Ski Resorts Participate in National Safety Awareness Week
National Safety Awareness Week, Jan. 17-23, is an annual event that highlights resort safety education efforts.
"Safety remains a top priority throughout the season for ski resorts, and Safety Week is an opportunity for both guests and employees to gain a better understanding of the importance of personal responsibility on the slopes," said National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) President Michael Berry.
Safety Week activities are centered on the seven points of the "Your Responsibility Code," which are key elements of safe skiing and riding. The tenets include: Stay in control; People ahead have the right of way; Stop in a safe place for you and others; When starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield; Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment; Observe signs and warnings and keep off closed trails; and Know how to use the lifts safely.
Also, the Smart Style terrain park safety initiative will again be heavily promoted by ski areas including its messages: Make a plan; Look before you leap; Respect gets respect; and Easy style it. In recent years resorts have also focused on backcountry skills, sun protection and helmet use.
National Safety Awareness Week is part of the ski industry's Heads Up Safety Initiative. As part of the initiative, NSAA recognizes resorts that exemplify the most creative and successful Safety Week programs through the presentation of the annual National Safety Awards, which are announced at its National Convention in May. For more information, visit http://www.nsaa.org/nsaa/safety.