In addition to providing the signage and warnings set forth in subsections C and E of § 8.01-227.12, an operator shall construct a barricade through use of fencing, flagging, or similar means at the entrance to any trail containing freestyle terrain. The barricade shall contain an entrance opening not wider than 30 feet.
§ 8.01-227.14.Freestyle terrain.
Chapter 3. Actions · Article 25. Winter Sports Safety Act · Last amended 2012 · Last verified July 16, 2026
In one sentenceSection 8.01-227.14 requires an operator to build a barricade, with an entrance opening no wider than thirty feet, at the entrance to any trail containing freestyle terrain, on top of the signage and warnings already required for freestyle areas.
Full Text of § 8.01-227.14
Plain-English Summary
Beyond the signage and warnings required by § 8.01-227.12(C) and (E), an operator must physically mark off the entrance to any trail containing freestyle terrain, using fencing, flagging, or a similar barricade.
The opening in that barricade cannot exceed thirty feet, so a participant reaches freestyle terrain through a defined, narrowed entry point rather than drifting in from any direction on the trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What physical barrier must surround a freestyle terrain entrance in Virginia?
A barricade built with fencing, flagging, or similar means, required in addition to the signage the article otherwise requires.
How wide can the entrance opening to freestyle terrain be?
Not wider than thirty feet.
Does the barricade replace the freestyle-terrain warning signs?
No. Section 8.01-227.14 requires the barricade in addition to the signage and warnings required under § 8.01-227.12(C) and (E).
What is freestyle terrain under Virginia law?
An area an operator designates for freestyle skiing, freestyle snowboarding, or similar sports, including terrain parks and features such as rails, jumps, and halfpipes, as defined in § 8.01-227.11.
Why does the article require a physical barricade at all?
To give participants a marked, narrow entry point into freestyle terrain, rather than allowing unmarked or accidental entry from anywhere along the trail.
Amendment History
2012, c. 713.
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Code of Virginia, published by the
Code of Virginia, Virginia Division of Legislative Automated Systems. Last verified July 16, 2026.
· Official source
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