RESPONSIBILITY ON THE SLOPES: KNOW THE NSAA CODE

Posted January 28, 2022

Updated 9/12/2022

With skiers and snowboarders of all levels sharing terrain at Beaver Creek Mountain, it's important for all riders to "Know the Code." The National Ski Areas Association has updated their original list from Seven Points of Responsibility to Ten Points of Responsibility this year for when you are out on the slopes. By knowing the code, you can protect yourself while also protecting others, assuring you have a fun and safe day while out on the mountain. 

NSAA Code of Responsibility

  1. Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
  2. People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
  3. Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
  4. Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
  5. You must prevent runaway equipment.
  6. Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
  7. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas
  8. You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
  9. Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
  10. If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.

 

Accidents do happen on mountain, but collisions are one of the most preventable incidents on the slopes. By following the Responsibility Code, you can ride while staying in control and being aware of others around you. No matter what level skier or snowboarder you are, you need to remember that there are other levels of ability around you, so being alert and diligent can prevent collisions from happening.

Don’t forget to avoid others, know that those ahead of you have the right of way, and whenever you start skiing or snowboarding, remember to look uphill before merging into traffic. Also, choose places to rest or stop with caution, don’t obstruct a trail and be in a place of high visibility so those can see you from far away.

Lift safety is another area of consideration. Riding a lift is an exciting part of hitting the slopes – the views are beautiful, you get to take a breather and rest your legs, while also catching up with family or friends along the ride! But it is important and highlighted in the code of Responsibility to know how to load, ride and unload all lifts safely. If you have any questions feel free to ask an operator or ski patroller for help. Here is a list of Lift Safety tips from NSAA:

TIPS FOR RIDING LIFTS SAFELY

- Be familiar with the type of lift you are riding, and ask for help if you need it.

- Before loading, remove backpacks and secure loose items. Remove pole straps from wrists.

- Look over your shoulder to watch the chair approach.

- Sit all the way in the chair, with your back to the seat rest.

- If the lift has a restraint bar, wait until everyone is seated, and slowly reach up and lower the bar. Don’t attempt to lower bar if you cannot reach it! Adults should always

help kids to lower the bar.

- Be aware of your surroundings will riding the lift. If you drop something, let it fall! You can always ask ski patrol for help retrieving the lost item.

- As you approach the top terminal, prepare to raise the bar. Look for signs advising you to do so to help with your timing.