MN Slope Safety

Understanding How to Be Safer on the Slopes

We partner with our members and other industry associations to promote safe, responsible enjoyment of skiing and snowboarding in Minnesota.

NSAA together with many other industry associations and sponsors has created safety programs to protect skiers and riders on the slopes. Smart Style, Know the Code, Lids on Kids, Chairlift Safety and the National Safety Month are just a few programs created to keep all skiers and snowboarders educated and safe.

Your Responsibility Code

Know and Obey the Code. It’s Your Responsibility.

Protect yourself, protect others. With common sense and the ten points of Your Responsibility Code, you can have a safer day on the slopes. The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) believes education, helmet use, respect and common sense are very important when cruising down the mountain. NSAA developed Your Responsibility Code to help skiers and boarders be aware that there are elements of risk in snowsports that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce.

PARK SMART TERRAIN PARK SAFETY

The National Ski Areas Association, MN Ski Areas Association and Burton Snowboards would like to welcome you to the "Park Smart" Terrain Park Safety initiative. Park Smart is the evolution of the original Smart Style program. A cooperative effort with the help of the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI) and National Ski Patrol (NSP) that emphasizes the proper use of terrain parks while delivering a unified message.

Remove backpacks while riding the lift

Minnesota Ski Areas Association views using and riding chair lifts in a responsible manner as one of the primary safety considerations for all skiers and boarders. A skier’s behavior has as much or more to do with the safety of the sport as does any piece of equipment from helmet to chair lift.

In addition to the lift instruction that skiers and riders receive in lessons at ski areas, there are also many different sources for information about safely riding lifts.

Kidsonlifts.org (a dedicated website for kids and their parents)
Kids on Lifts video (produced with the National Ski Patrol)

If you are unfamiliar with a lift or have questions, please ask a lift attendant for assistance and directions.

collision prevention

Tips for Avoiding Collisions

Complementing the Responsibility Code and it's 10 tenets, #RideAnotherDay promotes 3 actions every skier and rider can take to help keep themselves and those around safer on the slopes.

1. Be Ready

Be ready to slow down or avoid objects or other people at any time. Ski and ride in such a way that you are always able to control yourself regardless of conditions and avoid others and objects you may encounter on the run, groomed or otherwise.

2. Stay Alert

Stay alert to what’s going on around you, especially other skiers and riders. Being aware of those around and changing conditions will help you have a fun and safe day on the hill.

3. Plan Ahead

Ease up at blind spots, check uphill when merging onto trails, and give other skiers plenty of room when passing. Look out for spots on the run where traffic merges or you can't see what's coming next. If you are unfamiliar with a run, take it easy the first time down it and make note of places where you'll want to slow down, such as cat tracks and rollers. Also, give other skiers and riders lots or room, especially if you are passing them. There's plenty of space out there, so there's no need to crowd each other.

By doing these three things every run, you'll be helping keep the slopes safe and enjoyable, for you and everyone else.

Ride Another Day

Five year-old Elise Johnson was just learning to ski when an out of control rider struck and killed her. Elise's parents, Kelli and Chauncy Johnson, wanted to help prevent such accidents befalling other families. The Johnson family generously offered a donation to create the #RideAnotherDay campaign in partnership with NSAA. The campaign encourages awareness, responsibility and common sense to reduce the risk of on-mountain collisions between skiers and riders.

This safety program is a main pillar of collision safety and uses artwork and media content to spread awareness. It is important to educate your guests and community on this powerful topic. Watch and read the video and article below to learn what you can do to promote safety on the hill. The #RideAnotherDay campaign has both a print and a video component where ski areas can find artwork and posters to help spread the collision safety message to their guests.