Skiing can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country and other specialized ski equipment, such as that used by disabled or other skiers. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the code listed below and share with other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing experience.
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.
KNOW THE CODE. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
This is a partial list. Be safety conscious.
Officially endorsed by: NATIONAL SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION
NSAA Reccomended Safety Tips
Tips for Prior to Hitting the Slope
Get in shape. Don't try to ski yourself into shape. You'll enjoy skiing more if you're physically fit.
Obtain proper equipment. Be sure to have your ski or snowboard bindings adjusted correctly at a local ski shop. You can rent good ski or snowboarding equipment at resorts.
When buying skiwear, look for fabric that is water and wind-resistant. Look for wind flaps to shield zippers, snug cuffs at wrists and ankles, collars that can be snuggled up to the chin and drawstrings that can be adjusted for comfort and keep wind out. Be sure to buy quality clothing and products.
Dress in layers. Layering allows you to accommodate your body's constantly changing temperature. For example, dress in polypropylene underwear (top and bottoms), which feels good next to the skin, dries quickly, absorbs sweat and keeps you warm. Wear a turtleneck, sweater and jacket.
Be prepared. Mother Nature has a mind of her own. Bring a headband or hat with you to the slopes, 60 percent of heat-loss is through the head. Wear gloves or mittens (mittens are usually better for those susceptible to cold hands).
Wear sun protection. The sun reflects off the snow and is stronger than you think, even on cloudy days!
Always wear eye protection. Have sunglasses and goggles with you. Skiing and snowboarding are a lot more fun when you can see.
Tips for while on the Slopes
Take a lesson. Like anything, you'll improve the most when you receive some guidance. The best way to become a good skier or snowboarder is to take a lesson from a qualified instructor.
ALWAYS SKI OR RIDE WITH A BUDDY. When skiing or riding in deep powder, it is often difficult to get up after a fall. It is especially difficult for snowboarders as their board can anchor them down. Ski Patrol states that it is imperative for skiers and snowboarders to user the buddy system in these conditions. Always arrnage a meeting place when you get off a chair, such as the bottom of a chairlift, in case you do get separated. Ensure that the meeting place is close by in case your buddy needs heolp. If your buddy does not turn up, either search for them immediately or ask a Mammoth Mountain employee to assist you.
The key to successful skiing/snowboarding is control. To have it, you must be aware of your technique, the terrain and the skiers/snowboarders around you. Be aware of the snow conditions and how they can change. As conditions turn firm, the skiing gets hard and fast. Begin a run slowly.Skiing and snowboarding require a mental and physical presence.
If you find yourself on a slope that exceeds your ability level, always leave your skis/snowboard on and side step down the slope.
The all-important warm-up run prepares you mentally and physically for the day ahead.
Drink plenty of water. Be careful not to become dehydrated.
Curb alcohol consumption. Skiing and snowboarding do not mix well with alcohol or drugs.
Know your limits. Learn to ski and snowboard smoothly—and in control. Stop before you become fatigued and, most of all have fun.
If you’re tired, stop skiing. In this day and age of multi-passenger gondolas and high-speed chairlifts, you can get a lot more time on the slopes compared to the days of the past when guests were limited to fixed grip chairlifts.
SnowBird NEW! This year, Snowbird combines its famous Steeps Camp with other high-end choices to bring you the best on-snow experience you can buy. Besides tackling the steeps in our Steeps Course, you can choose our Snowboard Course to play in our new Superpipe and explore our natural and man-made terrain parks. Other choices include a Telemark Course and a Backcountry Awareness Course. All offerings include four days of on-hill instruction taught by specialists in each discipline.
Amazing Elective Options
Widen your horizons with optional courses in Backcountry, Heli-skiing, Equipment Testing, and Fitness, just to name a few. And, of course, it will all be completed with a commencement banquet and awards ceremony. Find out what makes Snowbird so special, by choosing to complete a University course!
ALPINE MEADOWS & SQUAW VALLEY ALL CONDITIONS/ALL TERRAIN ADVENTURE SKIING We've combined two of Tahoe's finest resorts to give you a sampling of Tahoe skiing. We will ski two days at Alpine Meadows and the following three at Squaw Valley. At Alpine you will warm into it while exploring their vast terrain. Here you will work on basic position and the building blocks of advanced skiing. At Squaw we will take it off-piste and dive well prepared into terrain challenges. Five straight days of skiing will propel your skiing to new levels. Delicious meals will round out your day providing evening relaxation and enjoyment. Stay at the base of Squaw at Plump Jack (reservations: 800/323-7666). Alpine is a mere 10-15 min drive away. Levels 6-9 Dates: Jan 30-Feb 3, 2005 (or just do Alpine: Jan 30-31 or Squaw: Feb. 1-3)
Price: $1595 (includes 5 days lift tickets and instruction, Welcome Dinner, Farewell Dinner)
2 day price: $675, 3 day price: $998
Adult Ski and Snowboard School
Our programs teach you to ski or ride...guaranteed! We start by outfitting you with state-of-the-art skiing and riding equipment by Rossignol. From there, our pros will take you through a carefully planned, step-by-step program that will teach you all of the basics like turning, maneuvering and having fun! In no time, you'll have turned your natural athletic ability into the skiing or riding skills you need to cruise the mountain.
Learn-to-Ski...Easy as 1-2-3 and guaranteed.
We take the fundamentals and combine them in a three-day package. These three-clinics will teach you to walk, slide, turn, slow down and stop in a "wedge". Then you'll learn to control your speed by linking your turns. Finally, you'll learn to turn both skis in the same direction and execute tighter turns, controlling your speed while skiing the trails. We guarantee it or your next lesson is free.
Learn-to-Ski-or-Snowboard Group Clinics
These 1-3/4 hour clinics are designed to give you an introduction to skiing or snowboarding. You'll learn the fundamentals, meet others and have some fun while doing it! Programs begin at the Ski School area at the top of the Gondola, the California Lodge, and the Boulder Lodge at 10AM, 12PM, or 2PM. Ski School operations, as of April 19, 2005, are out of the Gondola only. No reservation is required, but please plan on arriving at least 1 hour prior to the lesson start time to register and to get equipment.*
KNOW THE CODE. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
