 National Safety Awareness Week: Jan. 16-22
Spirit Mountain joins ski areas across the country in celebrating National Safety Awareness Week. Children can participate in a Safety Message poster design contest. Posters will be judged on the message as well as the creative design, and children are encouraged to incorporate elements of the Responsibility Code and SMART Style. Poster deadline is February 1st and winners will receive a lift ticket and rental equipment voucher. All entries will also be submitted to the National contest. Entry forms can be picked up during Safety Week around the Chalet. Age categories are: Kindergarten and younger, grades 1-2, grades 3-4, and grades 5-6.
Children can also participate in a "Take a Run With the Ski Patrol" to see what their jobs are all about on the slopes and how they help to enforce ski and snowboard safety every day. Tours will take place at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm on January 16th and 17th. Sign up in the Patrol Room or in Guest Services.
Responsibility Code
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.
- People ahead of you have the right of way.
- Stop in a safe place for you and others.
- Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.
- Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
- Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails.
- Know how to use the lifts safely.
KNOW THE CODE. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
This is a partial list. Be safety conscious.
Officially endorsed by: NATIONAL SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION.
People often ask why we have so many rules at Spirit Mountain. Skiing and snowboarding are great sports in which to participate, but they both involve opportunities for injury if skiers and riders are unaware or unmindful of rules and precautions, or if participants take part in risky behavior while on the slopes.
Rules and regulations are in place to reduce the possibility of injury to our guests. The Responsibility Code is a great example, as rules about runaway equipment, staying off closed trails, stopping in a safe place, and observing signs and warnings are in place to safeguard against incidents and accidents while skiing or boarding.
Using brakes on skis and leashes on boards prevents runaway equipment in the event of a fall or any other situation which might cause a skier or rider to become separated from his or her equipment. Unattended skis and boards can collide with other guests on the hill, cause additional injuries during a fall, or get lost in deep snow.
Skiers and boarders are required to stay off closed runs. A trail may be closed for many reasons, including grooming, unsatisfactory snow conditions, or lack of lighting. When a run is closed, the Ski Patrol and other mountain employees do not monitor it on a consistent basis. Discovery of and aid for an injured party could be severely delayed if the person is located on a closed trail. If a run is closed for snowmaking or grooming, a disobedient skier or boarder runs the additional risk of a collision with machinery and high voltage electricity.
Skiers and snowboarders who stop on a trail should do so in such a way as to not block the run for other users. Stop on the side of the trail rather than in the middle, as it increases visibility and reaction time for other skiers and boarders still using the trail. Stopping below jumps and in blind spots increases the chances for an incident with other guests.
Always obey signs and posted warnings while you’re enjoying a day on the slopes. The rules are in place for the safety of all the guests at our facility. Please use the trails and terrain as they are designed, and don’t build jumps or features of your own. Stay within your limits, ski and ride with respect, and you’ll have a safe and enjoyable experience at our mountain!
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