There are plenty of dumb things you can do at a ski resort. Having a gap between your helmet and goggles makes you look like a goof but you’re not really hurting anyone. Other actions are worse, actually putting yourself and others in danger. To make sure you’re not violating the worst of the worst, we’ve compiled a list of the dumbest things you can do at the ski resort.
Stopping In A Bad Spot
Stopping in a bad spot on the mountain can lead to some serious wipeouts. Even if you’re technically not at fault for a collision, you can lower your risk by stopping in visible locations.
Don’t stop under rollers, definitely don’t stop on jumps or on jump landings, and don’t stop in the middle of a trail. Make sure you’re visible from above.
Skiing Alone In The Trees
Skiing alone can be fun if you stick to areas where you’re visible to other people on the mountain. Skiing alone in the trees or in other remote areas of the resort means you could be waiting a very long time to be discovered if you get incapacitated.
Stick to well trafficked trails if you’re going to ride alone and make sure somebody knows that you’re on the mountain by yourself. Otherwise, ski with friends (it’s more fun that way).
Skiing Out Of Control
If you’re going so fast that you can’t stop or slow down in a timely matter, you’re going too fast. Skiing out of control is how you injure both yourself and others, and lead to you getting in serious trouble.
Ride trails that you’re comfortable on. Ski or snowboard at a controlled pace, where you can stop quickly if necessary, and leave plenty of space between you and others on the mountain.
Ducking Ropes
Ski patrol closes terrain or keeps terrain closed for a reason. It’s not safe, plain and simple. The trail might lack coverage or there might be an avalanche risk. If you duck a rope, you’re putting yourself in danger, the patrollers that might have to rescue you in danger, and the people below you in danger.
It really is a simple concept. Don’t duck ropes. If you’re confused if an area is open or not, ask a ski patroller. Just stay out of closed terrain. It’s a very easy rule to follow.
Skiing Drunk
Skiing drunk leads to everything else. You ski out of control, you stop in bad spots, you’re generally dumber. Obviously having a few drinks throughout the day on the mountain is part of the sport and expected, but actually getting drunk is dangerous and can result in legal trouble.
If you want to get drunk, wait until the après party. If you drink too much, rest in the lodge. Skiing drunk makes you a danger to yourself and to others.
Skiing In A Bad Mood
Skiing is fun. That’s a fundamental rule of the sport. If you’re not having fun, why are you doing it? If you’re in a bad mood, complaining about everything, you’re going to bring the mood down for everyone around you.
If you’re not having fun, stop skiing. If there’s something else on your mind that’s preventing you from having a good time, ski harder.
