7 Ski & Snowboard Safety Tips

National Safety Awareness week in Colorado.

Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) and its 22 member resorts are promoting National Safety Awareness Week, January 15 to 23, 2011.

Colorado resorts are hosting events, clinics and activities designed to educate skiers and riders about the importance of slope safety.

Ski rescue workers promote slope safety.

The programs are aimed to motivate safe skiing and riding and highlight the Skier Responsibility Code and resort safety.

Says Melanie Mills, CSCUSA president and CEO:

“Although for all our members, every week is safety week, this week adds extra emphasis to the high priority resorts place on this issue. It’s a chance for resorts to highlight that skiing and snowboarding responsibly is the best way for all to enjoy their day on the slopes.”

The member resorts have many safety measures including snow safety and avalanche awareness; educating guests about helmet use and reminders about proper hydration and sunscreen use to slow skiing zones.

CSCUSA says the responsible behavior of skiers and riders and the Skier Responsibility Code is central to skier and rider responsibility.

Here are the responsibilities within the Skier Responsibility Code:

• “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.”

Images courtesy of CSCUSA