Skiing safety
Jan 17th, 2008, 04:17 PM
#21
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Thanks, all. I had the "merging" discussion with my kids.
We were in Park City over a weekend and the lines weren't bad at all. But it was Super Bowl weekend - we purposely picked that weekend thinking people might be preoccupied. Of course, we are used to long lines at the PA ski places so we just thought Utah was great.
My husband skied Vail today for the first time. It was one degree! He loved it - I've heard so much about the back bowls of Vail so I'm really happy he had this opportunity. Let's just say that I don't know if I'll ever see those!
We were in Park City over a weekend and the lines weren't bad at all. But it was Super Bowl weekend - we purposely picked that weekend thinking people might be preoccupied. Of course, we are used to long lines at the PA ski places so we just thought Utah was great.
My husband skied Vail today for the first time. It was one degree! He loved it - I've heard so much about the back bowls of Vail so I'm really happy he had this opportunity. Let's just say that I don't know if I'll ever see those!
Jan 17th, 2008, 11:55 PM
#22
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Here are a couple more ski safety pointers:
If your ability levels allow it, don't ski on the runs that beginners tend to use the most; those that have "slow skiing" marked. The fewer other skiers on the run, the safer you are, IMHO.
Any time you are crossing, entering or joining another run, ALWAYS look uphill, not only when coming out of the trees. The downhill skier has right of way, but that doesn't signify to an out-of-control skier.
If you are skiing behind a slower skier and want to pass that skier, especially one that looks like a beginner, pass that slower skier as he/she begins a turn away from you. My theory is that a not-so-proficient skiier can't turn fast enough to make a surprise turn in your direction. Similarly, try to pass snowboarders on the side they're facing, not the side their back is facing (so that you're passing them where they can see you).
If you are a more competent skier, ski the edges of the run - there are fewer people there. The theory here is that you are better able to avoid the trees on the edge of the run than you are to get run into by an out-of-control skier.
If your kids are going to go off ramps (not something I advise), always have someone on the downhill side of the ramp to let the jumper know that there are no other skiers in the way.
I'm glad to hear that you all wear helmets. To generalize a bit, it tends to be the "local" skiers wearing the helmets, and the tourists who are not. The locals know better (for the most part).
Re the back bowls of Vail, there are intermediate runs out there. So if you want to see what it's like, give it a try.
If your ability levels allow it, don't ski on the runs that beginners tend to use the most; those that have "slow skiing" marked. The fewer other skiers on the run, the safer you are, IMHO.
Any time you are crossing, entering or joining another run, ALWAYS look uphill, not only when coming out of the trees. The downhill skier has right of way, but that doesn't signify to an out-of-control skier.
If you are skiing behind a slower skier and want to pass that skier, especially one that looks like a beginner, pass that slower skier as he/she begins a turn away from you. My theory is that a not-so-proficient skiier can't turn fast enough to make a surprise turn in your direction. Similarly, try to pass snowboarders on the side they're facing, not the side their back is facing (so that you're passing them where they can see you).
If you are a more competent skier, ski the edges of the run - there are fewer people there. The theory here is that you are better able to avoid the trees on the edge of the run than you are to get run into by an out-of-control skier.
If your kids are going to go off ramps (not something I advise), always have someone on the downhill side of the ramp to let the jumper know that there are no other skiers in the way.
I'm glad to hear that you all wear helmets. To generalize a bit, it tends to be the "local" skiers wearing the helmets, and the tourists who are not. The locals know better (for the most part).
Re the back bowls of Vail, there are intermediate runs out there. So if you want to see what it's like, give it a try.
