Know The Code / Smart Style

Know The Code

Skiing and snowboarding can be enjoyed in many ways. At areas, you may see people using alpine skis, snowboards, telemark skis, cross country skis, and other specialized equipment, such as that used by the disabled. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the code listed below, and share with other skiers and riders the responsibility for a great skiing experience.

 

Know The Code Icon

– Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
– People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
– You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.
– Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
– Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
– Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
– Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

Lift Safety

Riding the ski lift can be one of the best parts of the day – the views are beautiful, your legs get a rest, and you get to catch up with friends, family, or make a new friend! But, it’s important (and part of Your Responsibility Code) to know how to load, ride and unload all lifts safely. Not sure what to do at a lift? Ask an attendant or ski patroller for help. Learning how to ride the lift is also one of the features of a ski lesson, and another reason it’s worth discovering snow with a pro.

Tips for Riding Lifts Safely

  • Be familiar with the type of lift you are riding, and ask for help if you need it.
  • Before loading, remove backpacks and secure loose items. Remove pole straps from wrists.
  • Look over your shoulder to watch the chair approach.
  • Sit all the way in the chair, with your back to the seat rest.
  • If the lift has a restraint bar, wait until everyone is seated, and slowly reach up and lower the bar. Do not attempt to lower the bar if you cannot reach it! Adults should always help kids to lower the bar.
  • Be aware of your surroundings while riding the lift. If you drop something, let it fall! You can always ask ski patrol for help retrieving the lost item.
  • As you approach the top terminal, prepare to raise the bar. Look for signs advising you to do so to help with your timing.

Park Smart

Terrain Park Safety Program:

START SMALL – Work your way up. Build your skills.

MAKE A PLAN – Every feature. Every time.

ALWAYS LOOK – Before you drop.

RESPECT – The features and other users.

TAKE IT EASY – Know your limits. Land on your feet.

Helmets

Helmets can help mitigate head injuries on the slopes. Bonus: they also keep your head warm! Not all ski areas require helmets, but it is a good idea to outfit your child with one, and wear one yourself. While wearing a helmet is a personal choice, you would be setting a good example for the young ones in your family if you chose to wear one while skiing or riding.

Helmet Stats

  • Approximately 84% of skiers and snowboarders in the U.S. wear helmets
  • Nearly 100% of kids age 9 and under wear helmets. Many ski areas include helmets in a kids’ rental package, and some may even require children to wear one in a lesson (for example, the state of New Jersey requires all kids under age 18 to wear a helmet while skiing or snowboarding).
  • A peer reviewed scientific study found that potentially serious head injuries in skiing decreased as helmet usage increased. Helmets have been found to reduce the severity of head injuries and almost completely prevent lacerations.

Tips for Avoiding Collisions

Complementing the Responsibility Code and it’s 7 tenets, #RideAnotherDay promotes 3 actions every skier and rider can take to help keep themselves and those around safer on the slopes.

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 what’s 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.

By doing these three things every run, you’ll be helping keep the slopes safe and enjoyable, for you and everyone else.

Collision safety promotes on-hill safety and responsible skiing and riding to reduce the risk of a collision between two or more skiers and riders. The tragedy from an on-snow collision inspired the development of the #RideAnotherDay campaign. This safety program is a main pillar of collision safety and uses artwork and media content to spread awareness. It is important to educate your guests and community on this powerful topic. Read about #RideAnotherDay below, and learn what you can do to promote safety on the hill. The #RideAnotherDay campaign has both a print and a video component where ski areas can find artwork and posters to help spread the collision safety message to their guests.