Snow Skills

The fifth item of the Responsibility Code is Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.

Runaway equipment may look like a gag moment, but it can be a serious concern on the slopes. A loose ski or snowboard will pick up speed quickly and usually ends up going as far downhill as the terrain will allow. Someone could easily suffer a broken limb if struck by runaway equipment.

For alpine skis, every ski binding system has an integral ski brake, which is designed to stop a ski while the boot isn’t in the binding. The ski brake typically consists of a spring-loaded plate with two prongs that are either 1) stuck into the snow or 2) tucked up out of the way, depending on the presence of the boot. Note that the brake may not work in very hard snow conditions and also that sometimes the brake will fail or break. It’s important for every skier to inspect and verify the condition of the brakes prior to going skiing.
For snowboards, a short leash connecting the boot to the front binding is a good idea, especially if you use a step-in or cleat-style binding. The most important moment of risk with a snowboard is when it’s set down in the snow. Always set a snowboard face down in the snow, resting on the heel risers. This arrangement will prevent the board from sliding away and make the board more visible from up the slope.