Ski Tips for Skiers
Although skiing is an exciting and enjoyable sport, it is not without its risks. While the fitness plan described on the other pages of this website can mitigate some of these risks, adherence to the Skier’s Responsibility Code is another important way to stay safe on the slopes. You will see the code posted all over the resort. Some even put it on the napkins at the restaurants. Nonetheless, be sure to study it prior to your first ski trip.
1. Ski under control and in such a manner that you can stop or avoid other skiers or objects. Excessive speed is dangerous.
2. When skiing downhill or overtaking another skier, you must avoid the skier below you.
3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
4. When entering a trail or starting downhill, yield to other skiers.
5. All skiers shall use devices to prevent runaway skis.
6. You shall keep off closed trails and posted areas and observe all posted signs.
In Europe, the code is even more complex.
1. Consideration of the other Skiers: Every skier has to behave in a way he or she doesn't endanger or damage any other.
2. Controlling of speed and way of skiing: Every skier has to ski on sight. He has to adapt his speed and way of skiing to his abilities and the conditions of the terrain, the snow and the weather as to the traffic density.
3. Choice of track: The skier coming from behind another has to choose his track so that skiers before him won't be endangered.
4. Overtaking: Overtaking is allowed from above or below, from right or left but always with a distance so that the skier being overtaken has space enough for all his movements.
5. 6. Entering and restarting: Every skier entering a trail or starting after a halt has to assure himself uphill and downhill of the fact that he can do so without danger for himself and others.
7. Stopping: Every skier has to avoid stopping at small or blind places of a trail without need. A fallen skier has to free such a place as quick as possible.
8. 9. Mounting and descend: A skier mounting or descending by feet has to use the border of the trail.
10. Pay attention to signs: Every skier has to pay attention to the marks and signs.
11. Behavior in case of accidents: In case of accidents every skier has to help.
12. Duty of proving identity: Every skier whether witness or involved, whether responsible or not has to prove his identity in case of an accident.
Now that we’ve established how to stay safe on the slopes, let’s talk about how to carry your skis so that you don’t get hurt in the base area.
How to Carry Your Skis
First, place your skis together so that the bases are touching each other. Use the brakes on your bindings to click them together. Some ski shops sell small Velcro strips that can be placed around the tips of your skis. These can be very helpful.
Before you lift your skis, take a look around. Make sure that nobody is in close proximity, lest they get hit in the head. Once you are sure that the coast is clear, place your skis on one shoulder. Make sure hat they are completely parallel to the ground. If they are not, they will feel off-balance. The tips should always be facing forward, and the front of your bindings should rest comfortably against the back of your shoulder.
Place one arm around your skis so that your hand rests on top of them. This will help keep them balanced on your shoulder. Take both of your poles with your other hand. You can use them for balance as you walk to the slopes. Please keep the bottoms of your poles facing downward. Stabbing other skiers is frowned upon at ski areas. If you change directions while walking with your skis, once again, be aware of who is standing nearby.
Keep in mind that at most ski areas, you will not be able to bring your skis indoors. Since ski theft is unfortunately a reality at ski resorts, you might want to purchase a ski lock. If you don’t have a lock you can separate your skis, placing on one rack and the other on another rack. Caveat: Remember where you parked your skis!