Giants Ridge provides a team of trained Ski Patrollers to provide first aid, assess mountain safety, post warnings and close trails.
For more information visit Know Before you Go.
Giants Ridge welcomes guests using the following snowsports equipment:
The following are NOT allowed on our slopes:
To help ensure a safe trip down the mountain, everyone should start on easiest trails and work their way up. Whether you are new to snow sports or want to take your skills to the next level, our friendly professional instructors are trained to help you develop the skills and confidence to have fun on the slopes.
Do NOT Ski or Ride Impaired – Be responsible with alcohol and drug consumption
Electronic Devices – Giants Ridge discourages the use of electronic devices that utilizes head/ear phones while skiing and snowboarding, or loading and unloading lifts as it may increase the risk of collisions or not being able to hear instructions. You may not hear someone (or something) approaching from behind.
Do NOT go in “Closed” Areas – During the course of regular operations, Giants Ridge may find it necessary to close sections of the mountain for the safety of our guests. Closures are often marked with rope, ribbon or fencing in conjunction with a CLOSED sign, any marked boundary must not be crossed weather or not a CLOSED sign is in place. Crossing a closure boundary can endanger yourself or others and may result tin loss of lift privileges. Ropes, fences and closures are in place for your safety. Do not enter closed trails by going through the trees or under ropes.
Wooded areas between named trails are not marked in any way and are not patrolled. The snow is not groomed or maintained. If you decide to ski or snowboard in wooded areas, you are solely responsible for yourself. You should be an expert skier/snowboarder and stay in groups of three or more
Machinery and Equipment – Snowcats, snowmobiles and snowmaking may be encountered at any time.
Skiing and snowboarding can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas, you may see people using alpine skis, snowboards, telemark skis, cross country skis, and other specialized equipment, such as that used by adaptive athletes. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing and riding that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce.
Winter sports involve risk of serious injury or death. Your knowledge, decisions and actions contribute to your safety and that of others.
Giants Ridge is seriously concerned about the safety of its skiers/riders. Ski Patrol and employees may issue warnings or remove privileges without refund for those who are acting recklessly or are out of control.
Three actions every skier and rider can take to help keep themselves and those around safer on the slopes:
Plan Ahead and ease up at blind spots, check uphill when merging onto trails, and give other skiers plenty of room when passing. Look out for spots on the run where traffic merges or you can’t see what’s coming next.
Slow Zones Certain areas of the mountain are designated as SLOW ZONES. Observe posted slow zone areas and reduce speed. Fast and aggressive skiing and riding in these areas may result in loss of lift ticket.
For more information, please visit Collison Safety
Wearing a helmet is a personal choice, but it’s one Giants Ridge STRONGLYLY ADVISES, especially for children. Keep in mind that it is important that helmets be properly fitted and do not inhibit vision or hearing.
For more information, please visit Helmet Safety.
Helmets and Kids
Wearing a helmet while skiing or snowboarding reduces the risk of head injuries. They are most effective when you ski or ride at slower speeds. Bonus: they also keep your head warm! Not all ski areas require helmets, but it is a good idea to outfit your child with one and wear one yourself.
While wearing a helmet is a personal choice, you would be setting a good example for the young ones in your family if you chose to wear one while skiing or riding. Nearly all ski areas rent helmets to the public. Make sure your helmet is properly fitted and the chin strap is fastened.
Winter Lift Safety for Skiing and Snowboarding
Riding the chairlift can be one of the best parts of the day — the views are beautiful, your legs get a rest and you get to catch up with (or make new) friends! But, it’s important (and part of Your Responsibility Code) to know how to load, ride and unload all lifts safely. Whether this is a chairlift, a rope tow, or a carpet, knowing how to use these lifts will make your day more fun and safer.
Not sure how to ride a chairlift?
Ask an attendant, ski patroller, or other area employee for help. Learning how to ride the lift is also one of the features of a lesson, and another reason it’s worth discovering snow with a pro.
Tips for Riding Lifts Safely
Riding
Unloading
Learn more information please visit lift safety.
Giants Ridge has freestyle terrain which may include half-pipes, quarter-pipes as well as terrain parks and terrain features. They are provided for your enjoyment and offer adventure, challenge, and fun. However, freestyle terrain use, like all skiing and riding, exposes you to the risk of serious injury. You are the sole judge of your ability to use any terrain feature. Prior to using freestyle terrain, it is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with all instructions and warnings and to follow Your Responsibility Code.
For more information, please visit Terrain Park Safety

For more information, please visit PARKSMART .
