There is nothing as exhilarating as a day on the mountain, but you want to stay safe. Whether you’re taking your first runs down Hogsback, dropping through untracked powder in Chief Bowl, or doing 360s in the terrain park, you want to make sure you do everything you can to avoid a season-ending injury.

Do’s:
· Wear a helmet
· Stay in bounds
· Ski with a buddy
· Stay on designated runs
· Know the Snow Riders Responsibility Code

Don’ts:
· Never ski/ride out of bounds
· Don’t ski/ride in the trees
· Never attempt to adjust bindings while on a chairlift
· Don’t explore terrain you are not familiar with
· Never stop where you can’t be seen by people above you
· Never take a jump
without knowing that the landing is clear
· Don’t attempt a jump or descent that is above your ability level

What should you do if…
· You or your friend gets injured
· You collide with another skier
· You realize you are more hurt than you originally thought

Wear a helmet
Your helmet is the most important piece of gear you own – never ski/ride without it! Cascade snow is often as hard as pavement, and even minor falls without a helmet can lead to serious injury.

Ski with a buddy
If you get hurt, or have some other problem on the hill, the best and quickest way for you to get help is to have a friend with you. 
  Before you start down the hill, agree which route you are taking
   Always know the name of the run you are taking
   Stay in sight of each other on the way down -  stop periodically to regroup
If your friend gets hurt, ask a passing skier to tell the lift operator to send Ski Patrol




 

 

Stay on designated runs
There are ample opportunites for thrills and adventure on the many designated runs at Stevens. You don't need to venture into the trees and side trails in order to have fun. If you get hurt or lost in an non-designated area it can be very difficult for Ski Patrol to find you.

Never ski/ride out of bounds
There is more than enough terrain within the boundaries of Stevens Pass to keep the most experienced and adventurous riders challenged and entertained. If hike or ski out of the ski area boundary you are exposing yourself to unnecessary and life-threatening risks. Outside of the ski area boundaries there are no precautions taken to prevent avalanches or indicate hazards such as cliffs and creeks. Do not go into the following areas:
·  Above Bobby Chute on 7 th heaven
· Behind or to the left of Brooks chair
· Behind the Skyline chair
· The trails to the right of the Chief chair
· The left side of the Southern Cross chair
· The right side of the power lines on the back side

If we find out that you have been skiing/riding outside of the ski area boundary, you will be expelled from CK Ski School for your own protection.


 



 

Don't ski/ride in the trees

Never  adjust your bindings bindings while on a chairlift
You should always lower the safety bar when you get on a
chairlift. This keeps you safe and gives you a place to rest your feet. If you lean over to adjust your bindings while you are on a lift, you could fall off the chair and end up seriously injured or dead. Whatever you need to do can wait until you are at the top.

Don't explore terrain you are not familiar with
Many people have ruined their day on the mountain after saying "Hey, let's try going over there." This can lead to flat areas of deep powder that take hours to trudge out of, or a long detour around a band of cliffs. You should always limit yourself to places your instructor has taken you to. Your instuctor knows the mountain better than you do, and he/she knows what you are and are not ready for.

It is the responsibility of the uphill skier to avoid colliding with the people below them, but this is only possible if they see you. If you stop to rest just below a change in pitch, a skier or snowboarder traveling at 20 to 40 miles per hour will not have time to avoid hitting you - and it will HURT. Also, changes in pitch are often places where people jump. Never, never stop to rest below a change in pitch (see diagram below)

Never take a jump if you don't know the landing is clear

Whether you ski or snowboard, jumping is something most people like to do. But if you leap before you look you might end up colliding with someone. As the uphill skier/rider, it is your responsiblity to avoid people below you, and you can only do this if you know where they are. Always have a friend spot the landing zone for you before you take a jump. Also, if you fall when making a landing, be sure to move out of the way as soon as possible (as long as it is safe for you to move).

If your friend gets hurt...

If you can,  place crossed skis or a vertical snowboard above just uphill from the injured person to alert others of an injury.

Ask a passing skier/snowboarder to tell the nearest lift operator that you need someone from Ski Patrol to come and help. Be sure the person knows the name and location of the part of the hill you are on.

If there is no one else around to report the injury for you, you will need to ski/ride down and report the injury yourself. After you tell the lift operator, you should go back up to the top of the run, wait for ski patrol, then take them to your injured friend.

 

Snow Riders Responsibiltiy Code

 

CK Ski School