At The
Slopes

You've arrived at the slopes and you're ready to start carving up some snow! Follow these helpful hints to keep safe.

Getting on
the Lift:

  • Look: When it’s your time to load, look over your shoulder for the chair
  • Load: Load safely holding your poles in one hand and sitting back into the chair. For snowboarders, release your rear foot from the bindings before loading
  • Lower: Once skis or snowboard have left the snow, lower and secure the bar
fast fact tag
  • Snowboarding made its Olympic debut in 1998 when the games were held in Nagano, Japan
  • In 1965, Sherman Poppen from Michigan, USA, made a snowboard for his daughter by binding two skis together. He called it a “snuffer” – or a surfboard to use on snow
  • Approximately 80 countries in the world offer some form of ski area, and about 350 million people visit ski resorts or areas annually.

On Your way
to the Top:

  • Keep the front tips of your skis or snowboard up
  • Always keep long hair, hats, scarves and bags secure to avoid entanglement
  • Remain seated far back and don't bounce or swing on the chair lift
  • Never throw or drop anything from the lift

Getting off of
the Lift:

  • Lift: Lift the safety bar
  • Stand: Stand up on your skis or snowboard
  • Leave: Leave the unloading area immediately

Alpine Responsibility
Code

Many accidents on the slopes can be avoided simply by using some common sense and demonstrating respect for others.

Click below to download a copy of the Alpine Responsibility Code, used and endorsed by the Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA), the Ontario Ski Resorts Association (OSRA), the Atlantic Ski Areas Association (ASAA), and the Canadian Ski Council (CSC).

  • 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
  • Before starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others
  • If you are involved in or witness a collision or accident, you must remain at the scene and identify yourself to the Ski Patrol
  • Always use proper devices to help prevent runaway equipment
  • Observe and obey all posted signs and warnings
  • Keep off closed trails and closed areas
  • You must not use lifts or terrain if your ability is impaired through alcohol or drugs
  • You must have sufficient physical dexterity, ability and knowledge to safely load, ride and unload lifts. If in doubt, ask the lift attendant

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