A national ski group wants resorts to focus on safety in January. Only one in Utah did.

In recognition of National Skier Safety Month, Snowbasin Resort is hosting a variety of contests, activities and lessons for guests throughout January.

While safety is consistently emphasized at resorts nationwide, its importance will be highlighted this month.

Snowbasin is the only resort in Utah participating in the event. Last year the resort was awarded a national safety award for best overall program.

The education programming director at the National Ski Area Association, Earl Saline, said the organization looks for how far the program reaches and how innovative it is when giving the safety award.

“We look for what sets the resort apart,” Saline said.

There are national safety awards for multiple categories including best overall program, lift safety, best employee safety and best guest safety. The yearlong safety programs of ski resorts nationwide are evaluated to see who will receive what award.

While the national association sponsors skier safety month, each resort coordinates its own safety program, both in January and throughout the season.

“Give ski areas the credit—they’re the ones talking the loudest,” Saline said.

This year, to build on previous success, Snowbasin has partnered with Smith Optics and McKay-Dee Hospital to provide guests an opportunity to win Smith helmets.

Snowbasin’s activity sales manager, Kimberly Bryan, said that while helmets are not required by the resort, they are highly recommended. The resort hopes the competition will highlight a helmet’s vital role in skier safety.

Bryan said some of the month’s events are organized by other groups and hosted at the resort.

One example is activity booths that will be run by experienced ski patrollers Saturdays and Sundays throughout January. The patrollers will provide public education on avalanche safety, ski protocol, lift safety, safety gear and more.

Guests will be given punch cards and will receive free hot cocoa if their cards are filled. They will also have the option to spin a prize wheel to win ski gear, Snowbasin swag or free lift tickets.