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Responsibility Code
Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
You must prevent runaway equipment.
Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.
Tree Well Safety
Skier deaths from inbounds avalanches have decreased. Deaths from deep snow and tree well immersion are on the rise. The cause may be related to the equipment evolution that allows less experienced and less skilled skiers of all ages and in greater numbers to venture into deep snow conditions.
Deep snow immersion deaths in Utah are relatively rare. Most occur in British Columbia, California, Washington and Oregon. December and January are the highest risk months due to lack of snow compaction. Snowboarders are more at risk than skiers.
Tree Well Avoidance
· Ski with a partner or two and maintain visual contact.
· Be wary of trees with branches touching the snow surface.
· Avoid falling head first into deep snow or tree wells.
· Do everything and anything possible to keep your head up including grabbing on to tree branches or the tree trunk and wriggling your feet below you.
· Be aware that due to snow creep tree wells tend to form deeper on the downhill side of trees.
· Remove pole straps when skiing in the trees.
If you are head first in the snow:
· Resist the urge to struggle violently. This makes you sink deeper and become immobilized more quickly.
· Make a breathing space around your face. Then move your body carefully by systematically rocking your body back and forth to create space and an air pocket and a more solid base to “push” on for self-extraction. Be aware that self-extraction from tree wells is very difficult if not impossible in many instances.
--Alf Engen Ski School
Equipment Considerations
https://realskiers.com/revelations/why-wide-skis-arent-good-for-your-knees/
John Seifert – Video Presentation
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