- Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
- People ahead of you have the right of way. You must avoid them.
- Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
- Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
- You must prevent runaway equipment.
- Read and obey all signs, warnings and hazard markers.
- Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
- You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
- Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.
Know and obey the code. It’s your responsibility.
If you need help understanding the Code, please ask an employee.
A helmet is one additional tool for slope safety, and the National Ski Patrol recommends wearing one while skiing or boarding. However, it’s important to remember that helmets have limitations. Studies show that helmets offer considerably less protection for serious head injury to snow riders traveling more than 12-14 mph. Safety and conscientious skiing and riding should be considered the most important factors to injury prevention, while helmets provide a second line of defense. Don’t let a helmet give you a false sense of security. When wearing a helmet, ski and snowboard as if you’re not.
Other Sources Available:
Watch this video from High Fives Foundation featuring former patroller Sally Francklyn that discusses helmet safety.
Helmets Are Cool BASICS 8 | Chapter 1 | Sally Francklyn from HighFivesFoundation on Vimeo.
Terrain p
arks are an increasingly popular feature at ski resorts. Parks have rails, jumps, boxes, and more features that enable skiers and snowboarders to try new tricks and show off their skills. Using features safely in a terrain park involves having knowledge and a plan. Here are two sites that provide many resources on terrain park safety.
Learn more about terrain park safety at NSAA’s Discover Snow website.
Deep Snow and Tree Well Safety
Skiing and snowboarding in deep powder is very enjoyable. However, tree wells, areas of loose, unconsolidated snow at the base of trees, pose a hazard for the unwary, and can lead to death from Snow Immersion Suffocation (SIS).
In studies, 90 percent of those who were voluntarily buried in a tree well could not dig themselves out without assistance. When skiing in areas where tree wells and deep snow are a potential hazard, always ski with a buddy.
Other Sources Available:
Following is NSAA‘s Mountain Biker’s Responsibility Code, along with a video describing it.
Mountain Biking involves risk of serious injury or death. Your knowledge, decisions and actions contribute to your safety and that of others.
ALWAYS:
1. Stay in control. You’re responsible for avoiding objects and people.
2. Know your limits. Ride within your ability. Start small and work your way up.
3. Protect yourself. Use an appropriate bike, helmet and protective equipment.
4. Inspect and maintain your equipment. Know your components and their operation prior to riding.
5. Be lift smart. Know how to load, ride and unload lifts safely. Ask if you need help.
6. Inspect the trails and features. Conditions change constantly; plan and adjust your riding accordingly.
7. Obey signs and warnings. Stay on marked trails only. Keep off closed trails and features. Ride in the direction indicated.
8. Be visible. Do not stop where you obstruct a trail, feature, landing or are not visible.
9. Look and yield to others. Look both ways and yield when entering or crossing a road or trail. When overtaking, use caution and yield to those ahead.
10. Cooperate. If involved in or witness to an accident, identify yourself to staff.
Know and follow the code. It is your responsibility.
Learn more about mountain bike safety and trail signage on NSAA’s Mountain Bike page.