Ski And Snowboard Safety

Safety First

by Lincoln Price

Publication Date: December 2001

Ringing in the new year not only brought resolutions of dieting and getting fit, for ski and snowboard enthusiasts it brought perfect skiing and snowboarding conditions. However, we shouldn't forget the devastating skiing accidents of such famous people like Sunny Bono and Michael Kennedy in 1998. With that in mind, Extremz would like to remind you of some important safety tips to ensure this season is a fun and enjoyable one for all.

John Cossaboom, head ski instructor at the Cataloochee Ski Area, explains that the risk of serious injury when skiing or snowboarding is quite minimal when compared to the common dangers of riding in a vehicle. "The key to staying safe while you are skiing or snowboarding is to stay in control and always be aware of what you are doing and what is going on around you at all times," Cossaboom says. This simple statement is the main theme and point of the skiers and snowboarder's responsibility code.

The Responsibility Code is listed as:

1. Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.

This first rule of thumb is stated as simply as can be...if you can't be in control of yourself and your equipment, then you shouldn't be out there in the first place.

2. People ahead of you have the right away. It is your responsibility to avoid them.

This rule just tries to make you understand that absolutely nobody has eyes in the back of their head. There are no rear view mirrors in skiing and snowboarding; if somebody wipes out in front of you, it's up to you to stop or move out of the way.

3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.

Common sense. If you wipeout at a particular point, where you can't be seen, you'd better hop up and get out of the way. If you're hurt, make sure somebody is signaling up ahead for the rest of the traffic to change their direction.

4. Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.

This is not only smart, but it's common courtesy as well. There is nothing more annoying than having a good run until you have some jerk pull out in front of you from the middle of nowhere. This is how many accidents occur and how a lot of heated arguments begin.

5. Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.

The most painful injury is usually caused by the collision with you or another person's equipment. Every respectable snowboard should have a leash attached to it. Your bindings will usually keep you connected with your board, but in the more serious wipeout, you'd be surprised at what kinds of things can go flying loose. Skiers should always keep their poles around their wrist and be ready to scream a warning in case of a loose ski.

6.Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.

Forgetting how to read and failing to follow this rule usually gets your lift ticket revoked.

7.Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

Riding on a chair lift seems quite simple in theory. However, some of the nasty wipeouts and pile ups begin and end at the chair lift. To prevent injury, be prepared to load, unload, and clear out of the way if you fall.

This is the skiers and snowboarders Responsibility Code. It's as elementary as can be, but still lets you know exactly what you're obligated to be aware of any time you step foot onto a ski slope. If anyone is concerned for their safety when snowboarding or skiing, they can purchase or rent a helmet at any ski shop. It's mostly simple common sense so always be aware of what's going on around you and remember -- Safety First!