Skiers getting safety conscious

[Michael]

Safety is becoming ever more important to those on ski holiday, with more skiers and snowboarders wearing helmets while on the piste, one commentator has observed.

According to the Ski Club of Great Britain, both children and adults on ski and snowboarding holidays are wearing the equipment to protect themselves.

more - http://www.fasttrackski.co.uk/ski-ne...0802012611.php

[Michael]

I think this is great news! It's very important to wear helmets on the piste especially if you are skiing very fast!

[justskiit]

There is confusion about what safe skiing involves. I feel control is a two way street. There are times when skiing slowly, completing round turns can be the most dangerous thing you can do. I have had to many close calls with other skiers going straight down the hill or making not-so-well controlled turns. I have witnessed friends of mine who are Professional skiers skiing at full speed (45-50 mph) doing super G turns get over taken and collided with by unskilled skiers. These unskilled fools always blame the person who is in control claiming they were 'cut off'. With modern ski design, slope grooming and a false sense of security many people exceed their ability to control their speed and direction. They fail to anticipate the traffic ahead of them and over take other skiers with out yielding. While I agree that wearing a helmet is a good idea a helmet will not prevent a concussion or spinal injury. It's best to know your limits, what you can ski safely, conditions where you are challenged and always be aware of the risks that you are not trying to expose yourself to.

[snobeach]

Originally Posted by justskiit

There is confusion about what safe skiing involves. I feel control is a two way street. There are times when skiing slowly, completing round turns can be the most dangerous thing you can do. I have had to many close calls with other skiers going straight down the hill or making not-so-well controlled turns. I have witnessed friends of mine who are Professional skiers skiing at full speed (45-50 mph) doing super G turns get over taken and collided with by unskilled skiers. These unskilled fools always blame the person who is in control claiming they were 'cut off'. With modern ski design, slope grooming and a false sense of security many people exceed their ability to control their speed and direction. They fail to anticipate the traffic ahead of them and over take other skiers with out yielding. While I agree that wearing a helmet is a good idea a helmet will not prevent a concussion or spinal injury. It's best to know your limits, what you can ski safely, conditions where you are challenged and always be aware of the risks that you are not trying to expose yourself to.

Wholeheartedly agree!

Helmets are a great bucket protector and IMO skiing/boarding without one is an invitation for pain.

Skiing fast doesn't mean you or anyone around is skiing in control. Snowboarders have a built in blind spot. Never assume they have some sort of peripheral vision when their back is to you.

As a ski host one of the preliminary things I cover is the Skier's Code:

National Ski Patrol 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.
You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.
Whenever starting downhill or merging into 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.
Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

Skier's Responbility Code

Treat it as if you were driving a vehicle. There are posted speed limits for a reason, use them.