Colorado Ski Country USA

Press Room

 

DENVER, Colo. - January 18, 2010 - Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) and its 22 member resorts, in conjunction with the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), are promoting this week as National Safety Awareness Week.

This week, member resorts across the state are hosting events, clinics and other activities designed to educate and remind skiers and riders of the importance of slope safety. The programs and promotions are aimed to motivate safe skiing and riding behavior while highlighting the Skier Responsibility Code and various resort safety measures.


Ski Patrol at Telluride Reminding Skiers and Riders to Slow Down (Credit: Casey Day)

"In Ski Country, every week is safety week as guest safety is always our member resorts' highest priority," explains Melanie Mills, CSCUSA president and CEO. "During National Safety Awareness Week, the spotlight is on the initiatives ski areas take to enhance guest and employee safety."

While resorts have adopted many safety measures to enhance the natural environment for skiing and riding, responsible behavior by skiers and riders is crucial to slope safety. Knowing the nationally recognized Your Responsibility Code is central to skier and rider responsibility. Referred to simply as The Code, it is comprised of seven principles that collectively outline on-mountain skier etiquette and safe skiing practices. 

Responsibilities within The Code include:

·    Always 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.

"It doesn't matter how people choose to enjoy the ski areas here in Colorado, whether on skis, teles or a board", continues Mills, "As long as they know The Code, know that skiing and riding, like many things in life, are not without certain risks, and remember that its not what's on your head, it's what's in your head that will help you ski and ride safely."


Patrollers Prepared for Avalanche Rescue at Copper Mountain (Credit: Casey Day)

Many resorts are hosting creative safety awareness events and activities this week designed to promote National Safety Awareness Week in a fun and educational way. Details on resort events can be found at www.ColoradoSki.com.

Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) is the not-for-profit trade association representing 22 Colorado ski & snowboard resorts. CSCUSA is the global voice of the Colorado ski industry. The Association's primary functions are concentrated in marketing, public policy and public relations. Information about CSCUSA and its members can be found at www.ColoradoSki.com, on Twitter @ColoradoSkiUSA and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ColoradoSkiCountryUSA. This release and other press information can be found in the online press room at http://media-ColoradoSki.com.