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Even the pros understand the importance of vigilant awareness and proactive safety measures on the slopes. While skiing and snowboarding will always involve an element of danger, mastering basic snow safety and mountain awareness makes it easy to avoid the majority of risk factors.
Below, we explore important safety and awareness factors for injury prevention, all-terrain skill progression, and how to stay safe even if unfavorable conditions are on the forecast.
Know Your Limits Before You Go
Many skiing and riding injuries can be prevented by avoiding terrain that you or your family members are not prepared for. Quite simply, beginner or intermediate skiers and riders should not be attempting steeper black diamond terrain or uncharted territory until they have confidently mastered stopping, turning, and speed control with steadfast consistency.
The best way to determine your current skill level? Partnering with a skilled instructor or a seasoned ski/board veteran is the best way to gauge your actual skill level. Since we all have a tendency to rate our personal abilities higher than they actually are, the unbiased perspective of an honest skiing or riding companion is the best way to gain transparent and useful feedback related to our actual capabilities.
Ski & Snowboard With a Proficient Partner
No matter how skilled you are, it’s always a good idea to hit the slopes with a buddy or two. The more the merrier, because a friend by your side can be the difference between life or death on the mountain. Traveling with a partner is especially important if you plan on cruising tree runs and other isolated areas of the resort where an accident is less likely to be reported to ski patrol.
The added bonus? If you find a partner with more experience, you can expect to gain valuable feedback and become a better skier or rider as a result.
Learn the Mountain Trails in Advance
Another simple way to avoid terrain and conditions you aren’t prepared for is as simple as studying the trail map. Most resorts have a trail map you can preview online, or when you arrive, be sure to grab a foldable map and stash it in your pocket. Planning your runs before you strap in is always a smart idea to prevent getting lost or stumbling onto a double-black mogul run that’s way above your current ability level.
Track the Weather & Look at the Resort’s Snow Report
The weather and trail report will give you a helpful glimpse into the conditions you can expect that day. Advanced weather insights and trail reports will help you pick the right goggle lens for the day, the appropriate layers for your ski and snowboard gear, and help you avoid areas of the resort that might have unsafe trail conditions.
Bring Ample Supplies to Stay Hydrated & Nourished
Elevation, cold temperatures, and extreme sports require extra calories and liquid intake to keep up with the demanding conditions. To be on the safe side, prevent low-energy levels and dehydration by carrying a hydration pack/water bottle and a stash of snacks like nuts and other calorie-rich essentials in your jacket or backpack.
In addition to your on-the-go snack and drink collection, we also recommend limiting your alcohol consumption while you’re on the mountain. While it may be tempting to grab an extra beer or shot at the lodge around lunch time, alcohol can contribute to dehydration and actually reduces your body’s internal temperature, which can increase risks like frostbite and hypothermia.
Upgrade Your Safety Gear at the Ski Bum Today
The best mountain safety tip of all? Wear a helmet. With skiing and riding speeds easily topping 30-50+ MPH or faster, a single crash can instantly ruin a beautiful day on the slopes. To protect your head and look cool too, we have a discounted collection of ski & snowboard helmets for every skill level and style.
