Cautionary tale from the slopes of southern Switzerland about the dangers of standing in blind landing zones.
Koggi Mendez had coordinated with a friend to stand downhill of him and point his camera uphill in an attempt to get a video of a massive laid out backflip at a ski resort in the Swiss Canton of Valais.
Koggi shouted to get the filmer’s attention as he sped towards the takeoff and rotated the backflip perfectly before spotting the landing which was unfortunately occupied. Despite what the footage might look like, Koggi assures his friend wasn’t impacted at all and it is simply miraculous he wasn’t.
Although the downhill snowboarder’s position was premeditated, it does bring to mind rule #3 of the Skier Responsibility Code which states “Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.”
Even when positions are orchestrated to get a video, lingering in a landing zone is a dangerous activity. Word to the wise, don’t spend any undo time below a blind takeoff. Learn more about the Skier Responsibility Code below:
- 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.