Ski areas take part in national safety awareness

VERMONT– This month ski areas across the state are participating in National Safety Awareness Month, sponsored by the National Ski Areas Association.  While Vermont’s ski areas remain focused on the safety of guests and employees every day, the goal of the annual month long initiative is to remind skiers and snowboarders that they play an important role in mountain safety, too.
The dynamic nature of skiing and snowboarding is part of what makes the sports fun and exciting—but inherent risks cannot be eliminated and changing weather and snow conditions mean participants must constantly be aware of what’s happening around them, ski and snowboard within their ability, and remain in control. All visitors should know and follow Your Responsibility Code, wear a well-fitting snow sports helmet, learn how to ride lifts properly, and learn how to avoid collisions.
Your Responsibility Code, the guidelines that skiers and snowboarders are responsible for following, received its most recent update on its 60th anniversary in 2022. Evolutions in skiing and snowboarding, equipment, and culture prompted an 18-month revision process that resulted in the version released last fall. Vermont ski areas have either adopted or are in the process of adopting the updated code. Language in the existing eight guidelines received minor updates, and the code has two new additions: “Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs”; and “If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with others and the ski area.”
For more safety education resources visit SkiVermont.com and NSAA.org.