A retired private jet pilot was enjoying a day on the slopes at Courchevel Ski Resort in the French Alps with his 4-year-old daughter Maya when a snowboarder lost control and smashed into him.
In an amazing stroke of luck, his daughter was below him as the snowboarder careened towards them from 50 meters uphill on the steep black diamond piste. The dad screamed and braced for impact as the man slid into his ankles and took him out.
Thankfully the dad absorbed the impact of the out of control snowboarder and his daughter was spared from the collision, if only by inches.
“Maya was only 4 and learning to ski on black piste in Courchevel. Amazing timing my daughter was below me slightly on the left on a black steep piste when the snowboarder lost control 50 meters above us and hit me hard. Few inches from her, my baby would be gone. Thank you God”
This is an excellent example of the importance of abiding by the Skier Responsibility Code which dictates skiers and snowboarders must “Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.” Clearly this snowboarder was in violation of this mandate and although accidental, his actions could have severely injured or worse to the young child. Remember folks, ski to your abilities and only attempt terrain that you safely navigate. Learn more about the Skier Responsibility Code below:
SKIER 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.”
