| Article 6 |
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SKIER AND RIDER RESPONSIBILITY CODE
Please play and live by this code!! It needs to be taken seriously.
1. Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
2. People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.
4. Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
5. Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
6. Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
7. Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.
There are many types of sliding toys on the hill besides the common ski and board: different types of specialized skis like telemark and cross country; snowblades; ski bikes; many creative fun sliding toys; handicapped equipment; maintenance equipment; medical equipment; and even snowshoers. In the 1960’s the mountains were relatively empty. Now, more often than not, at surge times, driving rush hour in LA is safer. The similarity is the crowdedness and the prevailing speed of the traffic. Maintaining control and courtesy is paramount. Above are listed seven itemized rules for safe skiing and riding – aka: sliding. Learn them, talk with your friends about them. Sliding is dangerous. Maintaining sensual awareness is the single most important safety rule. (Personally, I have a huge issue with ipods and mp3 helmets!)
In addition to these simple and obvious rules it is in your best interest to study avalanche information, weather sensing information, awareness of how your personal system reacts to the environment (altitude acclamation) (see footnotes 1 and 2). There is a plethora of information if you wish to search. Here are a few places to start:
www.nsp.org The National Ski Patrol
Weather and Avalanche:
http://avalanche.state.co.us/ This links to Colorado Avalanche Information Center, the premier website for prevailing weather and snowpack conditions in Colorado. I imagine there are similar sites for other states.
www.ifyouski.com
http://avtraining.org/ The American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education
www.avalanche-center.org/education
Altitude sickness:
www.ismmed.org/np_altitude_tutorial.htm
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/healthy/physical/injuries/247.html
The best defense is water. Triple your water intake 2 - 3 weeks before coming up to the high country. The added benefit is the irrigation of your innards!
Sorry, until you are acclimated, keep the partying to a minimum, if at all. One beer at altitude equals three at sea level.
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