Safety & Courtesy Never go out of Style

Following The Skiing Responsibility Code Goes
A Long Way In Making It A Pleasant Day On The Slopes

Story by Mark Mitchell

According to Gil Adams of Beech Mountain, being properly outfitted in ski clothing not only adds to skiing enjoyment, but ski safety as well.

As with enjoying life, enjoying a safe and etiquette-filled day at the slopes cannot simply be boiled down to following a few rules, but, on the other hand, it is a good place to start.

“Knowing the North Carolina Skier’s Safety Act and the responsibility code is a very important part of a good day of skiing,” said Beech Mountain marketing director Gil Adams. “Following these rules make all the difference.”

While we will later go into further detail on how to enjoy a safe skiing experience, and how to do so with courtesy, the following seven items make up the partial list of the responsibility code:

· 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.

“The code is an excellent start,” Adams said, “and it’s a start that needs to be adhered to along with other safety guidelines. Skiing in control, taking skiing lessons and being properly dressed are also important aspects.”

Adams said when skiers get out of control, errors may be made which lead to people getting injured. A good start, according to Adams, is taking lessons before heading out for the slopes.

“Lessons are good for everyone,” Adams continued. “The key is take lessons from a qualified instructor. Sometimes people take lessons from friends and learn bad habits. Even experienced skiers should take lessons from time to time to brush up.”

Another aspect of safety involves something not often discussed … dressing correctly. Not only can skiers become injured because of mistakes associated with being on the verge of hypothermia, but being on the verge of hypothermia when injured is also a dangerous situation.

“We even advise our ski patrollers to rotate in from the slopes to warm up,” Adams said. “We don’t want them to be on the verge of being hypothermic right when they have to assist with an injury or problem. Plus, skiing is only fun if you are dressed properly.”

In regards to injuries, Adams said the number one injury when skiing comes in the form of a sprained knee, while the number one injury when snowboarding involves an upper extremity issue like a shoulder, arm or wrist.

“One of the best things you can do to help prevent injuries is to be in good condition,” Adams remarked. “Once in awhile there is a serious injury, but most injuries are not that serious. There is a misconception along those lines, but the general rate of injury is only three out of every 1,000. Something that also helps prevent injuries is to know your limits. No matter your age, take breaks, rest a little and get refueled. When people get tired, they get more careless because they are not as sharp.”

While we started this article with a skier’s responsibility code, in closing, here are a few more tips to help make your day on the slopes a safer, more enjoyable experience.

· Ski on trails that correspond to your skill level. Don’t attempt a run that is too difficult and risk injuring yourself; conversely, don’t zip by novice skiers on beginner slopes and risk injuring others.

· Learn trail markings that designate beginner, intermediate, expert and closed trails.

· When passing someone fairly closely, call out On your left or On your right.

· Cross a trail only if it is absolutely necessary and only when it’s safe to do so. Make sure you are completely visible to any skiers higher up on the slope.

· Respect others’ rights on the slopes, just as you expect them to respect yours.

· Stay with an injured person until ski patrol arrives. It is your responsibility if you caused the accident.