Brains
The skier in front of you has the right of way. They may be a slowpoke and be blocking your line, but give them space, so you don’t accidentally hit them and have to get ski patrol involved. Always ski in control, too.
Stop somewhere sensible. Stop on the side of the piste or where you can be visibly seen, so you don’t end up being a part of someone’s landing.
Know before you go. Make sure to know the trail you are taking so you don’t screw yourself by blindly sending into a massive cliff zone or a run that’s way steeper than what you’re comfortable with. Ski areas hand out trail maps like candy – study them.
Don’t litter. There are often bins at the top of ski lifts so you can recycle your beer cans. It takes a serious scumbag to actively litter in a holy place like a ski area.
Don’t cut the lift line. People are already hot and bothered enough on powder days, and fists can fly at any moment in the line to a ski lift.
Stop and help a fellow skier who has fallen or looks hurt. This doesn’t mean giving them CPR or trying to save their lives, but if you see a downed skier go over to them and see if they need ski patrol called. No one wants to be left unconscious in the snow.
Don’t duck ropes or ski into closed areas. There’s a reason ski patrol hasn’t opened it yet, and it probably has something to do with your safety. This is also the quickest way to lose that brand new, shiny season pass of yours.
Be friendly on the chair lift. No need to be standoffish on the chair; we’re all here for the same reason. Say hi to your fellow skiers unless they have music in or don’t seem to speak the same language as you. Just be respectful and friendly, because who knows, you may make a new friend or wind up with a hot date.
Don’t stand on other people’s skis in the lift line. Pretty self-explanatory, but it still happens every day. No one wants a scratch on their brand new Atomic Bent Chetler’s from some jerry in the lift line. Watch where you swing those ski poles, too.
HAVE FUN! A wise man once said that the best skier on the mountain is the one who has the most fun. Be as competitive as you like on the hill, but remember the whole reason why you started skiing in the first place – to enjoy yourself and the mountains!
If you want to cut lines like the rich n famous pay $800-2500 for a full day lesson.
Half hour line at Sun Valley? BS. Might happen on a powder day at River Run. Here is a clue. Those horrible rich people pay for a private instructor so they can cut the line, friend of mine treasures those days, easy work and big tips. Hire an instructor so you can do it, too.
this is verry nice
Leave your backpack music at home. Put it in your own skull. Not everyone wants to hear your music.
I fully support and second this one….
Also don’t light up a cigarette on the chairlift without asking other riders if it is okay. Totally rude!
ok, I saw the don’t cut in on the lift line, I can tell from years past the *rich* cut it like no tomorrow! I used to frequent the ski areas at Sun Valley Idaho and the stars would not stand in any line what so ever them or their huge pack of friends and family, they were allowed to pop in front of the half hour crowd. so in your Snow Brains article do you mean everyone? or just the 90% of the rest of us?
Couldn’t agree more about the bar.
Very good article, the emphasis should be on fun without endangering others. Being considerate does not hurt anyone. Ski areas publish the skiers code every where but it does not hurt to emphasis it once more.
Finally let me finish with my pet pevee, be considerate check with your chair mates for their readiness for the safety bar. Slamming the bar down on someones head, even if it is in a helmet is not a good way to make friends. Plus bring the bar down gently no reason to slam it down on the tights of your fellow riders.
I do like the line “the best skier is the one having the most fun”.
The skiers code of responsibility is not just some kind of informational hand out that you would get at vail.
It’s the standard at all ski resorts that all skiers and snowboarders must follow on the slopes to be safe .
Chris is a dumbass for suggesting that the skiers code of responsibility is just some kind of handout .
How do you not know what the skiers code of responsibility is ?
Think of it as a fun skill, an achievement in your skiing abilities. Hauling down a groomer and a slower skier or rider is zigzagging? Time it so you pass safely without losing speed. Or, parallel them, then drop and accelerate – like regaining lost speed in a race.
I found that skiing immediately behind the skier and on her line for a second, I can zig right when she zig’s left
Isn’t this the wrong publication for this kind of story? Looks like an informational handout you’d get from Vail resorts or something. I
HAVE FUN! A wise man once said that the best skier on the mountain is the one who has the most fun. Be as competitive as you like on the hill, but remember the whole reason why you started skiing in the first place – to enjoy yourself and the mountains!