Understanding Skiing and Snowboarding Safety Rules

As more people take up the sports of snow skiing and snowboarding, many understand the need for safety. According to the National Ski Areas Association, more than 57 percent of all snowboarders and skiers are wearing helmets for their safety. Unfortunately, wearing a helmet may not save you from a severe accident and therefore it is important to understand the basic safety when skiing or snowboarding. Here are our top four safety codes that every skier or snowboarder should adhere to.

1. Safe Snowboarding or Skiing Begins with a Clear Head
What many people don't realize is that when you go from sea level and travel to higher altitudes your body needs time to adjust. Many skiers and snowboarders who are on vacation will partake in alcohol that at higher altitudes will cause dehydration, lower your inhibitions, and cause slower reaction times.

2. Safe Snowboarding or Skiing Requires Safe Equipment
Most snowboarding and skiing experts will suggest that you have your equipment checked at a professional ski shop before the season starts. Skiers especially should have their binding checked for safety. If a ski binding is too loose, it could cause the ski to pop out and hit someone or make the skier crash. If the ski binding is too tight, the skier could tear a knee ligament.

3. Safe Snowboarding or Skiing Requires Control
Skiing and snowboarding are fun; however, not when you are out of control. Traveling at high speeds and losing control often leads a skier or snowboarder into possible multiple traumas. Wearing a helmet may not save you if you are speeding out of control.

4. Safe Snowboarding or Skiing Requires Knowing the Codes
Knowing and understanding the seven safety responsibility codes is imperative to all skiers and snowboarders. Most of them are common sense and personal awareness of your surroundings. They include, always staying in control, those ahead of you have the right of way, always stop in a safe place, whenever starting downhill, look up hill for others, prevent runaway equipment, observe signs and warnings, and know how to use the ski lifts safely.