Legal Requirements for a Ski Park

Slopes are the perfect place to practice winter sports. But, winter sports can have serious risks. In our post today, read the legal requirements for ski operators to ensure safety.

For tourists and winter sports fans alike, ski slopes are the perfect destination. And that’s precisely why a ski park can be a high-profit business for entrepreneurs and established companies.

But profits aside, investing in a ski resort or park also implies tackling big challenges and assuming serious responsibilities. Any sport or form of physical activity implies some degree of risk. Thus, legal requirements and norms are put in place to open and maintain ski slopes.

Many conditions might vary depending on the rules and laws of a given country, city or region.  In addition, the construction and profitability of each park will also depend on geographic characteristics and the local public.

Adding on, the tourist incentives promoted by the local government or private companies are also another important factor to keep in mind. In our post today, let’s analyze the main legal aspects and requirements for opening a ski park in Spain.

Things to consider before investing in a ski park

First off, before diving into any project you need to do your research. An extensive market study will help you to understand the opportunities and possible limitations that a prospective project might hold in certain regions.

In regard to ski parks, you should already be familiar with the geographical features and climate conditions of the region in question. Said conditions need to be apt for winter sports. Also consider the possibilities for international and national competitions as well.

On a different note, take the time to study the environmental and construction laws and regulations.

Everything’s good to go: how to get approval for your ski park?

Once you check off these preliminary steps, it’s time to start the paperwork for obtaining an opening license. In addition to other approvals, your installations need to meet official safety standards to prevent injuries.

In Spain, the provinces have the authority to approve norms regarding legal requirements for ski parks that are constructed in their limitations. Furthermore, the local governments also might apply additional special conditions as well.

Thus, consulting the requirements and conditions for obtaining a license at the relevant office is fundamental. You should also investigate normal processing time in order to plan accordingly.

Internal regulations for ski parks in Spain

Aside from studying the legal requirements, you also need to know Spain’s Ski and Mountain Tourist Resort Association’s Operating Regulations– which was approved by the Spanish General Assembly in 2017, Madrid– for opening ski parks.

The document states the conditions that ski parks must respect in order to guarantee the safety and well-being of park visitors. In addition to legal obligations, ski park owners must also manage their employees. Employees are responsible for operating and maintaining the installations.

Security measures for ski park visitors

Of all the regulations, we want to highlight two key security measures for park visitors: slope classifications and signposting. Aside from preventing accidents, norms allow visitors to enjoy their time on the slopes. Proper classification and signposting help them to choose slopes best suited to their abilities, ages, experiences, and objectives.

Imagine a family with children who visit a ski park during the holidays. With the help of a park map, the parents can guide their children to the beginners’ slopes, which are usually marked green. The children can enjoy skiing or snowboarding safely with proper supervision.

On a different note, signposting goes a bit further than slope classification. All ski parks in Spain must respect a signposting system. The system communicates possible dangers, prohibitions, and warnings for closed slopes under maintenance or other notices.

Take the time to read through the aforementioned operating regulations to fully understand the criteria of proper signposting. The regulations will also help you to understand other useful guidelines for optimal development and management.