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Skiing Tips for New and Beginner Skiers
Lesson Six: Skiing Etiquette
You're probably now saying to yourself, "There's actually etiquette on
the slopes!?!" Yes there is and it would be a wonderful thing if
more people would abide by them. I could really comic-up this part of
the lesson if we included things like:
1. No use of camouflage on the slopes.
2. Don't ski from the top until you learn to turn. Simply aiming down a
hill isn't skiing!
3. No passing of bodily gases while standing in a lift line.
...and while these things SHOULD be part of skiing etiquette, that's not
what we are covering in this lesson.
Although Snowboarding and/or Skiing can be pretty individual sports, you
need to remember that in most occasions you will be sharing the slopes
with more than a few people. This is more true on busy or Holiday
weekends. To avoid injuries some common rules should be adhered to. This
kind of goes to
Knowing the Responsibility Code in Lesson Three.
However some bear repeating and some have been added here:
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1. |
Ski or Snowboard under control
and make sure you have enough control to be able to stop or
avoid objects at will when needed. You can push your
boundaries, but know your limits! That means those of you
who seem bent on making yourself a human missile! |
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2. |
If you are overtaking another
skier or snowboarder, it is your responsibility to avoid
hitting the slower people ahead of you. Take any abrupt
movement of slower going people into account and make sure
you have a clear picture of your surrounding skiers or
riders at all times. This is kind of like defensive
driving techniques. There is no room for ROAD RAGE on
the slopes! |
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3. |
Do not stop, sit down or rest
in the middle of the trail. If you DO stop to rest or adjust
your equipment make sure you are out of the general traffic
and that other people can clearly see you. That also means
YOU TO SNOWBOARDERS! |
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4. |
When you are starting your run,
give way to other skiers and snowboarders. This is
especially important when you are merging into trails with
others entering from over and/or behind you. The only time
that I have been hurt on a slope was when I entered a merged
area and didn't consider that a skier was coming down HIS
part of the trail as fast as I was. Needless to say,
we met and I was introduced to the medical staff, who
politely stitched up my arm. |
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5. |
Always use Supporting Gear that
will prevent your gear from sliding down the slope and
potentially hitting other people. Skis used to have support
straps much like most snowboarders use now. This is
not so common on skies these days. However, poles DO
have straps on them and it's a good idea to actually use
them. The straps that is! |
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6. |
Follow all Snow Resort Signs
and do not enter closed trails. While "poaching" off trail
is fun and a little exciting, it MAY result in getting your
lift pass pulled by ski patrol! |
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7. |
If you are in any way involved
in an accident, stay on the accident scene and offer any
assistance. Report the accident to the patrol of the resort.
I've seen people wallop skiers or snowboarders and simply
continue on. That's not only not cool, it is just as
much against the law as leaving the scene of an accident in
your car. If you hit someone...make sure they are okay
before continuing on. |
In closing, it WOULD BE COOL if part of skiing etiquette also included
no use of camo, hunting outfits, construction ORANGE overalls, etc.
However that IS part of skiing in the South I suppose!
<Back to Lesson Choices!
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