Each operator, upon request, shall provide to a participant a trail map of all trails located in the operator's winter sports area. The maps shall be available at each ticket sales office and at other locations at the winter sports area such that the maps are easily accessible to participants. All trail maps shall indicate the skill-level designation for each trail at the winter sports area as designated in subsection C of § 8.01-227.12.
§ 8.01-227.13.Winter sports area trail maps.
Chapter 3. Actions · Article 25. Winter Sports Safety Act · Last amended 2012 · Last verified July 16, 2026
In one sentenceSection 8.01-227.13 requires each winter sports area operator to give a participant, on request, a trail map showing every trail’s skill-level designation, available at ticket offices and other locations easy for participants to reach.
Full Text of § 8.01-227.13
Plain-English Summary
This short provision requires an operator to provide a trail map, on request, covering all the trails in its winter sports area. Maps must be kept at each ticket sales office and at other locations chosen so participants can readily reach them.
Each map must show the skill-level designation for every trail, using the same difficulty symbols required on trailhead signage under § 8.01-227.12(C), so a participant reading a map sees the same rating system as one reading a sign at the trailhead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I entitled to a trail map at a Virginia ski area?
Yes, on request, showing all of the trails in the operator’s winter sports area.
What information must a Virginia trail map include?
The skill-level designation for each trail, matching the difficulty symbols set out in § 8.01-227.12(C).
Where can I find trail maps at a ski resort?
At each ticket sales office and at other locations chosen so the maps are easily accessible to participants.
Does the operator have to hand a map to every visitor automatically?
The statute conditions the duty on a request, rather than requiring automatic distribution, but the maps must be readily available.
Why does the article tie trail maps to the same skill-level symbols used on signs?
So a participant sees a consistent difficulty rating whether reading a posted sign at the trailhead or a printed map, matching the labeling scheme set out in § 8.01-227.12.
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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