Ski Safety: Know The Code From A to Z

Photo Courtesy Big White Ski Resort, bigwhite.com

“Emphasize the Responsibility Code. If more people truly knew the Code and followed it, we wouldn’t have very much to do,” explained Becky, a local ski patroller. She and I were discussing skiing safety. I figured she would mention the Code, but I also expected something else, maybe slow down at intersections, wear a helmet, something besides the Code. “No, the Code is really all you need. It pretty much covers everything,” she explained.

Image Courtesy Cypress Mountain, cypressmountain.com

Your Responsibility Code 

Safety on the slopes is your responsibility. Do you know the Code?

• 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.

As a parent, I think the Code is pretty much common sense. It’s the kind of advice moms love to hand out, right? It’s also the kind of advice kids often forget or choose to ignore when it comes from their moms. This new Know the Code video from the National Ski Areas Association does a great job of thoroughly explaining the Code. Take five minutes to watch it with your family.

Safely Ski From A to Z (Book Giveaway)

For younger kids, a great introduction to the Code can be found in a new alphabet book by ski mom Mary Stubbs Palmer.  Safely Ski From A to Z not only covers safety on the ski slopes, but also the basics of ski equipment and what a ski day for children might look like.

Like any good alphabet book, Safely Ski From A to Z begins is written in simple rhyme and works it way through the alphabet with great good nature. For example,

A is for AWAKE. Today’s ADVENTURE is on skis! B is for BOOTS and BINDINGS. Close the BUCKLES please.

The book is never preachy, and Palmer does an excellent job of capturing the fun and adventure of skiing with young children. Palmer includes the 7-point Responsibility Code on a separate page at the end of the book, but I was impressed with how seemlessly she has woven it into the alphabet.

One of my favorite passages in the book covers the letters I through L. I like this section because it prepares kids for ski school, as well as helps them anticipate having a fun day.

I is for INSTRUCTORS who will show us what to do. J is for the JOY of skiing. I know you feel it too!

K is for us KIDS. Look how well we’re turning. L is for our LAUGHTER and the LESSONS we are learning.

Safely Ski From A to Z is easy to read aloud and easy for kids to memorize. The illustrations by Amya Paige are coloring-book simple, cute and colorful. Young children and beginning readers will enjoy Safely Ski From A to Z. And while there is no reason a non-skiing child wouldn’t enjoy the book, the target audience is definitely winter sports families.

Safely Ski From A to Z is endorsed by the National Ski Patrol and a portion of the net proceeds will be donated to the National Ski Patrol’s safety education programs.

Thank you.

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