national safety month

THE NSAA first developed the Skier Responsibility Code in 1962. In the last 60 years, the Code has undergone several revisions to stay in step with modern language and skiing behavior (and to include snowboarders, bikers and everyone who enjoys the slopes!). The 2022 version of Your Responsibility Code has grown from seven points to TEN! KNOW THE CODE, IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY!

Collision safety promotes on-hill safety and responsible skiing and riding to reduce the risk of a collision between two or more skiers and riders.

Tips for Avoiding Collisions:

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.

• Be familiar with the type of lift you are USING, and ask for help if you need it.
• Before loading, remove backpacks and secure loose items. Remove pole straps from wrists.
• Look over your shoulder to watch the chair approach.
• Sit all the way in the chair, with your back to the seat rest.
• If the lift has a restraint bar, wait until everyone is seated, and slowly reach up and lower the bar. Do not attempt to lower the bar if you cannot reach it! Adults should always help kids to lower the bar.
• Be aware of your surroundings while USING the lift. If you drop something, let it fall! You can always ask ski patrol for help retrieving the lost item.
• As you approach the top terminal, prepare to raise the bar. Look for signs advising you to do so to help with your timing.

Helmets can help mitigate head injuries on the slopes. Bonus: they also keep your head warm! although helmets are not required, they are highly encouraged. helmets should be upgraded every couple of years, if you notice wear, tear or cracks on it, and anytime there has been any sort of damage done to it.

Helmet Stats

Approximately 84% of skiers and snowboarders in the U.S. wear helmets

Nearly 100% of kids age 9 and under wear helmets. Many ski areas include helmets in a kids’ rental package, and some may even require children to wear one in a lesson (for example, the state of New Jersey requires all kids under age 18 to wear a helmet while skiing or snowboarding).

A peer reviewed scientific study found that potentially serious head injuries in skiing decreased as helmet usage increased. Helmets have been found to reduce the severity of head injuries and almost completely prevent lacerations.

contest deadline: wednesday, march 1st, 2023

NSAA’s safety awareness poster contest promotes skiing safety awareness and education to elementary school children, supports classroom curriculum related to sports, health and safety, and gives kids a chance to have fun and be creative while learning about slope safety. The contest targets fourth, fifth and sixth graders, but any elementary-age child can participate. Students are asked to create a poster related to any one of the 10 points in the new “Your Responsibility Code.” Two winners are picked annually, one for “Most Creative Design” and one for “Best Overall Safety Message”. Prizes are awarded.

NSAA ski area members promote and administer the safety poster contest for kids in their respective local community and schools. Local winning posters are then entered by the ski area in the national contest, giving local kids a chance to be recognized nationally for their winning design. Download the poster template here for contest rules and regulations.

Please print out the poster template, complete and return back to mohawk mountain to be entered into our contest! your safety month poster should outline some or all of the mountain safety topics covered above. Your submissions will be considered on two LEVELS: at the nsaa level and locally here at mohawk mountain! All rules and information about the contest can be found on the downloadable pdf linked above!

Rules for Poster Design:

• Students must create a poster based on one or more of the seven elements of “Your Responsibility Code” or five PARK SMART Elements.

• Posters must be created only by an individual child or a project team of no more than three children.

• Use this official entry form to submit entries, otherwise a 8 1/2” x 11” or 11” x 17” poster size is recommended

• Students should use pencil, crayon, paint and other materials (no macaroni) readily available in schools in their poster design.

• Complete form on the front of the poster (or else include the above information on the back of poster.)

• Entry forms must be submitted on time – March 1.

Prizes:

• National winning posters will:

– Receive a free helmet

– Be published in the NSAA Journal

• Other national awards at the discretion of NSAA.

• Local awards: curated childrens gift basket for first and second place, put together by mohawk mountain!

have fun & good luck!