Safety

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY CODE

Skiing and snowboarding can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country and 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.

• People ahead of you have the right of way.

• Stop in a safe place for you and others.

• Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.

• Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.

• Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails.

• Know how to use the lifts safely.

• Be safety conscious and KNOW THE CODE. IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

This is a partial list. Officially endorsed by: National Ski Areas Association

SMART STYLE TERRAIN PARK SAFETY

The National Ski Areas Association and Burton Snowboards would like to welcome you to the “Smart Style” Terrain Park Safety initiative. This venture has been a cooperative effort to continue the proper use and progression of terrain parks at mountain resorts, while also delivering a unified message that is clear, concise, and effective.

We believe the “Smart Style” message along with existing safety messages; will help to heighten the sense of education and awareness about the proper use of terrain parks in a way that is not hard to deliver, or for that matter to digest.

The more people we can educate and get involved to help to spread the knowledge, the better!

The Smart Style Program:

There are four main messages that are associated with Smart Style:

• Make a Plan. Every time you use freestyle terrain, make a plan for each feature you want to use. Your speed, approach and take off will directly affect your maneuver and landing.

• Look Before You Leap. Scope around the jumps first, not over them. Know your landings are clear and clear yourself out of the landing area.

• Easy Style It. Start small and work your way up. (Inverted aerials not recommended).

• Respect Gets Respect. From the lift line through the park.

For more info: National Ski Areas Association

TERRAINPARKSAFETY.ORG

NSAA launched a new consumer website: Terrain Park Safety in October 2004. The site incorporates up-to-date information on freestyle terrain safety, and encourages consumers to educate themselves about the use of terrain parks, halfpipes and other freestyle areas at snowsports resorts. As the sport grows in popularity, the elements of the site are meant to educate the consumer about aspects of freestyle terrain.

For more info: Terrain Park Safety

LIDS ON KIDS

With the increasing popularity of helmets during the past few years many parents are considering a helmet for their child. The National Ski Areas Association, together with the help of many others in the ski industry, has developed this site to help educate parents about putting helmets on their children while they’re on the slopes.

NSAA, the trade association for ski areas across the country, recommends that parents, skiers and snowboarders make the right choice about wearing a helmet. It’s up to you to educate yourself about their benefits and limitations. Ultimately, the choice of whether to wear a helmet is one of personal or parental choice.

For more info: Lids on Kids

SKI TIPS FOR KIDS

Have your child memorize the “Your Responsibility Code.” It’s the seven rules of the slopes and many accidents can be avoided by adhering to the Code.

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 because a helmet may impede their hearing. Make sure the helmet fits correctly. A ski helmet is not an item you buy for your child to grow into. Educate your child about the benefits and limitations of the helmet. Wearing a helmet doesn’t give permission to ski or snowboard faster or recklessly.

Dress in layers. Layering allows you to accommodate your body’s constantly changing temperature. For example, dress your kids in polypropylene underware (top and bottoms) which feels good next to the skin, dries quickly, absorbs sweat and keeps you warm. Your kids should also wear a turtleneck, sweater and waterproof jacket.

Be prepared. Mother Nature has a mind of her own. Kids should wear a hat or headband, 80 percent of heat-loss is through the head. Kids should also wear gloves or mittens (mittens are usually better for kids who are susceptible to cold hands).

Be sure they wear sun protection, even on cloudy days. The sun reflects off the snow and is stronger than you think! A ski vacation with a sun burn is no fun!

Kids should have sunglasses and goggles with them. Skiing is a lot more fun when you can see. Always wear eye protection.

When buying skiwear, look for fabric that is water and wind-resistant. Look for wind flaps to shield zippers, snug cuffs at wrists and ankles, collars that can be snuggled up to the chin and deep pockets. Be sure to buy your children quality clothing products.

Be sure you child has the name and phone number of your hotel written down on a piece of paper and it’s in a secure pocket. If you carry a cell phone, include this number too.

