Skiing is incredible. There is nothing quite like the feel of flying down the mountain, enjoying the spray of the snow and the rush of the air. The scenery is stunning. The rhythm is addictive. The experience is emotional and exciting. However, like any sport, skiing can be dangerous when proper precautions are not taken. Recently, Breckenridge Ski Resort offered a few useful safety tips to keep the experience fun for everyone!
On their website, experts at the National Ski Area Association provide skiers and snowboarders with seven major safety tips and best practices to keep snow sports smooth. These tips are as follows:
- 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.
Breckenridge Ski Resort reiterates these points. They also urge skiers to familiarize themselves with the resort's terrain before heading up the mountain. Courses should be plotted based on conditions as well as ability level. Skiers should also keep ini mind that all trail designations are relative to the resort they're skiing at, so it is good practice to begin with easier terrain and move up from there as comfort allows.
The resort encourages skiers and snowboarders to take lessons before starting on the mountain- especially if they are new to the sport. Hiring an instructor or a guide is never a bad idea, as they can provide you with tips to improve and can suggest terrain based on the day's conditions.
For avalanche safety, the resort offers a free Avalanche Talk Series, which promotes snow safety and backcountry awareness. The next talks will take place from 6 PM to 8 PM on March 16 and April 15 at the Elevation Room at the Village at Breckenridge (535 S. Park Ave).
When in doubt about ANYTHING, ask a resort employee. You can never be too prepared! When you put safety first, you're sure to have a great time skiing at Breckenridge. For more safety tips and information, visit NSAA.org
You can also check out https://discoversnow.org/Main/Safety/DS/About/Safety.aspx?hkey=942c3630-3f67-4a73-94ac-0e179224c2e1
