2022 - 2023 Far West Skier's Guide - 68

Safety is Not an Afterthought!
Is Skiing/Riding Safe?
by Monica Palmer
Safety Committee Chair, FWSA
Some people consider skiing or riding to be a dangerous sport, based on watching Olympic
events, local news reports, or listening to a friend's experiences. Actually, when participants are
trained, follow the rules, and use properly maintained equipment, skiing/riding is a relatively
safe sport. Skiers are more likely to be injured in an automobile accident, either driving to or
from the ski resort, than they are to be injured on the slopes. According to the National Ski
Areas Association, the number of ski related deaths is less than one per million.
Every new skier should be made aware of the Skier's Responsibility Code:
1. Always stay in control.
2. People ahead of you have the right of way.
3. Stop in a safe place for you and others.
4. Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.
5. Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
6. Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails.
7. Know how to use the lifts safely.
Complementing the Responsibility Code and its seven tenets, there are also three actions
every skier and rider can take to help keep themselves and those around safer on the slopes.
1. Be Ready 2. Stay Alert 3. Plan Ahead
Ease up at blind spots, check uphill when merging onto trails, and give other skiers plenty
of room when passing. Look out for spots on the run where traffic merges or you can't see
what's coming next. If you are unfamiliar with a run, take it easy the first time down it, and
make note of places where you'll want to slow down, such as cat tracks and rollers. Also, give
other skiers and riders lots or room, especially if you are passing them. There's plenty of space
out there, so there's no need to crowd each other.
Following these rules and skiing within your ability can reduce your risk of injury or death.
It is a good idea to inspect your equipment for damage and wear. Any damage to the base or
edges should be done by a professional, unless you have the knowledge and proper tools to
tune your own skis or snowboards. You should inspect your helmet any time after a fall. You
may not have been injured, but there may be damage to the helmet, making it less effective.
The interior shell can also deteriorate over time. The binding release should be professionally
tested, at least annually. Skiers are more likely to be injured when bindings fail to release during
a fall. When possible, ski on weekdays, not weekends or holidays, to avoid bigger crowds on the
hill. As with any active sport, there are risks, but if you follow the 7 rules of the Skier's Responsibility
Code, Be Ready, Stay Alert and Plan Ahead, these risks can be minimized.
(Sources: www.nsaa.org, www.skiisblog.com, www.skiinglab.com)
FWSA Safety Person of the Year Award Re-Named
The Far West Ski Association is a constant proponent of safe skiing and riding. Safety
should be given the highest regard by both ski resorts and snowsports enthusiasts. Safety should
be a forethought, not an afterthought. The Safety Person of the Year Award has been changed
to the Richard Lubin Safety Person of the Year Award, in honor of Richard Lubin, who
served as the Far West Ski Association's Safety Chair for 16 years, passing away in 2020.
This yearly award honors the person who has done the most to promote safety consciousness
within the Association. This can be done through a variety of methods including safety
articles, on mountain activities, presentations, public speaking, working ski patrol, creating
posters or banners, and many other activities. The FWSA Richard Lubin Safety Person of the
Year Award is graciously being sponsored by Mammoth Mountain Ski Area.
Any FWSA member, either a direct member or club member, can participate in the award
program. Watch for details on our website at www.fwsa.org. The entry form and due date
will be posted under Awards. ss
68 Far West Skier's Guide 2O22 - 2O23
Aspen Snowmass, The Gant Aspen and The
Crestwood Condominium Hotel has been
the Sponsor of the FWSA's Environment
Program since its inception in 2015.
photo courtesy of Aspen Snowmass
FWSA is committed to doing its part to
preserve and protect our snowsports environment.
As an organization of 50,000+ snowsports
enthusiasts, FWSA's environment
program encourages snowsports participants
to take an active role in conserving and protecting
our environment in our clubs, homes,
communities, and mountains.
One way in which FWSA encourages
individual club and council members' efforts
to promote and implement practices that will
support a healthier environment in their
communities and snowsports areas, is
through the FWSA Environment Award recognition
program.
The Environment Award is designed to
encourage good stewardship of our environment.
We want to inspire and reward creative
efforts to conserve and protect our environment.
This award should recognize a special
action that the applicant took, or something
he or she put in place that made a difference.
n Conduct or arrange an event(s) for
your club, council or the general public that
focuses on the principles of " Protect Our
Winters' (POW) " mission to engage and
mobilize the snowsports community to lead
the fight against climate change with a focus
FWSA
Environment
Program
by Fran Long
Outgoing Environment Chair, FWSA

http://www.nsaa.org http://www.skiisblog.com http://www.skiinglab.com http://www.fwsa.org

2022 - 2023 Far West Skier's Guide

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