Safety on the slopes

Introduction

Skiing is one of the best outdoor activities a person can do – it requires the whole body to work and all the mental benefits of it. But, to do it safely, you need to follow these tips on how to act in the ski system. Alpine skiing will always have some risks, no matter what you do. But, it is possible to minimize the risk. Start each day by thinking about what kind of risks are most prominent.

You are not alone out there

When skiing, it is essential to remember that the area is also for others – not just you. The highest risks are actually either hitting someone else or getting hit. To mitigate this risk, you should always try to be careful when you start or stop skiing – will someone directly above you and you sliding out into the slope be an obstacle for them? Once you are well into the hill, the ones above you are responsible for not hitting you – which also means you need to avoid the ones below you. When passing by someone, give enough spacing for them to ski. You don’t know what they have planned. Giving them plenty of room is essential when going past kids, as their way of skiing is usually even more unpredictable.
When you need to stop, a good place to rest is on the side of the slope, where you can easily be spotted from above (and preferably from below). You should continue where the piste narrows significantly, just behind a bend or below a steepness where you are less visible from above. Don’t stop here! Remember that some skiers need time from when they discover you until they have successfully come to a stop.

Obstacles

In the pistes, there may be obstacles, hidden or visible. Sometimes they are marked with a stick, and sometimes not. During spring, when the snowpack melts quickly during the day, new obstacles in the form of stones or grass patches may become visible only in the late afternoon.

Also, for the ski system to be fully operational, many staff need to work in the system. Usually, the workers transport themselves with snowmobiles or cats. Be careful of skiing down at full speed on the edge of the piste, as this is where they tend to go uphill with their machines.

Weather and cold

Visibility is a tricky challenge; whiteout conditions can happen even in a marked piste. Most often, the problem is that minor bumps and changes in the base of the piste are more challenging to notice, and a person gets thrown off balance. If you find it hard to ski, a good option is to ski closer to the trees, as they will give you a visual aid in estimating the angle of the slope.

With high winds, the effective cold gets multiplied – that is why it often feels so cold, even with just a slight breeze. But the same happens when you are skiing fast. So in high winds or speeds, be extra careful with frostbite and cold toes.

Gear

Equipment failure means that some injuries can become nasty. Ensure you wear a helmet and that your ski equipment is tuned in for yourself. Goggles can help when tree skiing, as even a small branch can be a severe problem in the eye.
Waxed skis and sharp edges make skiing more fun and also safer. The same goes with having the right skills – so, if you want to become safer, take a ski lesson!
Avoid carrying small children in a harness or backpack, as the risk is multiplied if a crash occurs.
If you are passing below a chair lift, also be observant that people may accidentally drop their skis, poles, water bottle, or similar items.