Skier Responsibility Code

Where shall I start ...

It seems like every year some skiers get their privileges of skiing suspended or revoked due to reckless or inappropriate behavior. There are times that I get the thought that I would like to bend the rules somewhat and ski down trails that have been marked off. This was the case about three weeks ago. One of my favorite trails is typically used for ski racing and is off limits to everyone else. While the course was being removed, the slope opened briefly, but was again closed as every snow gun was turned on. I had missed my opportunity. There was another slope that is not open very often. That night, it had an adequate base to support it being open, but doesn't have lights so again, it wasn't open.

I have skied the variety of trails that are open all night, but notice that more than several skiers were going on the closed trails without any appearent tap on the shoulders by the Ski Patrol. The Ski Patrol did not act to correct these decisions and make them examples for others. So again, I went down the listing - the skier responsibility code:

- Always stay in control and be able to stop or aviod other people or objects
- People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
- Do not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
- Whenever starting downhill or merging onto a trail, look uphill and yield to others
- Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment
- Observe all posted signs and warnings
- Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas
- Before using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

There it was ... number 6 and 7 which applied. Observe the warning and keep off the closed trails. I would risk my lift ticket, but again it was the end of the night. As I came closer to the closed slope, a ski patrol person came by and stopped at the markers. I decided that there is a reason to stay off that trail.

A week later, my favorite trail was now open and ready for some serious speed. My reward for being responsiblie occurred a week later by getting the chance to ski the slope in top condition.