“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.
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.
© 2011 – 2017, braveskimom. All rights reserved. Any use or publication of content, including photos, requires express permission.
jenny yoakum says
This would be great for my 3 year old….last winter he attempted a 360 off of a jump on the bunny hill(unencouraged)! Needless to say, I was shocked. He made it 180 and crashed, I see safety as an issue for this kiddo:)
braveskimom says
You’ve got your hands full! But what a great sense of adventures he must have! Good luck!
Valerie Ruedisueli says
My grand baby Aubrey will have her first lesson this year. We are so excited. What better way to start her out than with this great book on safety. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure… and her precious life!
braveskimom says
What a nice grandmother you are! This would be a great Christmas gift! Good luck.
Bring The Kids says
I know 2 little kids who would really love this book!
braveskimom says
Good luck!
Amelia says
Would LOVE for my son to have this for Christmas – would be awesome with his new toddler skis! 🙂 Thanks for the chance!
braveskimom says
If you win, you MUST post a photo of your son with toddler skis! so cute!! Thanks.
Martha Wilson says
I love the book! I’ll spread the word!
braveskimom says
Thanks Martha! Mary deserves a lot of support for writing this!
Zetty says
Thanks for the info.
A perfect book for our family -an overly adventurous 5 yr old, her 3 yr old sister who copies her every move, and my husband just completing his ski patrol training! If I don’t win it here I’ll definitely order it for Christmas!!
braveskimom says
Your kids will love it. Congrats to your husband on completing his training!
Laura B. says
What a great book!! Gosh, it’s been years since I read the Code, but it sure does cover everything in a few brief points.
braveskimom says
We can all use a refresher! Especially if we ski with kids. Thanks!