I love this little gem in the desert. Everyone is super nice. Yes, visitors need to stay off the snow areas is they do not have a lift pass. It's very dangerous. People just wander out in front the riders and when staff tells them to move aside, they get mad. This is. It a snow okay area. There was a skier that lost control and ran into some visitors but the staff was in control of situation and helped those involved. Signs everywhere to stay off without a pass for a reason.
The instructors are so nice and outgoing. Always there to help anyway possible.