict with the Ski Area’s safety requirements necessary for the reasonably safe operations of our on-slope activities. These safety concerns include the use of devices on the slopes that expose the user and skiers/snowboarders to a safety hazard; collisions with downhill riders; the use of devices that may provide access into closed areas that pose avalanche hazards. These safety concerns are compounded by our facilities high volume of trail use. These safety requirements are based on actual risks and are not intended to be discriminatory in any way.

B. Summer Operations
1. Mountain High Resort facilities are closed to the public during the off-season (typically mid-April through the end of November).
2. If a guest with a disability is attending a private event hosted at Mountain High during the off-season; mobility devices shall be permitted in accordance with above mentioned items with the following exceptions.
3. The use of any power driven devices or vehicles by the public, including other power-driven mobility devices used by individuals with mobility disabilities, creates a substantial risk of serious harm to the immediate environment and natural resources. Due to the need to address soil integrity, erosion and vegetative concerns, the Ski Area has adopted a “no motorized” policy for the public during the summer season and the use is prohibited.

Service Animals

A. Service animals are allowed in all public areas within the resorts base area facilities.

1. Miniature horses are also permitted if they meet the following requirements: a) Less than 80 pounds in weight. b) Must be house broken.
2. Due to periods of high traffic/volume within resort facilities, it has been decided that allowing large animals in the base area facilities may compromise the safety of the guests in the event of an emergency evacuation. The above requirement is not intended to be discriminatory and is based on actual safety risks.

B. Mountain High resort allows the use of service animals on lifts and trails under the following conditions.

1. Aerial lifts – the lift is to be stopped for loading and unloading of the guest and service animal. Owner/handler must provide a harness for the animal capable of securing the animal and supporting its full weight in the event of a lift evacuation.
2. Trails – animals must be on a leash less than 8 feet in length and under the immediate control of the handler at all times.
3. Mountain High will not be responsible for injury to or death of the service animal through its actions assisting an individual with disabilities due to inherent risks of winter sports.

C. Mountain High complies with ADA regulations (§ 35.136) as follows.

1. General. Generally, an entity should modify its policies, practices, or procedures to permit the use of a service animal by an individual with a disability.
2. Exceptions. An entity may ask an individual with a disability to remove a service animal from the premises if a) The animal is out of control and the animal’s handler does not take effective action to control it; b) The animal is not housebroken.
3. If an animal is properly excluded. If an entity properly excludes a service animal under § 35.136(b), it shall give the individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the service, program, or activity without having the service animal on the premises.
4. Animal under handler’s control. A service animal shall be under the control of its handler. A service animal shall have a harness, leash, or other tether, unless either the handler is unable because of a disability to use a harness, leash, or other tether, or the use of a harness, leash, or other tether would interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of work or tasks, in which case the service animal must be otherwise under the handler’s control (e.g., voice control, signals, or other effective means).
5. Care or supervision. An entity is not responsible for the care or supervision of a service animal.
6. Inquiries. An entity shall not ask about the nature or extent of a person’s disability, but may make two inquiries to determine whether an animal qualifies as a service animal. An entity may ask (1) if the animal is required because of a disability and (2) what work or task the animal has been trained to perform.

The Ski Area may ask persons using an “other power mobility device”’ to provide a credible assurance that the mobility device is required because of the person’s disability. The Ski Area accepts the presentations of a valid, State-issued, disability parking placard or card, or other state-issued proof of Disability, as a credible assurance that the use if other power-driven mobility device is for the individual’s mobility disability. In the absence of proof the Area shall allow the use of other power-driven mobility device if the individual states it is being used for disability. Any evidence to the contrary may be evaluated and acted upon by this resort.

Mountain High is committed to a legendary resort experience by all winter sports enthusiasts and will make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

For more information you may visit our guest services booth.