Skiing is a sport that people are either passionate about, or could care less if they ever hit the slopes!  If you are a passionate skier, there are some measures you should take to keep you safe as well as the skiers around you.  The prospect of snow around any ski resort results in skiers flocking to the slopes and sometimes they can be crowded and dangerous.  There are some simple safety measures you can take to be sure your skiing holiday is safe.  You will have a better time if you take safety precautions and come back from your skiing weekend safe with no broken bones.

Keep your speed in check always.  This is important whether you are a beginner or seasoned skier.  If you are on a trail that is crowded it is even more important to keep control of your speed.  It will be easier for you to ski around other people on the slopes if you are not going too fast to control your maneuvers.

Don’t stop in the middle of the ski trail.  If you find you need to stop, be aware of those who are still uphill.  Check out your surroundings and when you feel it is safe, slow down and ski over to the side of the trail.  Your abrupt stop could be a safety hazard for you and other skiers on the slope.

Always maintain control over your skis.  This is important especially on a crowded trail.  You should not try any jumps or fancy tricks when on a trail filled with other skiers.  If you need to pass another skier, call out and let them know which side you are passing them on so are aware you are behind them and will not make a sudden turn and cause a collision.  Calling out “passing on the right” will tell them you are behind them and keep you both safe.

Respect other skiers.  This means you should not cut people off, and give new skiers and young children as much room as possible.  If you should happen to fall, try to get up immediately.  This will keep you from having a collision with another skier and cause serious injury to you or anyone else.  If you must stop and get yourself together, try to get to the side of the trail so you will not put others in danger of colliding with you.  

Safety while skiing can include wearing the proper gear.  It is a matter of personal choice what you wear while skiing, especially in regards to wearing a helmet.  The National Ski Patrol and the Professional Ski Instructors of America encourage you to wear a helmet.  Using proper ski equipment is essential.  Don’t borrow someone else’s equipment.  You can rent from a ski shop or buy your own.  Ski boots should be fitted properly and bindings should always be properly adjusted.  Wearing goggles is another important safety tip.  They should fit securely around your helmet and if you wear eyeglasses, consider buying prescription goggles.  If you are wearing goggles over your glasses they should fit comfortably over your glasses.  Dress warm enough for the weather.  Wearing layers and bringing along an extra outfit if you get wet are good tips for an enjoyable skiing vacation.

Another important safety tip is to have the right instruction.  Sign up for ski lessons either as a group or as an individual.  Accomplished skiers can benefit from polishing their technique with a lesson or two.  You need to practice either individually or with a group lesson if you upgrade any of your ski equipment.  This will help you stay in control when you are on the slopes.

Take a break when you are tired.  Go to the lodge, relax and drink plenty of liquids.  Skiing will burn a lot of energy and if you are tired you will not be as safety conscious.  If you are tiring, don’t try to get in one more run, save your energy for the next day.

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