Put your kids in ski school to get them on the right track. Children’s instructors know how to teach kids, it’s their business. Then you’ll enjoy skiing with your kids and they will be proud to show you their skiing abilities.

An observance from a long-time skier is that when his daughter skied with him, she regressed, as opposed to skiing with her peers in a lesson. “She wanted to ski in-between my legs and fell down more often. We had fun with her being silly, but a lesson allowed her to focus on her skiing and she really excelled.”

Although it is very unlikely that your child would get separated from the instructor, be sure your child has a trail map and is able to remember the instructor’s name.

Make sure your child knows when to stop skiing. For example, if the clothing layer next to their skin stays wet and they’re chilled, if they’re injured, have a problem with equipment or even if they’re simply worn out. Educate them that it’s alright to stop before the end of the day and breaks are fun.

Make a meeting place if you get separated, for example, at the bottom of chairlift #2. The walkie talkies now available are convenient and a big hit on the slopes.

Starting your kids early, opens a world of adventure, fun, laughter and beautiful scenery unsurpassed, from many other sports and interests. It’s a tremendous feeling to learn that your kids’ fondest childhood memories were of your family ski vacations and now skiing has become an important element in their lives. Your kids will be forever grateful to you when they become adults!

Prepared by the National Ski Areas Association.

TIPS FOR PRIOR TO HITTING THE SLOPES

• Get in shape. Don’t try to ski yourself into shape. You’ll enjoy skiing more if you’re physically fit.

• Obtain proper equipment. Be sure to have your ski or snowboard bindings adjusted correctly at a local ski shop. You can rent good ski or snowboarding equipment at resorts.

• When buying skiwear, look for fabric that is water and wind-resistant. Look for wind flaps to shield zippers, snug cuffs at wrists and ankles, collars that can be snuggled up to the chin and drawstrings that can be adjusted for comfort and keep wind out. Be sure to buy quality clothing and products.

• Dress in layers. Layering allows you to accommodate your body’s constantly changing temperature. For example, dress in polypropylene underwear (top and bottoms), which feels good next to the skin, dries quickly, absorbs sweat and keeps you warm. Wear a turtleneck, sweater and jacket.

• Be prepared. Mother Nature has a mind of her own. Bring a headband or hat with you to the slopes, 60 percent of heat-loss is through the head. Wear gloves or mittens (mittens are usually better for those susceptible to cold hands).

• Wear sun protection. The sun reflects off the snow and is stronger than you think, even on cloudy days!

• Always wear eye protection. Have sunglasses and goggles with you. Skiing and snowboarding are a lot more fun when you can see.

Prepared by the National Ski Areas Association.

TIPS FOR WHILE ON THE SLOPES

• Take a lesson. Like anything, you’ll improve the most when you receive some guidance. The best way to become a good skier or snowboarder is to take a lesson from a qualified instructor.

• The key to successful skiing/snowboarding is control. To have it, you must be aware of your technique, the terrain and the skiers/snowboarders around you. Be aware of the snow conditions and how they can change. As conditions turn firm, the skiing gets hard and fast. Begin a run slowly.

• Skiing and snowboarding require a mental and physical presence. If you find yourself on a slope that exceeds your ability level, always leave your s

• The all-important warm-up run prepares you mentally and physically for the day ahead.

• Drink plenty of water. Be careful not to become dehydrated.

• Curb alcohol consumption. Skiing and snowboarding do not mix well with alcohol or drugs.

• Know your limits. Learn to ski and snowboard smoothly—and in control. Stop before you become fatigued and, most of all have fun.

• If you’re tired, stop skiing. In this day and age of multi-passenger gondolas and high-speed chairlifts, you can get a lot more time on the slopes compared to the days of the past when guests were limited to fixed grip chairlifts.

• Follow the “Your Responsibility Code,” the seven safety rules of the slopes.

Prepared by the National Ski Areas Association.