Think Safety

Your Responsibility Code

Skiing/snowboarding can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country or other specialized equipment, such as that used by disabled or other skiers/snowboarders. 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/snowboarding that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the code listed below and share with other skiers/snowboarders the responsibility for an overall great 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 downhill 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.

This is a partial list. Be safety conscious.
Officially endorsed by: NATIONAL SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION

North Carolina Skier’s Safety Act

A skier and / or passenger shall have the following responsibilities:

  • To know the range of the skier’s abilities to negotiate any ski slope or trail and to ski within the limits of such ability;
  • To maintain control of the skier’s speed and course at all times when skiing and to avoid other skiers and obvious hazards and inherent risks including variations in terrain, snow, or ice conditions, bare spots and rocks, trees and other forms of forest growth or forest debris;
  • To stay clear of snow grooming equipment, all vehicles, pole lines, lift towers, signs, snow making equipment, and any other equipment on the ski slopes and trails;
  • To heed all posted information and other warnings and to refrain from acting in a manner which may cause or contribute to the injury of the skier or others;
  • To wear retention straps, ski brakes, or other devices to prevent runaway skis or snowboards;
  • Before beginning to ski from a stationary position or before entering a ski slope or trail from the side, to avoid moving skiers already on the ski slope or trail;
  • To not move uphill on any passengers tramway or use any ski slope or trail while such person’s ability to do so is impaired by the consumption of alcohol or by the use of any narcotic or other drug or while such person is under the influence of alcohol or any narcotic or any drug;
  • If involved in a collision with another skier or person, to not leave the vicinity of the collision before giving his name & current address to an employee of the ski area operator, a member of the ski patrol, or the other skier or person with whom the skier collided, except in those cases when medical treatment is required; in which case, said information shall be provided as soon as practical after the medical treatment has been obtained. If the other person involved in the collision is unknown, the skier shall leave the personal; identification required by this sub-section with the ski area operator;
  • Not to embark upon or disembark from a passenger tramway except at an area that is designated for such purpose;
  • Not to throw or expel any object from a passenger tramway;
  • Not to perform any action that interferes with the operation or running of a passenger tramway;
  • Not to use such tramway unless the skier has the ability to use it with reasonable safety;
  • Not to engage willfully or negligently in any type conduct that contributes to or causes injury to another person or his properties;
  • Not to embark upon a passenger tramway without the authority of the ski area operator;
  • If using freestyle terrain, to know the range of the skier’s abilities to negotiate the terrain and to avoid conditions and obstacles beyond the limits of such ability that a visible inspection should have revealed.

Freestyle Terrain

Freestyle Terrain is becoming more popular at resorts and proper use is important. The National Ski Areas Association and Burton Snowboards have developed the “Smart Style” Freestyle Terrain Safety initiative, a cooperative effort to continue the proper use and progression of freestyle terrain at mountain resorts, while also delivering a unified message that is clear, concise, and effective.

Four Main Points of 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 takeoff will directly affect your maneuver and landing.
  • LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP
    • Before getting into freestyle terrain observe all signage and warnings
    • Scope around the jumps first not over them
    • Use your first run as a warm up run and to familiarize yourself with the terrain
    • Be aware that the features change constantly due to weather, usage, grooming and time of day
    • Do not jump blindly and use a spotter when necessary
  • EASY STYLE IT
    • Know your limits and ski/ride within your ability level
    • Look for small progression parks or features to begin with and work your way up
    • Freestyle skills require maintaining control on the ground and in the air
    • Do not attempt any features unless you have sufficient ability and experience to do so safely
    • Inverted aerials increase your risk of injury and are not recommended
  • RESPECT GETS RESPECT
    • Respect the terrain and others
    • One person on a feature at a time
    • Wait your turn and call your start
    • Always clear the landing area quickly
    • Respect all signs and stay off closed terrain and features

Be sure you Know the Code: You’re Responsibility Code provides safety tips while on the slopes. Smart Style is a terrain park specific safety program that you should check out before using terrain parks.

FREESTYLE TERRAIN MAY INCLUDE HALF-PIPES, AS WELL AS TERRAIN PARKS AND TERRAIN FEATURES. THEY ARE PROVIDED FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT AND OFFER ADVENTURE, CHALLENGE AND FUN. HOWEVER, FREESTYLE TERRAIN USE, LIKE ALL SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING, EXPOSES YOU TO THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY. PRIOR TO USING FREESTYLE TERRAIN, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS AND TO FOLLOW “YOUR RESPONSIBILITY CODE”.

  1. Freestyle Terrain contains man-made and natural terrain variations.
  2. Freestyle Terrain changes constantly due to weather and use.
  3. Inspect Freestyle Terrain before using and throughout the day.
  4. In jumping and using this terrain, you assume the risk of serious injury.
  5. Be courteous and respect others.
  6. One user on a Terrain feature at a time.
  7. Never jump blindly – use a spotter when necessary. Look Before You Leap!
  8. It is your responsibility to control your body on the ground and in the air.
  9. Always clear the landing area quickly.
  10. Always ride or ski in control and within your ability.

 

Be Aware - Ski With Care Lids on Kids - lidsonkids.org Smart Style - Terrain Park Safety

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