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by Bill Jones, Ski Instructor CSW #30: "The Skier's Responsibility Code will keep me safe" For review, here is the SKIER'S RESPONSIBILITY CODE: 1. Always stay in control.
KNOW THE CODE. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. Note the phrase "This is a partial list". Just as in driving a car, don't count on others to follow all the rules, for they may not know the rules, may not be able to control themselves to follow the rules, or may not care about the rules. Here are some defensive actions that may save a collision: 1) When making turns, be consistent with their radii. Others will tend to forecast that you will keep doing what you have been and have a better chance to guide their paths to avoid you. If, however, you must change your radius or you need to traverse a bit, glance uphill to be sure the slope is clear before you do that. 2) When skiing on one side of a slope, keep the outsides of your turns a bit away from the edge, for a skier coming down that edge might need to choose between falling into a drop or hitting a tree--or taking you out. Guess what might be the most likely choice. 3) Unlike skiers, snowboarders stand sideways to their paths. Thus, they may not be able to see you behind them even though turning toward you. Give them berth. Snowboarders are also more likely to sit on the slopes, for standing on a board can be more tiring than on skis and they may be out of sight beyond a rise. 4) Higher-speed carving turns cause direction changes that sometimes lead across the slope; watch for another skier or boarder making a similar carved turn coming from either side and heading toward your arc into which you may be locked due to a high edge angle. 5) It might seem safer to stand near the side of a ski trail, but nowadays folks may ski or board in the trees and come flying out onto the open slopes with speed or even in the air, having no ability to turn. Don't do this yourself. 6) One super skier takes the approach that it is safer to ski fast so that no one can hit him from behind. This may be all right for a person who can make quick adjustments to speed and direction to avoid other skiers who might themselves be changing course or timing, but would not apply for most. This tactic seems akin to the motorcycle rider who weaves ahead on the tiny zone between two lanes of cars on the highway, hoping no one will move into his way. 7) The new buzzword in skiing is "spatial awareness". Be aware of your surroundings, especially the parts that are moving such as other skiers and boarders. Look out at the space around you, not down at your skis or the snow you are sliding over. This way you can plan your path with more time to adjust it if needed. If you must look down, only glance and then look up again. Looking out instead of down also gives a better sense of balance and even makes it seem like you are going slower, increasing confidence. 8) As said, "This is a partial list." Also see Skiing Ethics & Slope Survival. main CSW contents
This "CSW #30 'The Skier's Respnsibility Code will keep me
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http://www.SkiMyBest.com/skiCSW30.htm Copyright © 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022. William R Jones. |
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