Safety
It is critical to keep your students safe. Be sure students know they should stay in control and not go too high until they can control their speed by making turns and turning to a stop. Remember it is "turns before terrain". Here are other steps for safe teaching-
1- Provide instruction and assistance using lifts.
2- Find parts of the hill where your students are less likely to get hit, usually along the edge of the slope
3- Be careful to look for an opening on the hill before having your students perform, keep them heading downhill verse traversing as much as possible especially when busy
4- End every lesson by telling students to stay in control so they can stop at any time before hitting anyone below them. Tell them that is part of "Your responsibility code" that they should know
5- Tell students what to practice, where to practice after the lesson, and to go higher only when they can link turns to a stop
In the case of an accident call ski patrol for help, protect the student from above, look for witnesses
Only about 30 percent of beginners take lessons, so it is important we educate students on how to keep themselves and others safe. Most learn from their family, friends, or try it on their own. They go too high before they are ready which can cause injuries, fear, frustration, and makes the hill dangerous. Instruction should improve safety.
Your Responsibility Code
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Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
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People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
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Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
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Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
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You must prevent runaway equipment.
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Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
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Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
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You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
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Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
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If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.
Winter sports involve risk of serious injury or death. Your knowledge, decisions and actions contribute to your safety and that of others.
New skiers
Most skiers go to steeper terrain too soon and have trouble turning, so they ski too fast and out of control. People want the thrill of a steeper slope and speed is fun. Speed can create a false sense of control by just leaning on a ski to get some turning. But it is not enough to control speed or stop quickly. Because most beginners have no instruction, more speed usually replaces learning how to turn well.
Ride Another Day
This is why it is so important to tell students at the end of every lesson that they need to be in control so they can stop before running into anyone below them on the hill. And tell them where they should ski or ride after the lesson as they gradually develop more control. Please watch the powerful video on this page- Ride another day
Watch and explain how to load the chairlift. Ask the lift operator to slow it down if necessary.
Wait until the chair passes and walk to stand on top of the "load here" line. Poles off and in one hand.
Turn to look for the chair and sit down and back against the chair. Hold on if on the end of the chair.
Ride with first time students or pair the ones with experience with the first timers. Tips up to unload and stand up then slide down the ramp.
Please review the video on this page
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