The National Ski Area Association‘s Responsibility Code highlights 10 rules that should always be followed by skiers and snowboarders on the resort. Rules number 1 and 2 highlight the right-of-way that exists on the mountain, clarifying that it’s the uphill skier’s responsibility to slow down, stop, turn, or do whatever they need to do to avoid the downhill skier.
When skiers/snowboarders ride out-of-control without the ability to stop or change their direction, violent and terrible crashes can occur. It’s not a question of young versus old, snowboarder versus skier. It’s a question of uphill versus downhill, in-control and out-of-control.
The following video shows exactly why staying in control is so important. This video can be pretty hard to watch, as both the skier and snowboarder are visibly quite hurt after the crash, so viewer discretion is advised.
As is pretty clear from the video, the snowboarder was obviously out of control, while the skier consistent turns down the mountain. Even if the skier wasn’t making consistent turns, the uphill rider is responsible for slowing down and avoiding a crash. If you can’t control your direction or quickly come to a stop, you need to slow down. If you can’t do that, you need to get off the mountain.
Your Responsibility Code:
- 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.