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John Kohnke, director of Ski Patrol for Steamboat Ski Area, discusses safety on the mountain.

Q. What should individuals know before they exit the ski area from one of the U.S. Forest Service boundary gates access points?

A. Individuals exiting the ski area from the designated access points should first read the posted signage and understand they are entering an environment that is not patrolled or maintained by the resort. It is strongly recommended you have a partner and appropriate gear, including a shovel, rescue beacon, cell phone, a GPS unit, survival pack with first-aid materials, water, matches and food. Always let someone know where you intend to go and when to expect you back. If something does go wrong, i.e. an injury or getting caught in an avalanche, they are essentially on their own. They should also know that if a rescue is necessary, it may be costly, very slow and they could be financially responsible for the cost of any search and/or rescue unless they hold a Colorado Hunting or Fishing license.

Q. Are there precautions inbounds skiers should take during heavy snowstorms like we have enjoyed during the past week?

A. During heavy snowstorms, I think the best suggestion is to use the buddy system. I know that is difficult for some to imagine. However, it makes common safety sense that, if you were injured, there would be somebody to help you or to go for assistance.

Q. If someone falls into a tree well surrounding one of the big spruce trees on the mountain, are their techniques for extricating oneself?

A. The most important thing to remember is to not panic. Make sure you keep your mouth clear of snow, which will protect your airway. Using slow, calculated movements, you can regain your orientation and figure out the right moves that will allow you to extricate yourself. Taking your skis off can sometimes facilitate the process.

Q. How soon should skiers and riders become concerned if a member of their group becomes separated and doesn't get back in contact?

A. Most lost skier reports are usually resolved quite quickly and result from people not communicating their plans for the day. Ninety-nine percent of the time, the lost person either hopped on the wrong bus or ended up meeting new friends and taking a different direction. If your friend gives you very specific information regarding what their plans were at the end of the day and they do not keep to those plans within a reasonable amount of time, it never hurts to report the missing party to either patrol or, after hours, to the resort security department. In addition, you always have the option to call the sheriff, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Q. Patrollers clear the mountain at the end of each day, don't they? How does that work?

A. Clearing the mountain at the end of the day is a courtesy service we provide our guests to facilitate getting people home at the end of the day. We systematically send personnel starting at the top of the mountain and we work our way to the bottom. This process helps tired skiers and riders or anyone else who might need our assistance with getting down off the mountain. This process does not provide any sort of guarantee that we will find everyone; it does, however, give us the best chance of finding people who may need assistance.