For many people, snowboarding and skiing are seen as the ultimate winter sports. There are lots of reasons why we love them. Not only do they give us an adrenaline rush, but very few other sports can match up to the speed, adventure, and agility of them.
Skiing and snowboarding combine outstanding scenery and views with the chance to race down the side of a snowy mountain at more than 40mph, the wind whistling through our hair as we go. But, as with most sports, they come with some risks, particularly if you’re inexperienced, or you don’t take the right precautions. If you’re planning a trip to the slopes, then here are some of our top tips to help you stay safe:
Follow the Rules
Similar to the way in which the Highway code dictates to us how we should act on the roads, the International Ski Federation dictates how you should behave on the slopes. Their rules are legally binding, so it’s essential that you understand and follow them. They cover a whole host of situations, although the most important thing new skiers and snowboarders should remember is that the person in front of you has priority over the slope. Some of the other rules include:
- Being duty bound to assist if another person has an accident on the slopes
- You must stay at the side of the slope if you’re ascending or descending on foot
- You’re not allowed to stop on-piste unless it’s unavoidable
These are just a few of the rules set out that you need to follow in order to stay safe on the slopes.
Wear the Right Items of Clothing
Wearing the right items of clothing and having the right equipment can really help you to stay safe on the slopes. Not only should you wear a helmet to protect your head from serious injury, but you should also consider wearing some body armor too. If you want to know more about why you should wear the right items of clothing on the slopes, then here is an excellent article to best snowboard impact shorts. This article explains how wearing the right clothing and having the correct equipment can be a lifesaver.
Look Out for Collisions
It’s always important to be aware of your surroundings when on the slopes. After all, it doesn’t matter how many times you’ve skied or snowboarded before, there’s always a good chance that somebody else nearby doesn’t know what they’re doing.
Always look up before setting off at the top of the slope. Failing to see what’s ahead of you can cause collisions and is easily avoided by following the rules of crossing a road: stop, look, and listen.
Whether you’re a complete novice or you’re a seasoned professional, it’s important to know how to stay safe on the slopes. Thousands of people head to the slopes each year for the excitement and thrill of the sport. If you’re one of these people, then make sure you follow our advice above. You never know, this advice could be a lifesaver.