Skiers and riders should be advised that a green circle, blue square, or black diamond trail at Giants Ridge is not necessarily the same as a green circle, blue square or black diamond trail at other resorts. The system is a relative rating of trails at each ski area and does not compare trail difficulty between ski areas.
Trail Difficulty
Green Circle: Easiest
Blue Square: More Difficult
Black Diamond: Most Difficult
Double Black Diamond: Experts Only
Orange Oval: Freestyle Terrain
Giants Ridge recognizes the important role service animals play in many of our guests’ lives; however out of safety concerns for our guests, employees, and resort property, Guest Services Management under its operational plan and as operator of Giants Ridge pursuant to the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and federal requirements of 28 C.F.R. § 36.301 et seq., it is Giants Ridge’s policy that service animals (which as defined under the ADA can only be dogs or miniature horses) are not permitted on chairlifts at the resort, based on the legitimate safety requirements determined by Giants Ridge regarding the safety of other guests and employees, as well as, the safety of the service animal itself. In addition, Giants Ridge does not allow service animals to accompany guests skiing, snowboarding, or tubing on the mountain slopes/trails or biking on the mountain trails. This policy of restricting service animals on both chairlifts and accompanying guests while using Giants Ridge’s ski and mountain bike terrain also applies equally to all other animals, including pets and emotional support animals. These safety concerns include the real potential for conflicts between service animals and skiers and riders, and are compounded by the large volume of slope and trail use. These safety requirements are based on actual risks and are not intended to be discriminatory in any way.
Out of safety concerns for our guests, employees, and resort property, Guest Services Management as under its operational plan and as operator of Giants Ridge does not allow skiers or snowboarders to carry an infant or toddler in backpacks, chest packs, baby bjorns or other similar devices on the slopes or lifts. This policy stems, in part, from the safety concerns with the infant and/or parent, as well as, for the safety of our employees. The basis for this policy, in part, is that the national safety standards which govern aerial tramways, aerial lifts, surface lifts, tows and conveyors design and operations (referred to as the ANSI B.77 – Safety Requirements) require passengers to be individually able to access lifts on their own individual accord and ability. In addition, because of safety concerns related to the potential evacuation of chairlifts, and the equipment harnesses employed in such evacuations, our evacuation procedures require that passenger to be unencumbered by such packs carrying infants – both for the safety of our guests and our employees/ski patrol who conduct such evacuations. Lastly, there are additional safety concerns related to skiing or snowboarding with and infant in such a pack, especially the potentially elevated risks of skier vs. skier collisions and the potential harm to an infant in a pack – no matter how well trained or the expertise of the adult carrying the infant.
Out of safety concerns for our guests, employees, and resort property, Guest Services Management under its operational plan and as operator of Giants Ridge prohibits the operation or use of unmanned aerial systems, or drones, by the general public—including recreational users and hobbyists—without prior written authorization. This prohibition includes drones used for filming or videotaping, as well as any drone use by media or journalists operating above or within Resort boundaries. This prohibition on drone operations or use extends to any drones launched or operated from Giants Ridge property, as well as drones launched from private property outside of the Giants Ridge boundaries. Any authorized operation of aerial drones may be governed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations, local law enforcement, as well as those policies separately established by Guest Services, which may include certification, training, insurance coverage, indemnification requirements, and waivers or releases of liability. Any violation of this policy may involve suspension of your recreational privileges, or the revocation of your season pass, as well as confiscation of any drone equipment, and may subject violators to any damages, including, but not limited to physical or personal injuries, property damage, damages for violations of privacy, regulatory fines and legal fees. Please contact our Marketing Department if you have any questions.
Out of safety concerns for our guests, employees, and resort property, Guest Services Management under its operational plan and as operator of Giants Ridge provides for a designated area of machine-made snow for use by Nordic skiers during snowmaking operations. This policy applies to all Nordic skiers utilizing terrain within the Alpine Ski Area Boundary, from the start of the snowmaking until snowmaking operations are complete.
Definitions:
Alpine Ski Area – Includes all terrain shown in grey on the Giants Ridge Nordic & Snowshoe Trail Map. For purposes of this policy, the Nordic Stadium will be considered part of the Alpine Ski Area.
Nordic Trail System – Includes all trails listed as Nordic Ski Trails and designated as such the Nordic and Snowshoe Trail Map. Generally available only as sufficient natural snowfall allows.
Base Area – Generally flat area at the bottom of the Alpine Ski Area, starting at the Nordic stadium and stretching to the area in front of the Sports Pavilion. The only portion of the alpine area available to Nordic skiers.
