Sec 5-702. Posting passenger information signs

A. A ski area operator shall maintain a sign system with concise, simple and pertinent information for the protection and instruction of people on a passenger tramway.

B. A ski area operator shall prominently display signs that are readable in conditions of ordinary visibility and, if applicable, that are adequately lighted for nighttime passengers, as follows:

1. At or near the loading point of each passenger tramway, rope tow and surface lift advising that any person not familiar with the operation of the tramway, rope tow or surface lift should ask ski area personnel for assistance and instruction.

2. In a conspicuous place at the loading area of each two-car or multicar passenger tramway that states the maximum capacity in pounds of the car and the maximum number of persons allowed in the car.

3. In the interior of each car in a two-car or multicar passenger tramway that states the maximum capacity in pounds of the car and the maximum number of persons allowed in the car and that gives instructions for procedures in the case of emergencies.

4. At all chair lifts stating the following:

(a) "Check for loose clothing and equipment", which shall be posted ahead of the "prepare to unload" sign described in subdivision (c) of this paragraph.

(b) "Keep ski tips up" or "keep tips up", which shall be posted ahead of any point where skis may come in contact with a platform or the snow surface while a skier is seated in the chair lift.

(c) "Prepare to unload", which shall be posted at least fifty feet ahead of the unloading area.

(d) "Remove pole straps from wrists", which shall be posted where applicable.

(e) "Stop gate", which shall be posted where applicable.

(f) "Unload here", which shall be posted at the point designated for unloading.

5. At all rope tows and surface lifts stating the following:

(a) "Check for loose clothing and equipment", which shall be posted ahead of the "prepare to unload" sign described in subdivision (b) of this paragraph.

(b) "Prepare to unload", which shall be posted at least fifty feet ahead of each unloading area.

(c) "Remove pole straps from wrists", which shall be posted where applicable.

(d) "Safety gate", "stay in tracks" or "stop gate", which shall be posted where applicable.

(e) "Unload here", which shall be posted at the point designated for unloading or where applicable.

C. At the operator's discretion a ski area operator may post additional signs not required by subsection B.

D. Before opening a passenger tramway to the public each day, a ski area operator shall inspect the tramway for the presence of the signs required by subsection B or that are posted pursuant to subsection C.

E. The extent of the responsibility of a ski area operator under this section is to post and maintain the signs required by subsection B and to maintain any signs posted pursuant to subsection C. It is a rebuttable presumption that all passengers and skiers saw and understood the signs if evidence exists that the signs required by subsection B or that are posted pursuant to subsection C were posted and the signs were maintained.