- Can I really get hurt out there? Simply, yes. However, statistics gathered from mountain resorts in the United States during 2006-07 found that only one of every 2.5 million skier visits resulted in death. This by no means indemnifies you from educating yourself about the proper safety protocols that should be undertaken while on the ski slopes.
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According to the U.S. National Ski Patrol (NSP), the "skier responsibility code" should be followed and shared with others to ensure safe enjoyment on the ski hill.
1. Always remain in control and be sure you are able to stop or avoid other people/objects.
2. People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
3. Never stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
4. Always look uphill and yield to others when merging into a trail.
5. Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment (e.g. snowboard leash or ski-brakes).
6. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas. Observe and obey all posted warning signs.
7. Be sure to have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely prior to using any lift. -
Endorsed by the National Ski Area Association (NSAA) and Burton Snowboards, "Smart Style" is a terrain park safety initiative aimed at creating awareness as to the proper use and development of terrain parks. The four official components to the Smart Style methodology are as follows:
1. MAKE A PLAN
Every time you use freestyle terrain, make a plan for each feature you want to use. Your speed, approach and take off will directly affect your maneuver and landing.
2. LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP
Scope around the jumps first, not over them. Know your landings are clear and clear yourself out of the landing area.
3. EASY STYLE IT
Start small and work your way up. (Inverted aerials not recommended).
4. RESPECT GETS RESPECT
From the lift line through the park. -
Each year, more and more people step out of bounds to enjoy the serenity and challenge of backcountry skiing. If you decide to ski beyond marked or patrolled boundaries many factors must be considered, inclusive of the condensed list below:
1. Before venturing into the backcountry, gain necessary and potentially life-saving experience by taking an avalanche training course.
2. Be aware of avalanche-causing variables such as recent snowfall, rapid temperature fluctuations, current weather forecasts and slope-degree angle/potential hazards along intended route.
3. Alert ski patrol (or a third party) of your departure from patrolled areas and intended route.
4. Avoid traveling alone.
5. Avoid traveling in groups that are too large (ideally less than six people).
6. Never enter the backcountry without an avalanche transceiver and make sure you have working knowledge of its functions.
7. Along with transceiver, be equipped with shovel, probe, and at minimum, other essentials such as water, first-aid kit and two-way radios/cell phones. - Base layers, wind and waterproof outerwear (including jacket, pants and gloves), head covering (winter hat or helmet), eye-protection (goggles/sunglasses) and sunscreen are extremely important to on-hill safety and enjoyment. Properly tuned equipment, as well as the ability to properly manipulate the equipment, such as through professional instruction, is also recommended for overall ski safety.
- Although immensely fun, the physical rigors of skiing can create dangerous scenarios adverse to safety on the slopes (especially after months of potential "ski movement-specific" inactivity). If your idea of pre-season training involves only a "thumb workout" by skipping ahead to your favorite scenes in ski videos, you could be setting yourself up for disaster. Make sure to enter the ski season conditioned in terms of muscle strength, aerobic fitness and flexibility.
