National Safety Awareness Week Day One: ALWAYS STAY IN CONTROL

It’s National Safety Awareness Week and your Skier’s Responsibility Code of the Day is ALWAYS STAY IN CONTROL. 

The most important thing to remember with every one of the codes is they are YOUR responsibility; this is especially true with the first code!  “Each skier solely has the responsibility for knowing the range of his own ability to negotiate any ski slope or trail and to ski within the limits of such ability.” C.R.S. § 33-44-109

You are the only person who truly knows your ability level, and even as an advanced skier/rider, it’s important to reassess your level daily.  Snow conditions and obstacles change, your energy level changes, and so does the volume of skiers on the hill.  Other than your energy level, none of these factors are in your control!  However, the speed and aggressiveness with which you ride, the runs you choose, and the courtesy you use on the hill ARE in your control.   And you can be held accountable for them in a court of law if you are in an accident!

Start every day off easy and mellow.  Get a feel for that particular day’s snow conditions under your feet.  Increase your speed and riding level as appropriate.  Treat skiing/riding as if you are driving a car: watch your blind spots, yeild to other drivers, and slow down when conditions require. 

None of this is to say you can’t bomb a hill and enjoy the thrill of speed on your skis or board.   Just be aware, be careful, and be in control.   There is no finish line…ideally, we can all enjoy a lifetime of sporting on the snow!

Stay in control, don’t be a statistic and be sure to have a blast!

Powder to the People,

Megan Hammitt – Snow Reporter