Ride safely
Stay safe - ride longer!
Few tips and tricks that could change your season. While we can't reduce all the risks, we can always do quite few things to keep ourselves and everyone around us safer.
Alpine responsibility code
Always stay in control. You must be able to stop, or avoid other people or objects.
People ahead of you have the right of way. It's your responsibility to avoid them, even if they suddenly catch an edge and fall.
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Do not stop where you obstruct the trail, or are not visible from above. Example - behind the roller, on the blind corner, next to the side hits.
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Alpine responsibility code
You must not use lifts or terrain if your ability is impaired through the use of alcohol or drugs.
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You must have sufficient physical dexterity, ability and knowledge to safely load, ride and unload lifts, if in doubt, ask the lift attendant.
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Always check the weather forecast before heading up the mountain - not all nature's surprises are nice.
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Alpine responsibility code
Before starting downhill or merging onto a trail, look uphill and give a shout out to others. We are fans of hand signals in busy spots.
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If you are involved in or witness an accident, you must stay at the scene and introduce yourself to ski patrol, once they arrive. Until then secure the scene: stay uphill of the incident, so you could signal to other others (making an X with your arms is an international signal that the piste/park feature below you is not open. Do not move the injured person, unless there's a risk or further injury.
Playground tips
Warm up before throwing down. Simple and super effective.
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Have you heard the old saying "there are no friends on the powder day"? Couldn't be more wrong! You might need help digging yourself out from the tree well, which, statistically, is more dangerous than you probably think.
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Please wear a helmet, even if you think it's not the best look on you. You know what's also not a good look? Concussion while helmet-less.
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Alpine responsibility code
Always use proper tools to help prevent runaway equipment. That includes NOT putting snowboard base down on the flat(ish) looking area to take a scenic picture.
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Observe and obey all posted signs and warnings. Would help if you knew what they are, so familiarise yourself before heading up for the first time.
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Keep off closed trails and obey area closures, even if that fresh looking pow is really calling your name.
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Playground tips
Please be mindful of people's equipment - I think we all agree that sliding over other's snowboard or skis is just not a nice thing to do.
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It's always good to have some snacks on you! Especially if you're planning on riding all day.
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Gloves/liners are VIP's on your safe riding list - snow can be sharp, so protect your hands at all times.
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In addition to respecting Alpine responsibility code, there are few other ways to minimise the risks in freestyle terrain. Please read through and keep them in mind while riding:
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Use the first lap through the park or any other features you plan on riding to scope the conditions and stick to 50% of your ability.
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If you're riding with your team, it's great idea to use spotters to signal if the feature is open and it's safe to use it (by making an "O" with your arms) or closed (making an "X") - for example, the fallen person behind it, fallen piece of equipment or changed conditions.
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Call your drop-ins - you can just shout out or raise your arm to signal you're next.
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Keep one eye on your tiredness levels - the last lap is when a lot of injuries happen, since we stop paying as close attention. Have you heard the saying "we have two laps left, but we're skipping the last"?
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Avoid stopping below the landings of jumps or rails, or in any other spot that would obstruct the flow of the traffic.
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