Janet CollinsSkiing, Etiquette and Safety
August 26th 2009 21:16
There are some places where abiding by rules and courtesies are not only just being respectful of others but can also prevent a lot of injury. That was evident to me recently on my annual skiing holiday.
I was at Perisher Valley last week and I don’t think I have ever seen so many people being carted off the slopes by the medics. Skiing or snowboarding can be a dangerous sport but following the rules of the mountain and using a bit of common sense will not only make a holiday a much more enjoyable one but it will certainly minimise accidents.
There are pretty solid rules on the mountains and most skiers are pretty good at following them and basic courtesies while skiing but there are some who either just don’t know or just don’t care about them.
Anyone who has ever taken to skiing or snow boarding will know that there are dangers attached and these dangers are escalated when people are reckless. Accidents on the slopes are always going to be but they are a lot more common when people skiing on the slopes pay little attention to the rules of the mountain.
There is really no excuse because the rules of the mountain are written up nearly everywhere. There are some things that anyone new or relatively new to skiing or snowboarding on the slopes should know.
Anyone attempting to ski or snow board on slopes should always stay on slopes relative to their capability. All the slopes and trails are colour coded for beginners, intermediate, advanced and very advanced. This is for very good reason. Beginners or those with little experience who have not learned or are not able to stop, should not go beyond their on slopes where they are not in control. Doing so will not only put themselves in danger but will also endanger other skiers and snowboarders too.
For years I took group lessons which are really pretty reasonable and don’t cost much more than the daily lift pass. Some of the lessons I had were much more beneficial than others but I did learn to do a lot of things on skis that I would not have otherwise learned. These included stopping myself, being able to slow myself down and “edging” down slopes that were either too steep or too difficult to ski down.
One other thing many people forget to do is to look up the mountain to see if the coast is clear before take off. This is a very important one because any skier coming down the mountain may not know that someone who appears to be resting is about to take off.
There are some “right of way” rules as well. Skiers in front always have right of way so anyone skiing behind should watch which way the person in front of them is moving. On trails skiers or boarders should avoid crossing the trail and everyone should give others a good bit of space when on the mountains or the trails to minimise collisions.
Snow boarders are very often criticised by skiers but for very good reason. This is especially the case with beginner boarders. Their boards are lethal and often beginners have very little control. What annoys me with most of the boarders is that they plonk themselves anywhere on the slope, regardless of the thoroughfare and don’t look around when they decide to take off.
It is always best to ski or snowboard with at least one other person and if someone has an accident wait with them and cross a pair of skis standing up so medics can be alerted that someone has hurt themselves. It also alerts other skiers and boarders that someone is injured.
All that aside, a holiday in the snow can be magnificent and so much fun if only everyone on the slopes would honour the rules, appreciate the dangers and take more than usual care. Poor weather conditions and icey snow can also increase the probability of injury so it is really good to learn how to deal with this too.
A holiday in the snow can be lovely and the rules of the mountain are more than just etiquette. They are for everyone’s safety.
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Comment by Mr Nice Guy
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That said, I still enjoy surfing - where the laws of the land (so to speak) are respect and observance of several fundamental rules - which have been handed down (and dished out occassionally) over many, many years.
Comment by Janet Collins
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I hate to think there will be a time in the future when I will have to give it up completely. I look at all the older ones who still ski the difficult slopes and it gives me some hope that I have a way to go.
In general, I think mostly people are pretty careful and respectful on the slopes but it only takes one or two to make the area a serious danger zone. Luckily for me I have only once had a fracture and that was the worst.
Happy surfing to you.
Comment by Journeywoman
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Back to the skiing though, yes it is so important to follow the codes, and thankfully the ski patrol don't hesitate to take away people's tickets or passes if they break it. Beginners who consider themselves intermediates are by far the worst offenders here, but most people are aware of their own standard so it's only a tiny minority.
Perisher annoys me, but it's still the best we've got in Oz. Good article Janet.
Comment by JohnDoe
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Just like when "jaws is in the water and you must stay out of the ocean, if your not experienced stay out of the trees and control your speed.
Comment by Janet Collins
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I think most people are really aware of the dangers and pretty good at following the rules of the mountain. It is just the few that try to ski above their level or just don't care who ruin it.
Comment by Janet Collins
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Wouldn't I just love to join you!
I think the medics have been very busy this year. There have even been a few deaths - one only yesterday. Pity, because it is such an enjoyable thing to do if everyone took a little more care.
Thank you.
Comment by Wilson Pon
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Comment by Janet Collins
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