Skiing and snowboarding fun and protecting the head and body
By Thomas Lehrich, President of the Board
Plus One Foundation- from our programs in aquatics and movement classes to music knows first hand that for those with neurological conditions-exercise is important for recovery. Skiing and snowboarding brings snow, alpine fresh air and access to mountains as a heathy activity.
This article discusses the fundamentals of snowboarding and skiing safety including topics on right-of-way rules, speed control, and communication when on the slopes. Let’s get started-item number one is wearing a well fitted ski helmet with MIPS technology.
Alpine Safety
The slopes bring skiers and snowboarders at various levels and skiing speed. Knowing the rules helps you to be a safe skier and snowboarder.
Right of way- When on the trail, skiers that are down hill have the right of way. The skier above them must yield to those down hill.
How to merge- When trails merge, enter the trail by looking uphill when merging, and yield to oncoming skiers when entering any new trail.
Speed- The rule of the game is control of speed. Skiers and riders need to be in control of their speed at all times. And maintain enough space between you and surrounding riders to be able to react safely.
What goes up-comes down- Loading the chair. When it’s your time to get on the chair, make sure you’re ready. Know where the load line is, and make yourself familiar with the specific lift. Most gondolas load with skis on the outside of the gondola car, ski poles inside. On chair lifts, use the safety bar and prepare early for unloading.
Signals
Skiing is an action and skilled activity and falls and accidents may occur. In case you’re involved in one, it is important to know what to do. Start with placing skis in an "X" to signal for help if you’re injured or assisting someone who is. The Ski Patrol are responsible for helping skiers and signaling the need for help is important. If you’re in a blind spot on the hill, move only if you’re able—otherwise, station a fellow skier or snowboarder higher up to alert oncoming skiers. Aid the injured skier as best you can, and wait for the ski patrol to arrive.
Passing- Downhill skiers have the right of way. That doesn’t mean you can’t pass them, though. It means to do so respectfully, and on the downhill skier’s terms. Announce your presence.
Ski runs at your level- Slopes are marked by symbols, colors and words on the difficulty rating. The global colors are blue denotes novice, green intermediate and black expert. Ski at your skill level. It will be far more enjoyable.
Know the code
The ski code was created by the National Ski Areas Association and is promoted by the National Ski Patrol:
Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
People ahead or downhill 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 markings.
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.
Education is at the heart of what we do; our Think aBout It campaign aims to dig deeper into all aspects of TBIs and neurological conditions.