Q: Do you recommend helmets for skiers and snowboarders at your resort?
A: We recommend that parents, skiers and snowboarders educate themselves about the benefits, limitations, and proper fitting of helmets. The decision of whether to wear one should be a matter of personal choice.
Q: If I fall or hit a tree while skiing, will a helmet protect me from getting hurt?
A: A helmet can make a difference in reducing or preventing injury and many skiers and snowboarders today are choosing to wear them. Helmets are designed to reduce the severity of head injuries, but they are most effective at providing protection at speeds of 12 mph or slower. If you hit a tree, object or another skier at moderate or high speed, a helmet may not prevent or reduce a serious injury.
Q: I would feel safer wearing a helmet. What kind of helmet would you recommend?
A: A helmet designed for recreational snowsports. There are a variety of helmets available that conform to the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard F2040. It is important that any helmet be properly fitted and that it not uncomfortably restrict your vision or hearing. Read the helmet manufacturer's information and learn about what level of protection a particular helmet will provide. All models are not the same and do not provide the same level of protection.
Q: Where can I get more information about helmets?
A: Call or visit a ski and snowboard shop or visit a helmet manufacturer's website.
Don’t ski on closed trails. – Ducking under the barrier that sections off closed trails doesn’t make you look cool, and it doesn’t make you seem like a daring skier who’s ready to face anything. When mountains close trails, it’s because the trails aren’t safe enough to ski on, no matter how advanced you are. Whether you’re showing off for a buddy or trying to prove something to yourself, taking on closed trails isn’t worth getting your ticket pulled and it certainly isn’t worth getting hurt.
Keep your speed in control. – No one likes a speed demon whizzing past them. If you want to ski fast, make sure you do it in control and use common sense to judge the situation – is a crowded beginner trail really the right place to test how well your new skis handle speed? There is a time and a place for skiing fast, and the best place might be a NASTAR course or your ski resort’s designated trails. However, skiing too fast can make for a warning by the ski patrol, so make sure you always stay in control and keep your speed in check.
Don’t cut lines. A part of your day on the slopes requires patience. Waiting on the lift ticket line, the ski lift line or even the lunch line may be boring, but in the end it’s all worth it. Cutting lines should be an obvious “don’t,” so be patient and wait your turn.
Ski on trails that match your ability level. If you’re a beginner skier, don’t try and impress your friends by taking on the black diamonds when you’ve just began to comfortably manage the blues. Meanwhile, if you’re an advanced skier, don’t be afraid to enjoy the gentler terrain, but keep it in control and remember that you’re skiing with novices and beginners who may be slightly set off by quick turns.
Determine times to meet families or friends in advance, and carry a phone in case you’re delayed. If you’ve decided to meet someone at a certain time, do your best to maintain that agreement. However, things do happen that can prevent this – lift lines can be long or lifts can stop for a few moments, falls can happen, or trails can take longer to ski than expected. In case of a delay, carry a cell phone or a walkie-talkie so you don’t cause anyone unnecessary worry.
Practice good etiquette in the gondola. Whether a gondola is an 8-person or 12-person box, spaces can be tight, especially during busy weekends when lift attendants jam as many skiers as possible in one gondola car. So, make it your goal to be polite in this situation. Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind is how essential it is to refrain from smoking. In such a close space, secondhand smoke is extremely irritating to others and not only is smoking rude, but at the majority of ski resorts, it’s often against the rules. Other things to keep in mind include respecting those around you – carry on a conversation but don’t use foul language or have personal conversations, for example.
If you’re a new skier, refresh yourself on basics with a lesson. If it’s your first time skiing or you haven’t been skiing in a long time, taking a lesson is always a good idea. It will set you off on the right foot and you’ll learn basics like how to get on a chair lift, which will simplify your ski day.
Respect those who aren’t as comfortable on the trail as you are. Even if it was many years ago, don’t forget the time when you were a beginner. Having more advanced skiers whizzing past you or trying to catch air while giving you little room would have unnerved you and certainly made you uncomfortable. So, if you see a skier struggling, do your best to give them a lot of room.
Be aware of skiers who are having lessons. Whether you see an instructor trying to manage ten little toddlers or demonstrating a turn to a small group of intermediate skiers, be aware of them and try your best to stay out of their way.
Remember that a skier in front of you has the right of way. Whether you’re crossing a trail, making a turn, or stopping, remember that it is your responsibility to avoid the skier in front of you.
Skiing is such fun and can be the perfect holiday for all the family to enjoy. But without the right clothing, the perfect holiday can turn into a cold, miserable fiasco. Plus weather can vary so much in the mountains and a hot spring skiing day can turn into a nasty storm very quickly. Make sure you and your family is prepared for all eventualities to keep your holiday enjoyable and to keep everyone safe. Nobody wants frostbite or hypothermia. Here's what to wear when skiing:
Layers of clothing are best. They can be added and removed in order to better regulate your body temperature, as weather conditions change throughout the day. Extra layers can be stuffed in coat pockets ready for when it gets really cold.
Base layers: Long underwear, preferably, polyester or wool/poly blend are perfect for wearing next to your skin. There are some pretty stylish brands nowadays of thermal pants and long sleeve tops. Then layer on a turtleneck or long sleeve shirt, then sweater, fleece, or sweatshirt.
Outer layers: Your ski jacket and salopettes should be warm, water resistant and comfortable. Don't buy one that's too tight; you need to make sure you have lots of room to put layers on underneath and have plenty of movement so you can ski your best.
Socks: Wear thin wool or poly socks for skiing or snowboarding; thick ones are too bulky, and don’t keep your feet as warm. Smartwool has a great selection nowadays of warm, but not itchy socks to keep your toes toasty.
Gloves or mittens: Obviously gloves or mittens are a must. Mittens are warmer if you tend to get cold hands, but you can get mittens with finger section inside if you have trouble holding onto your ski poles with mittens. Also handwarmers are widely available. Looking like packets of sugar, you shake them to release the warmth and then put them inside your gloves or mittens to keep you warm. Some gloves even have pockets specially made for these handwarmers.
Neck gaiters and facemasks: Neck gaiters are a more functional than scarves when it comes to keeping your neck warm; scarves can easily unravel when you're traveling fast and can get caught in the lifts. Neck gaiters are also great for pulling up and keeping your mouth and nose warm if it's particularly chilly or windy. Facemasks are usually made of neoprene and can help cover every remaining inch of your face, whilst allowing you to breathe. Perfect for those perishing days.
Headgear: 80% of heat is lost though your head. You lose so much heat through your head that a good hat is essential. The hat should cover your ears and stay on your head easily during physical activity. Helmets are even warmer and safer, and you can often get removable ear pieces for occasions when you get too warm.
Goggles and sunglasses: Ultraviolet radiation is 36% higher at high altitude than at sea level. Plus, the sun reflects off the snow and can be harsh. You must wear good eye protection, goggles or sunglasses, as snowblindness is not fun or pretty and can cause permanent damage.