Nordic Skiing/Skiers – Anyone engaged in the act of classic or skate skiing. Anyone Nordic Skiing at Giants Ridge must have a valid Giants Ridge Nordic Season Pass or Daily Nordic Ticket, with a current waiver signed and on file. Each Monday and Friday Giants Ridge will publish a map on the Giants Ridge website of the available section of the Base Area that will be groomed and tracked for Nordic skiing. The designated skiing area may include any combination of: The Nordic Stadium, adjacent to the Lodge; Base Area Courtyard, between the South and Main Chalet, Beginner’s area, St. Moritz and Greely’s Way runs; and the Nordic route to the Snow Sports Pavilion. Only the terrain shown on the most current map is available for Nordic skiing.
Rules: Nordic Skiing will be available only from 4pm – 6pm daily, or as otherwise published on www.giantsridge.com.
Nordic skiers are responsible for their own safety. No ski area services, including ski patrol, are available when the ski area is not open. Please call 911 in the event of an emergency when the ski area is not open.
Out of safety concerns for our guests, employees, and resort property, Guest Services Management, in conjunction with its operational plan as operator of Giants Ridge, does not allow individuals younger than 3 years old and at least 3′ tall to embark, ride and disembark on a lift at Giants Ridge. In addition, Giants Ridge does not allow skiers/snowboarders, mountain bike riders or any other individuals riding a chairlift to carry an infant or toddler in their arms, backpacks, chest packs, baby bjorns or other similar devices.
This policy stems in part from the safety concerns with the infant/toddler and/or parent as well as for the safety of our employees. The basis for this policy, in part, is that the national safety standards which govern chairlift design and operations (referred to as the ANSI B.77 passenger ropeway safety standards) requires chairlift passengers to be individually able to access chairlifts on their own accord and ability. Also, the chairlift’s design precludes the use of a pack by a guest. In addition, because of safety concerns related to the potential evacuation of chairlifts and the equipment employed in such evacuations, our evacuation procedures require that a passenger not be unencumbered by carrying infants in their arms or in packs – both for the safety of our guests and our employees and mountain patrol who conduct such evacuations. Lastly, there are additional safety concerns related to skiing/snowboarding or mountain bike riding with an infant in a pack or child carrier, especially the potentially elevated risks of skier vs. skier collisions or collisions with objects and the potential harm to an infant in a pack or carrier – no matter how well trained or the expertise of the adult carrying the infant.
Giants Ridge does not allow uphill travel of any kind on the alpine slopes or trails. This includes hiking, snowshoeing, skinning, or any other method of travel
Snowmaking operations, grooming equipment, snowmobiles, and other operational exercises can present hazards to uphill users on a 24-hour basis. Giants Ridge cannot represent to the public that there is a safe area or time to allow uphill travel or access into the resort from outside of the area.
Giants Ridge Recreation Area is operated under a management contract with the Minnesota State Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRR) by Guest Services Management. All forms of third-party commercial activity on the property is prohibited without prior written consent, including the solicitation or provision of ski, golf and bicycle instruction, tours and guides, commercial photography and videography, and other products and services offered for sale.
This guideline recognizes that severe weather is a normal part of Giants Ridge’s spring, summer, and fall environment, while also acknowledging that there are conditions under which modifications or suspension of operations are required.
When thunderstorms are forecasted for the day, the staff may use the following methods to communicate the possibility of threatening weather to the guests and the safety precautions that may take place if needed:
• Before the event or activity begins, guests may be informed that a severe weather threat exists and that protective action may be required that day.
o Golf Course – Upon checking in at the clubhouse and at the first tee
o Alpine Area – Upon checking in at the Retail Shop or Guest
Services and upon loading the chair lift.
• Prior to the event or activity, instructions may be given on what protective measures may be taken if the severe weather threat materializes.
• During the event or activity, the guests may be notified of any imminent threat and specific directions on taking protective action.
• After a delay, guests may be notified when it is safe to return to the event / activity. This is typically 30 minutes of no lightning detected or thunder observed in addition to forecasted and actual weather conditions (wind, rain, etc.).
• Guests may be notified that due to the terrain and distances covered by the property, they have a responsibility to pay attention to sights and sounds of storms and to take cover immediately upon hearing thunder or seeing lightning. They may be notified that no horn will sound and no employees will be dispatched to remove them from the course or trail. They may also be advised that whenever lightning or weather conditions forces them to leave the course or trail, we may allow them to return once danger has passed or may issue an appropriate rain check.
The Mountain Biker’s Responsibility Code has been developed to help inform riders about the information, decision-making and actions every rider should know and take prior to and while riding on the variety of trails within a ski area’s trail network.
