Snow Skills

According to the National Ski Patrol, here is your responsibility code when skiing and riding:

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

The first item of the code is “Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects”.

It’s no coincidence that staying in control is the first item of the Code.  Just like when driving or riding a bike, you need to control your path and speed such that you can stop and avoid anything in front of you. The best mental approach is to regard everything in front of you as a possible obstacle and plan accordingly. Speed is probably the most impact factor to this plan: it will takes consideration of terrain, conditions, your abilities, and traffic to make a good choice of speed during any run.   It’s always a good idea to use a more conservative approach to speed; it’s more practical to stay in control at an easier pace than to go faster and struggle with control.
An effective way to become a more controlled skier and rider is to invest in yourself by taking some lessons: your local ski and snowboard school can help you develop the skills to be safe on the slopes.