All skiers and snowboarders should consider the following safety guidelines while at a ski resort:
- Obey the responsibility codes as well as any terrain park codes.
- Be aware of area-specific rules of conduct.
- Know how to properly use all lifts and take note of any warning signs.
- Protect yourself by wearing appropriate gear, including a helmet.
- Take lessons to learn to ski and ride correctly.
- Know your limits, and ski and ride appropriately based on trail markings for level of difficulty.
- Ski and ride with someone else at all times.
- Avoid stopping on a trail – especially not in an area where you cannot be seen from above.
- Maintain a safe distance from others to avoid collisions.
Learn how to enjoy chair lifts, magic carpets, and t-bar rides safely courtesy of the Canadian Ski Council:
Tree Wells
A tree well is a void or depression that forms around the base of a tree can and contain a mix of low hanging branches, loose snow, and air. Evergreen trees in particular (fir, hemlock, etc) can have large, deep tree wells that form when low hanging branches block snow from filling in and consolidating around the base of the tree. These voids can be hidden from view by the tree’s low hanging branches.
Take precautionary measures:
- Ride or ski with a partner and keep your partner in sight at all times.
- Ski or ride in control.
- Give tree wells a wide berth. Look at the open spaces between trees not at the trees.
- Skiers should remove ski pole straps.
- Carry safety equipment including:
- Cell phone with resort emergency number
- Whistle
- Additional equipment especially if you are in the backcountry:
- Transceiver/ beacon
- Shovel
- Probe