January is National Ski Areas Association Safety Month, so we wanted to highlight their Responsibility Code that skiers and snowboarders are expected to follow when out on the slopes. Winter sports can be dangerous and it’s important that everyone keeps the Responsibility Code in mind to ensure yours and everyone else’s safety. Staying informed and prepared is the key to having an enjoyable and responsible time on the mountain.
YOUR 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.
Our team of Ski Patrollers is dedicated to enforcing the Responsibility Code in a direct, yet respectful manner. If you find yourself in a situation where one of our patrollers are attempting to explain a section of the Responsibility Code, please hear them out as this is what they are trained to do: to keep you and everyone else on the slopes as safe as possible. Learn all about the National Ski Area Association here. Happy and safe skiing and riding, ya’ll!
Published by Harley Smith