Snow Sport Safety: Know the Code

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Under Wisconsin law, each individual engaged in skiing or sledding has a duty to do all of the following:

1. Obey all posted warnings and signs.

2. Keep off of closed trails and out of closed areas.

3. Know the range of his or her ability and engage in skiing or sledding within that ability.

4. Assess the difficulty of the trails and terrains that are open to skiing or sledding.

5. Maintain control of his or her speed and direction.

6. Be able to stop or avoid other individuals or objects.

7. Yield to other individuals engaged in skiing or sledding who are ahead or who are down the slope.

8. Not stop at a point that will result in the individual obstructing a trail or not being visible from above.

9. Yield to other individuals engaged in skiing or sledding who are uphill when starting downhill or when merging onto a trail.

10. Be able to safely board, ride, and deboard any lift serving an area open to skiing or sledding.

11. Board and deboard a lift only at designated sites.

It's one of the most important things to keep in mind and practice when on the slopes. The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) believes education, helmet use, respect and common sense are very important when cruising down the mountain. NSAA developed Your Responsibility Code to help skiers and boarders be aware that there are elements of risk in snowsports that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce.

Your knowledge, decisions and actions contribute to your safety and that of others. If you need help understanding the Code, please ask any ski area employee.

Always be safety conscious.

Collisions are one of the most devastating causes of incidents that happen on the mountain every year. Collisions happen to anyone at any time. Preventing collisions is key in making the mountains a safer place for everyone to enjoy. EDUCATION is KEY to INJURY PREVENTION.

Sponsors of the 2022 BASICS video include National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), PistenBully, Ski California, Colorado Ski Country, Ski Utah, Ski West Virginia, Skiing Wisconsin, Ski Vermont, Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA), Intermountain Ski Areas Association (ISAA), Minnesota Ski Areas Association, Pacific Northwest Ski Areas Association, Ski PA, Ski NH, Midwest Ski Areas Association, Mountain Guard, and the National Ski Patrol.

Complementing the Responsibility Code and its 7 tenets, #RideAnotherDay promotes 3 actions every skier and rider can take to help keep themselves and those around safer on the slopes.

1. BE READY 

Be ready to slow down or avoid objects or other people at any time. Ski and ride in such a way that you are always able to control yourself regardless of conditions and avoid others and objects you may encounter on the run, groomed or otherwise.

2. STAY ALERT

Stay alert to what’s going on around you, especially other skiers and riders. Being aware of those around and changing conditions will help you have a fun and safe day on the hill.

3. PLAN AHEAD

Ease up at blind spots, check uphill when merging onto trails, and give other skiers plenty of room when passing. Look out for spots on the run where traffic merges or you can't see what's coming next. If you are unfamiliar with a run, take it easy the first time down it and make note of places where you'll want to slow down, such as cat tracks and rollers. Also, give other skiers and riders lots or room, especially if you are passing them. There's plenty of space out there, so there's no need to crowd each other. 

By doing these three things every run, you'll be helping keep the slopes safe and enjoyable, for you and everyone else. 

Riding the ski lift can be one of the best parts of the day - the views are beautiful, your legs get a rest, and you get to catch up with friends, family, or make a new friend! But, it's important (and part of Your Responsibility Code) to know how to load, ride and unload all lifts safely. Not sure what to do at a lift? Ask an attendant or ski patroller for help. Learning how to ride the lift is also one of the features of a ski lesson, and another reason it's worth discovering snow with a pro.

1. Be familiar with the type of lift you are riding, and ask for help if you need it.

2. Before loading, remove backpacks and secure loose items. Remove pole straps from wrists.

3. Look over your shoulder to watch the chair approach.

4. Sit all the way in the chair, with your back to the seat rest.

5. If the lift has a restraint bar, wait until everyone is seated, and slowly reach up and lower the bar. Do not attempt to lower the bar if you cannot reach it! Adults should always help kids to lower the bar. 6. Be aware of your surroundings while riding the lift. If you drop something, let it fall! You can always ask ski patrol for help retrieving the lost item.

7. As you approach the top terminal, prepare to raise the bar. Look for signs advising you to do so to help with your timing.