Safety on the Slopes

The old saying “Safety First” is especially important when it comes to snowsports. The National Ski Patrol, in keeping with its federal charter, advocates safe practices on the slopes and recommends wearing a helmet while skiing and snowboarding. At the same time, we all must realize that helmets have their limitations and are not the end all for safety. In addition to the proper use of helmets, the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) has developed Your Responsibility Code to help snowsports enthusiasts avoid injury and make their experience as safe and enjoyable as possible. NSAA has also prepared a helmet safety fact sheet for your convenience, and compiled additional ski and snowboard safety statistics available in the pressroom at NSAA.
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For any other questions as to what the Safety Team is or what it is that we do please see the attached link to the National Ski Patrol Safety Team website:  click here for more information

Stress Injury Risk for Patrollers

​Helping to keep people safe in the outdoors is what we do. Helping to keep ourselves safe - physically, mentally and emotionally - is what we must do.

​For more information regarding Stress Injury Risk for Patrollers - click here

For a list of local resources for Critical Incident Stress Management in the Eastern Division - click here

Terrain Park Safety

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(click the image to visit the Terrain Park Safety website for more information)

Know The Code

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Skiing and snowboarding can be enjoyed in many ways. At areas, you may see people using alpine skis, snowboards, telemark skis, cross country skis, and other specialized equipment, such as that used by the disabled. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the code listed below, and share with other skiers and riders the responsibility for a great skiing experience.
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  • ​​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.

Chairlift Safety 

Know The Code

View more safety videos here

A Young Skier Saved by STOP THE BLEED Training
Read a compelling story of how "Stop The Bleed" training helped save the life of Jonathan Davis, during his U-16 run at Whiteface. Like most everyone else in the race, his skis were razor sharp. As happens so often in slalom, he hooked a tip and his ski came off. Jonathan’s GMVS coach, Tim Curran, caught the fall on video. It was a bummer, but the fall seemed pretty tame. When Curran panned back down to Jonathan, he saw a long dark streak in the snow and realized that something was seriously wrong - read more here
Kathy Fitzpatrick
Safety Supervisor
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