Mountain Biker’s Responsibility Code
Mountain Biking involves risk of serious injury or death. Your knowledge, decisions and actions contribute to your safety and that of others.
KNOW AND FOLLOW THE CODE. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
Read and obey all signs. Allowed equipment on the downhill mountain bike flow trails is limited to mountain bikes and adaptive equipment bikes unless approved by management.
Please note that kids shotgun seats are not permitted on the mountain bike gravity flow trails, nor are they permitted on the Sarajevo Express chairlift.
For more mountain please visit Mountain Biking Safety
Because Giants Ridge has several different types of trials including; lift served gravity trails, cross-country trails, and trails located on USFS land, there are different rules regarding e-MTB usage throughout Giants Ridge.
Gravity Trails and Chairlift Bike Haul:
Giants Ridge allows Class 1 e-MTBs on all gravity trails. All class 1 e-MTBs must be 50 lbs. or less. Chairlift bike carriers are not designed to carry bikes in excess of 50 lbs. and are not be allowed on the chairlift.
Enchanted Flowest:
Trails in the Enchanted Flowest are built on USFS land. The USFS does not permit e-MTBs of any kind on its land.
Nordic XC Trails:
Much of the Nordic ski trail system is located on USFS land and e-MTBs of any kind are not allowed.
South XC Trails:
Class 1 e-MTBs are allowed on the South XC Trails.
Other Classes of e-MTBs:
Giants Ridge does not allow any Class 2 or 3 e-MTBs on property.
BIKE PARK RULES
NOTE:
Any infractions of the above rules may result in loss of bike trail privileges.
Giants Ridge reserves the right to bar any participant from the bike trails for any reason, at any time.
Scenic Chairlift Rides
You must know how and be able to independently load, ride and unload the lift safely. If you need assistance, ask the Lift Operator.
Follow these instructions to load the chairlift properly. Please ask the Lift Operator for any assistance.
DISC GOLF
• Participants must purchase use admission for the Disc Golf Course and sign an “Agreement, Release of Liability and Indemnification” form.
• Parent or legal guardian must sign an “Agreement, Release of Liability and Indemnification” form for any child under 18 years.
• During periods of severe weather, as determined by Giants Ridge staff, the Disc Golf Course may close.
• Appropriate footwear is recommended.
• Participants must comply with the judgement and decisions of the Giants Ridge staff on duty at the resort.
• You should not participate in Disc Golf if you do not have sufficient physical dexterity, ability and knowledge to safely participate.
• Playing Disc Golf when under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not allowed.
• Outside alcohol is not allowed. Alcohol may be purchased in the Burnt Onion Kitchen and Brews.
• Vulgar language or improper conduct is not allowed. • Personal items must be stored in designated areas. Giants Ridge is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Lockers may be rented.
• Participants must check in with Giants Ridge Staff before entering the climbing wall area. Visit the Retail Shop.
• Participants must purchase use admission to climbing wall facility and sign an “Agreement, Release of Liability and Indemnification” form.
• Parent or legal guardian must sign an “Agreement, Release of Liability and Indemnification” form for any child under 18 years.
• Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Participants must comply with the judgement and decisions of the Giants Ridge staff on duty at the climbing wall facility.
• The teaching of climbing procedures is not allowed at the climbing wall facility except by Giants Ridge staff.
• Groups and lessons in progress have priority on climbing routes. Participants may be asked by Giants Ridge staff to move to another route.
• Only climbing equipment approved by Giants Ridge staff is to be used at the climbing wall facility.
• Only appropriate climbing footwear will be permitted on climbing surfaces. Rock climbing shoes or athletic shoes are recommended. Climbing with bare feet or in socks only is not permitted.
• Participants must have appropriate clothing on at all times. Shirts must be worn at the climbing wall facility.
• Helmets are required and included in the price of admission.
• No food or beverage (except bottled water) are allowed at the climbing wall facility.
• The use of electronic devices such as cellular phones, music players or earphones / headphones while using the climbing wall facility is not allowed.
• You should not participate in climbing wall activities if you do not have sufficient physical dexterity, ability and knowledge to safely participate in climbing wall activities, or until you have asked and received information sufficient to enable you to safely participate in climbing wall activities.
• Using the climbing wall facility when under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not allowed.
• Vulgar language or improper conduct is not allowed.
• Chalk balls only. No loose (powdered or block) chalk allowed. Chalk balls are available for rent in the Retail Shop.
• Personal items must be stored in designated areas. Giants Ridge is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Lockers are available for rent.