punk rock shred grrl's guide to
SKI AREA ETIQUETTE
(how to aviod getting plowed over by snowboarders)

Ok, I am writing this page because too many people do NOT understand the skiers' responsibility code or the etiquette necessary on a mountain in order to prevent injury / fights / lawsuits / skier vs. snowboarder wars. Let's start with the most basic resource:

SKIERS' / SNOWBOARDERS' RESPONSIBILITY CODE

1. Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
2. People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
4. Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
5. Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment. Snowboarders are required to use leashes.
6. Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
7. Prior to using any lift, you must have knowledge and ability to load, ride, and unload safely.

KNOW THE CODE. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Officially endorsed by: National Ski Areas Association

Most people are pretty clear about #1 and #2, and are quick to taunt you with them if you bail or plow into them after they have violated #3 or #4. Stopping in the middle of a trail or on top of a knoll, roller, or other natural or man-made jump is considered a violation of rule #3. If you DO violate this one, make SURE you look back uphill before you start downhill again, because it is very likely someone is coming, and they are probably estimating where they need to be to aviod hitting you and still go off the jump. If you move, they will probably hit you.

Another common problem occurs when people ski or ride through a MARKED terrain park as though it was a regular run. Here, jumps, table tops, spines, banks, and other features have been built specifically for use by "extreme" skiers and snowboarders. Stopping on top of, or just after the jump (where you cannot be seen) will result in a collision. People time their approach, and wait their turn. If you are just skiing/riding through, you still need to wait your turn.

One other thing I have to mention, if you need to make really wide turns, try to stay on the wider slopes, and try to only use part of the slope. If you cut all the way across and all the way back, there is no space for someone to pass you, which will force them to either bail or plow into you. Trust me, this is not good.

I hope this makes a few things clearer and helps everyone who reads it to understand WHY people get angry with them and blame them when accidents occur. "A little common sense and personal awareness goes a long way in making a better time for everyone." (quoted from the responsibility code.)