You're skiing along, reveling in the crisp mountain air and distinct absence of your cubicle walls, when "WHAM!" -- you're knocked onto the snow.
"Sorry dude, I didn't see you," someone says from above you, an earbud hanging down from his ear. He (or, yes, she) quickly takes off, leaving you dazed on the snow. It's a snowboarder or skier who wasn't in control who has possibly ruined your season with their stupidity.
During early-season skiing, large amounts of skiers and
snowboarders get funneled into a small area. Too often means you wind
up on your ass.
On-hill collisions can ruin a day, if not a
season. Realistically, collisions shouldn't happen, especially if
people follow the skier responsibility code. According to the Colorado Ski Country website, the code was developed in 1966 by the National Ski Areas Association to help mitigate the dangers in skiing.
And it goes a little something like this:
- 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.
