CK Ski School

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ: Safety

FAQ Links
Q: Should I wear a helmet?
A: Yes! The snow in the Cascades is often as hard as concrete. Helmets have become the norm at ski resorts in the Northwest
    and the vast majority of our participants wear them.
Q: Isn't this a dangerous sport?
A: It's probably a lot less dangerous than you think. Each year we take 300 - 400 students on 8 trips up to the mountain, and we most years we have about 4 to 6 students who have to drop out because of injuries (usually broken arms). As in bicycling or football, he potential for serious injury exists, but because our program emphasizes instruction and safety, our participants tend to stay safe.
Q: I sometimes hear about high avalanche danger, does this affect the ski area?
A: No. Ski areas have avalanche control down to a science. The Ski Patrol at Stevens knows where avalanches occur and clears out the area before the resort opens in the morning. Sometimes avalanche danger will keep us from going, but this is because it makes the highway impassable.
Q: Are there cliffs?
A: Yes, but they are well marked and aren't anywhere near the designated runs. Still, it is important that students stay within their ability levels and not venture into areas they are unfamilliar with.

Q: What are the biggest dangers associated with the sport?
A: The three biggest dangers are: trees, jumps, and other people.
      Trees - hitting one, even at low speed, is painful and dangerous. Also, after a big snowfall there are dangerous tree wells   
                    at the base of tree in which you could find yourself stuck. Avoid these hazards by staying on designated runs.
     Jumps - getting air is lots of fun, but only if you don't crash when you land. Don't go off a jump until you know you are
                    ready for it. Never stop at the bottom of a jump, or someone might land on you.
Collisions - Remember, the downhill person always has the right of way. It is always your responsibility ot avoid the people
                      below you. Never try to pass someone without leaving plenty of room. If you do run into someone, the law
                      requires you to stay there until Ski Patrol arrives.

Q: What is the best way to stay safe?
A: Stay on designated runs, always ski/ride with a buddy, and don't attempt jumps or terrain that are beyond your ability level.