Parents' Guide
Meet the Mascots!
Welcome! Deer Valley's mascots frequently visit our Children's Center and meet kids on the snow. Our mascots aid in teaching children to be prepared for their ski lessons and also to be safe while on the mountain. We would like you to meet our Deer Valley mascots:
Bucky is Deer Valley's original mascot. He can be found walking around the resort, greeting children and participating in special kids' programs.
Quincy is one fun and funny bear. He makes sure our young skiers enjoy their visit to the resort, whether on snow or indoors.
Ruby helps our guests get ready for their visit to the resort. She offers advice on clothing and other preparations so their stay goes smoothly.
Silver is our safety overseer. She makes sure our young guests understand the importance of following the rules for a safe, fun skiing experience.
Ruby offers these recommendations that will make skiing at Deer Valley Resort the best experience possible:
Memorize the following Skier's Responsibility Code. It's the seven rules of the slopes, and many accidents can be avoided by adhering to the Code. Please teach the Code to your children.
- Always stay in control
- People ahead of you have the right of way
- Stop in a safe place for you and others
- Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield
- Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment
- Observe signs and warnings and keep off closed trails
- Know how to use the chairlifts safely
If your children wear ski helmets, remember you may have to raise your voice to get their attention because helmets may impede their hearing. Make sure the helmets fit correctly. Ski helmets are not items you buy for your children to grow into. Educate your children about the benefits and limitations of the helmets. Wearing helmets doesn't give your children permission to ski faster or recklessly.
Deer Valley encourages our guests to become educated about child and adult ski helmet use. For more information, visit Lids on Kids.
Label all personal items. Gloves, goggles, boots and skis all look alike to a child. Labels ensure your children will return with the items with which they start.
Dress in layers. Layering allows you to accommodate the body's constantly changing temperature. For example, dress your kids in polypropylene underwear (top and bottom) that feels good next to the skin, dries quickly, absorbs sweat and keeps them warm. Your kids should also wear turtlenecks, sweaters and waterproof jackets.
Be prepared. Mother Nature has a mind of her own. Kids should wear hats or headbands; 80 percent of heat loss is through the head. Kids should always wear gloves or mittens. (Mittens are usually better for kids whose hands are susceptible to the cold.)
Be sure they wear sun protection, even on cloudy days. The sun reflects off of the snow and is stronger than you think. A ski vacation with a sunburn is no fun!
Sunglasses or goggles are required for all students. Skiing is a lot more fun when you can see. Always wear eye protection.
When buying ski wear, look for fabric that is water and wind resistant. Look for wind flaps to shield zippers, snug cuffs at wrists and ankles, collars that can be snuggled up to the chin and deep pockets. Be sure to buy your children quality clothing products.
Be sure your children have the name and phone number of your hotel or lodging property written down on a piece of paper that's in a secure pocket. If you carry a cell phone, include this number, too.
Although it is very unlikely that your children would get separated from the Ski Instructor, be sure your children have a trail map and are able to remember the Ski Instructor's name.
Make sure your children know when to stop skiing. For example, if the clothing layer next to the skin stays wet and they're chilled; if they're injured; if they have a problem with equipment; or, if they're simply worn out, they should stop skiing. Educate them that it's okay to stop before the end of the day and that breaks are fun.
Establish a meeting place in case you get separated, for example, at the bottom of the Quincy chairlift. Walkie-talkies are a convenient way to keep in touch and are a big hit on the slopes.
