As a skier, snowboarder, telemarker, figgler, or snowshoer in Colorado or any other sate in the U.S., one must abide by certain rules and regulations to keep oneself and others safe; knowing the code may also hep legally protect oneself in the case of a collision.

If you follow these simple steps and use common sense to help you make the best decision while on the slopes you can have endless enjoyment on your alpine adventure.

1. Always stay in control.
2. People ahead of you have the right of way.
3. Stop in a safe place for you and others.
4. Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.
5. Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
6. Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails.
7. Know how to use the lifts safely.

In addition to the National Ski Areas Association’s list above here are some other helpful tips to keep you and your friends and family safe out there:

1. Ski within your ability – do not attempt trails that you are unfamiliar with the conditions or difficulty. IF IT LOOKS TO HARD… DON’T GO!

2. Stay conscious of your surroundings, It is not just the up hill skiers fault; if you are using the whole open slope to turn and control your speed, then YOU need to make sure that you are doing it in a safe manner, if there are people moving at twice your pace on the other side of the run stay away, WHY RISK GETTING HIT?

3. Realize that there are areas for going fast and slow – The slow zone areas will be marked by big orange banners that say “SLOW ZONE” or something to that effect. When in these areas, kids and adults alike should feel safe and secure because these areas of the mountain are maintained and designed to keep beginners out of harms way.(Harms Way = 1. On a slope, that is too difficult. 2. On a run, where other skiers are going much faster than you. 3. On a slope, where you may not remain in control an endanger the enjoyment of other winter sport enthusiasts.)

4. Terrain Parks are not for BEGINNERS – It is commonplace for ski resorts to have freestyle terrain parks placed on runs around the resort; this does not mean that anyone and everyone should be in the terrain park; one should read the warning signs and carefully determine if they are willing to RISK injury in the terrain park, because after passing the sign the rider assumes all RISKS associated with the features in the park. Park etiquette is outlined below.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

Know your Limits and ability level and select the appropriate Freestyle Terrain for you.

Your condition, speed, balance, body movements, alignment, trajectory and maneuver difficulty will DIRECTLY AFFECT YOUR DESIRED OUTCOME.

Know the intended use of the Freestyle Terrain you have chosen.
For example, some features are intended to be used in a series with no stopping and some individually with stopping areas; jump takeoffs are for jumping and rail takeoffs are for entering onto rails.

Your actions can take you out of balance and cause serious injury or death, no matter how the feature is designed or where you land. Land on your feet!

Transitions are changes in the shape and pitch of the snow or feature, or changes from one type of sliding surface to another. Transitions can be gentle or abrupt, and demand that users be alert and respond to them with accurate movements.

Know where to Land. The SWEET SPOT is between the “knuckle” and center of the landing zone. Even if you land on or near the sweet spot, you can still be seriously injured or die if your landing posture is not correct.

INVERTED MANEUVERS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED.

BE AWARE that features change constantly due to snow conditions, weather, usage, grooming and time of day.

Read and obey all posted signs, instructions and warnings before usinG Freestyle Terrain.

Some resorts designate features as small, medium and large. Be aware these ratings are determined by size, not degree of difficuLty, and are relative only to that resort.

FREESTYLE TERRAIN INCLUDES:

Jumps, hits, ramps, banks, fun boxes, jibs, rails, half pipes, quarter pipes, snowcross, bump terrain and other constructed or natural terrain features.

SMART STYLE:

Four main points of Smart Style

• • MAKE A PLAN
  • • Every time you use Freestyle Terrain, make a plan for each feature you want to use.
    • Your speed, approach and takeoff will directly affect your maneuver and landing.
  • LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP
  • • Before getting into freestyle terrain observe all signage and warnings
    • Scope around the jumps first not over them
    • Use your first run as a warm up run and to familiarize yourself with the terrain
    • Be aware that the features change constantly due to weather, usage, grooming and time of day
    • Do not jump blindly and use a spotter when necessary
  • EASY STYLE IT
  • • Know your limits and ski/ride within your ability level
    • Look for small progression parks or features to begin with and work your way up
    • Freestyle skills require maintaining control on the ground and in the air
    • Do not attempt any features unless you have sufficient ability and experience to do so safely
    • Inverted aerials increase your risk of injury and are not recommended
  • RESPECT GETS RESPECT
  • • Respect the terrain and others
    • One person on a feature at a time
    • Wait your turn and call your start
    • Always clear the landing area quickly
    • Respect all signs and stay off closed terrain and features

KNOW YOUR FEATURE:

Each feature can be broken down into 4 zones. Identify these zones and have a plan before using any Freestyle Terrain.

Approach zone is the space for setting your speed and stance to use the feature.

Takeoff zone is for making moves that start your trick.

Maneuver zone is for controlling your body in the air and setting up for landing.

Landing zone is the prepared slope between the knuckle and the runout beyond it.

BE SAFE OUT THERE FOR OUR SAKE AND OTHERS.

REMEMBER:

1. Slow is not always safe

2. You can prevent an accident

3. If you get hit, and are not injured make certain that the other parties involved are OK.

4. If you ride fast do so where it is safe for you and others

5. Stay where you are comfortable Beginners=Green Circle, Intermediate = Blue Square, Advanced/Expert = Black Diamond and Double Black Diamond.

Skier Responsibility Code:

• 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.
• Do not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
• Whenever starting downhill or merging onto 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.
• Before using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

Remember, you are sharing the slopes with others. Always use caution. Certain areas, indicated on the trail map with a orange grid, are designated as slow skiing zone areas. Please ski or snowboard slowly in the areas that may experience higher traffic.

High Altitude Awareness

Above 8,000 feet, altitude illness affects 20 percent to 30 percent of visitors from low elevations to some degree. The first thing most people notice is a shortness of breath, especially when exercising. In addition, the heart is likely to beat faster and one may develop nausea, unusual tiredness, headache, or have difficulty sleeping. Those with one or more of these symptoms may have Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). If the symptoms do not subside shortly, a doctor should be called. Upon arrival in this area, take it easy for the first day or two. Drink two or three times more water or fluid than usual. Limit alcohol consumption for two or three days and minimize caffeine intake. Limit salty foods and increase carbohydrate consumption. Most importantly, listen to your body. Do not push the limits of your physical capabilities.