Ski Safety Advice
Skiing can be enjoyed in many ways: using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country, or other specialized ski equipment; such as that used by disabled or other skiers. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others, and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce.
Responsibility Code
Skiing can be enjoyed in many ways: using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country, or other specialized ski equipment; such as that used by disabled or other skiers. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others, and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce.
Observe the code listed below, and share with other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing experience.
Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
You must not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
Whenever starting down hill or merging into a trail, look uphill, and yield to others.
Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride, and unload safely.
Know the code. It's Your Responsibility
Information courtesy of Snowplaces.comBefore You Start
Skiing is a demanding physical sport. Specific and careful preparation pays off.
You should leave plenty of time to improve your fitness before you travel - you are probably not as fit as you think.
Warm Up
Lack of a warm up is one of the most common reasons for injury. Always ensure that you have stretched thoroughly and that you have exercised to mobilise the relevant joints.
The thighs are major skiing muscles but don't forget the abdomen, buttocks, and calves need to be warmed and worked. As do those in the neck, shoulders, hips and surrounding the joints.
Things to remember when exercising:
Do not bounce your stretches.
Try to avoid sudden jerky movements.
Hold each stretch for 10-20 seconds and repeat each one several times.
The daily warm up should include light aerobic exercise.
Lastly, before heading out for your après ski, make sure that you have 'cooled down'. Gentle muscle stretches will help to ensure that you will not experience muscle soreness or stiffness after exercise.
It is VITAL to warm up before skiing or snowboarding.Keeping Kids Safe
Have your children memorize the Skier’s Safety Code.
Dress your children properly in lightweight breathable layers with the first layer being a “wicking” type of fabric, such as polypropylene long underwear, followed by a turtleneck, sweater or fleece vest, and finally covered with a breathable waterproof or water-resistant jacket.
Make sure your children are equipped with a hat and gloves or mittens. A great deal of heat loss is through the head, so hats or headbands are especially important in weather changes. Mittens generally keep hands warmer than gloves.
Have your child wear sunscreen in any kind of weather, as the sun reflecting off the snow (even on cloudy days) can cause sunburn.
Children should always wear eye protection: goggles or sunglasses.
If your child is enrolled in ski school make sure they know the name of their instructor in case of separation. For beginners, instruct them to stop and ask for assistance if they get separated rather than try to find their own way down a mountain.
Make sure your child has your name and telephone number written down in a zipped pocket.
Make sure your child knows when to stop skiing. For example, if the clothing layer next to their skin stays wet and they are getting chilled, if they suspect an injury, if a boot or binding is not fitting properly, or they are just worn out.
Ski helmets are a good idea. If your child wears a ski helmet, remember you may have to raise your voice more to get their attention.
Arrange a meeting place if you get separated (for example, at the bottom of chair lift #4).
