January is National Ski Area Associations (NSAA) Safety Month and this week we are focusing on ๐๐ง๐จ๐ฐ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐๐. Skiing and snowboarding are meant to be fun, outdoor activities that people of all ages can participate in and enjoy. With that, comes the responsibility of having courteous on-mountain etiquette. By following a set of simple instructions, you and your skiing partners can have a great, safe time on the mountain. We urge all of you to come up and hit the slopes with us, but before doing so, make sure you ๐๐ง๐จ๐ฐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐๐ – ๐๐ญ’๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ.
The Responsibility Code
1. Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
2. People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
3. Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
4. Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
5. You must prevent runaway equipment.
6. Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
7. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
8. You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
9. Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
10. If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.
Complementing the Responsibility Code, #RideAnotherDay promotes 3 actions every skier and rider can take to help keep themselves and those around safer on the slopes. These three actions are:
1. BE READY
Be ready to slow down or avoid objects or other people at any time. Ski and ride in such a way that you are always able to control yourself regardless of conditions and avoid others and objects you may encounter on the run, groomed or otherwise.
2. STAY ALERT
Stay alert to whatโs going on around you, especially other skiers and riders. Being aware of those around and changing conditions will help you have a fun and safe day on the hill.
3. PLAN AHEAD
Ease up at blind spots, check uphill when merging onto trails, and give other skiers plenty of room when passing. Look out for spots on the run where traffic merges or you can’t see what’s coming next. If you are unfamiliar with a run, take it easy the first time down it and make note of places where you’ll want to slow down, such as cat tracks and rollers. Also, give other skiers and riders lots or room, especially if you are passing them. There’s plenty of space out there, so there’s no need to crowd each other.
Published by Harley Smith 1/24/2023