Mountain Safety and Conduct Guidelines at Marquette Mountain
At Marquette Mountain, the well-being of our guests is our top priority. We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. To achieve this, we ask all visitors to adhere to the following safety guidelines and conduct standards.
Mountain Biker’s Responsibility Code
We follow the National Ski Areas Association’s Responsibility Code, which outlines essential safety practices:
- STAY IN CONTROL. You’re responsible for avoiding objects and people.
- KNOW YOUR LIMITS. Ride within your ability. Start small and work your way up.
- PROTECT YOURSELF. Use an appropriate bike, helmet and protective equipment.
- INSPECT AND MAINTAIN YOUR EQUIPMENT. Know your components and their operation prior to riding.
- BE LIFT SMART. Know how to load, ride and unload lifts safely. Ask if you need help.
- INSPECT THE TRAILS AND FEATURES. Conditions change constantly; plan and adjust your riding accordingly.
- OBEY SIGNS AND WARNINGS. Stay on marked trails only. Keep off closed trails and features. Ride in the direction indicated.
- BE VISIBLE. Do not stop where you obstruct a trail, feature, landing or are not visible.
- LOOK AND YIELD TO OTHERS. Look both ways and yield when entering or crossing a road or trail. When overtaking, use caution and yield to those ahead.
- COOPERATE. If involved in or witness to an incident, identify yourself to staff.
Know and follow the code. It is your responsibility.
Trail Signs
Below are examples of trail signs that you may find at bike parks at ski areas. There may be other variations of these signs that areas have chosen to use. Remember, these signs indicate the difficulty of the trails at the area.
Be careful though, the easiest slope at one area may be considered a more difficult slope at another. If you are unsure about which trail is right for you, take the green trails until you are familiar with the mountain and the trail network. The wrong choice could send you down a trail that you aren’t ready for. With any trail, be sure to check out the trail and features before you ride them, start small and work your way up.
The green circle, blue square and black diamond indicate different degrees of difficulty, relative to the trails at that area.
Green Circle: Easier
Blue Square: More Difficult
Black Diamond: Most Difficult
Double-Black Diamond: Extremely Difficult, Use Extra Caution
Technical Trails
Technical Trails are typically narrow and include features naturally found on the property’s slopes and terrain, such as roots, rocks, gravel, logs, water crossings, drops, and jumps. They may also include man-made elements like bridges or Freeride Trail features. Built by hand or machine, these trails often appear natural and may be one-way or bi-directional. Access is available via chairlift or connecting trails, and some may be shared with hikers or equestrians.
Trail difficulty is marked using green circle, blue square, single or double black diamond symbols, sometimes with enhancements like lines or “DH” / “XC” designations.
Freeride Trails
Freeride Trails are generally wider than Technical Trails and feature constructed or modified terrain such as jumps, berms, banks, drops, and bridges made from dirt, wood, or other materials. They may also include elements from Technical Trails. Built by hand or machine, Freeride Trails are typically designed for downhill riding and may be accessed via chairlift, other transportation, or by pedaling from connected trails on or off the ski area property.
These trails are identified by an orange oval containing the difficulty symbol—green circle, blue square, single or double black diamond.
Other Trail Signs
Beyond Expert or Professional-Level Trails are those requiring professional competition-level skills. Before using these trails, riders may be required to sign specific releases or attend required training before being allowed onto these trails. Consult the area before attempting to use these trails for the first time.
Skill Development Areas or Skills Parks
Skill Development Areas or Skills Parks are specifically designed to provide riders the opportunity to learn and develop new skills away from the trail environment. The features and obstacles in a skills park may or may not directly reflect the size or type of feature or obstacle the rider may encounter on all of the trails in the bike park. Remember, it is your responsibility to inspect trails and feature before attempting.
