[News & Views]
speak-out
Why We Must Elevate Safety in the Ski Industry
from individuals and organizations hailing from across North America and Europe. All are asking: what can be implemented to reduce fear of other skiers’ and riders’ reckless behavior? This level of fear should not exist, and it indicates that more must be done to improve the on-hill environment. Fortunately, we can accomplish this through concentrated efforts. Too many of us, guests and employees alike, tolerate disrespectful, dangerous behavior—and shouldn’t. We all love the thrill of skiing and riding, and that keeps us coming back. However, ask anyone that skis or rides regularly if there is anything that they dislike about it, and you will hear some variation of “other skiers and riders skiing too close to me when passing” or “I’m being used as a human slalom gate.” The only reason these behaviors persist is because we tolerate them and don’t intervene when they happen. This is understandable, to a point. It’s hard to intervene after the other skier or rider flies by; we might not see them again. Still, collision risks can be mitigated with appropriate inter- vention strategies when they are reported or observed by moun- tain staff. Education prior to this behavior occurring is even more powerful, and there are several mediums that could be used to provide it. Our organization is happy to help in this regard. That perfect day, where skiers and riders are looking out for each other’s safety and the mountain experience is more enjoyable, is very possible. The day that avoidable collisions are a thing of the past is attainable. Let’s make sure that everyone feels like the mountain is theirs to enjoy, no matter their skill level or background. Let’s make it more inviting to come back to the mountain day after day, by improving the safety culture. Let’s all work together to elevate safety in the industry.
Picture a perfect day on the slopes where you can trust that other skiers and riders are looking out for your safety, every- one practices Your Responsibility Code, and avoidable colli- sions are largely a thing of the past. Over the past couple decades, skiing and snowboarding have grown in popularity, steadily bringing more and more people to the mountains, including people from more diverse backgrounds thanks to improved outreach and inclusivity efforts. It is an exciting time, but what training and resources are we providing to help both new and experienced guests exercise good judgment with the inherent risks that they take on? Are we providing a welcoming environment—or one that shouts “get out of my way” as soon as they start down the mountain? As an industry, we must educate skiers and riders new and old with knowledge to reduce the inherent risks of skiing and riding and create a safer environment. There is a lack of educa- tion that the skiing and riding public receives and internalizes before hitting the slopes. Providing effective education, from basic etiquette to the effects of speed on stopping distance and what it means to be in control, is in everyone’s best interest. Some would argue that skiers and riders will figure these things out on their own over time. Well, some do, some don’t. Overall, there is a gap in basic safety understanding. Don’t believe me? Look up ski or snowboard collisions on Instagram or TikTok and read through the comments. For experienced skiers and riders who know the code, prepare to be shocked by the lack of understanding exhibited as skiers and riders chime in on who is at fault. (Hint: not everyone understands respon- sibility lies with the uphill person.) Further, surveys from ski area insurers indicate that a guest’s biggest fear while skiing is being hit by another skier. Inquiries come to our ski safety organization, Snow Angel Foundation,
Chauncy Johnson, Founder/Executive Director, Snow Angel Foundation Inc.
CORRECTION: “CHECK YOURSELF BEFORE YOU REC YOURSELF,” SAM, SEPTEMBER 2024
The September 2024 article “Check Yourself Before You REC Yourself” erroneously stated that National Ski Areas Associ- ation (NSAA) public policy director Geraldine Link agreed with contributor Erika Kazi’s characterization that RECs are “a Band-Aid on sustainability efforts.” Link clarified, “I do not agree with Ms. Kazi’s characterization of RECs as a ‘Band-Aid’ on sustainability efforts. Many ski areas are taking on proj- ects to reduce GHG emissions and electricity consumption in their operations, and they are also purchasing RECs to address
Scope 2 (purchased electricity) emissions and support renew- able energy development. In the 2023-24 season, our Climate Challengers reported that RECs contributed to a 20 percent reduction in Scope 2 emissions, which results in net emissions of 91,701 MT CO2e. This is significant. I would encourage your readers to review NSAA’s 2024 ‘Climate Challenge’ report … to better appreciate the role that RECs play in helping ski areas meet their renewable energy goals.” NSAA’s “Climate Chal- lenge” report is available online at nsaa.org.
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