January on the mountain felt a lot like spring skiing. With colder temperatures forecasted over the next week, the snow can become hard packed. To ensure you remain safe while skiing and riding, it is important to stay in the sun and be aware of the possible danger of ice.

Last month, the National Ski Area Association kicked off Ski Safety month. Below are some of their guidelines that will ensure you can enjoy the best skiing and boarding, while minimizing any risks.

Your Responsibility Code

To avoid mishaps while enjoying a day of skiing and riding, it is important to consider your responsibility while on the mountain. The following tips will ensure you are not presenting a hazard for yourself or others

Stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.

People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.

You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.

Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.

Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.

Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.

Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

Collision Safety

The following tips can reduce the risk of a collision between you and other skiers and riders on the slopes.

1. Be Ready

Be ready to slow down or avoid objects or other people at any time. Ski and ride in such a way that you are always able to control yourself regardless of conditions. Avoid others and objects you may encounter on the run, groomed or otherwise.

2. Stay Alert

Stay alert to what’s going on around you, especially other skiers and riders. Being aware of those around you and changing conditions will help you have a fun and safe day on the hill.

3. Plan Ahead

Ease up at blind spots, check uphill when merging onto trails, and give other skiers plenty of room when passing. Look out for spots on the run where traffic merges or you can’t see what’s coming next. If you are unfamiliar with a run, take it easy the first time down it and make note of places where you’ll want to slow down, such as cat tracks and rollers. Also, give other skiers and riders lots or room, especially if you are passing them. There’s plenty of space out there, so there’s no need to crowd each other.

By doing above at every run, you’ll be helping keep the slopes safe and enjoyable, for you and everyone else.

Lift Safety Tips

Getting on and off the ski lifts requires alertness and planning. The following tips will ensure you have a more informed experience on the chairlift.

Be familiar with the type of lift you are riding, and ask for help if you need it.

Before loading, remove backpacks and secure loose items. Remove pole straps from wrists.

Look over your shoulder to watch the chair approach.

Sit all the way in the chair, with your back to the seat rest.

If the lift has a restraint bar, wait until everyone is seated, and slowly reach up and lower the bar. Do not attempt to lower the bar if you cannot reach it! Adults should always help kids to lower the bar.

Be aware of your surroundings while riding the lift. If you drop something, let it fall! You can always ask ski patrol for help retrieving the lost item.

As you approach the top terminal, prepare to raise the bar. Look for signs advising you to do so to help with your timing.

Snow Forecast

While the beginning of February is not showing any new precipitation, the GFS Forecast shows snow around Feb 17th.

We still have a great base from the last storm, so the conditions have been great. The variations in temperatures often create challenging conditions, so stay on the groomed trails. Be aware of how changing weather can affect conditions.

Skiing and riding safely is paramount to having fun on the mountain. Come and visit us at the Inn Shop, located next to Plumpjacks. Check out our demos and specials. See you on the mountain!