Ski resort safety

  • Published
  • 366th Fighter Wing Safety Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Items to think about when participating in ski resort activities:

Beginners: Take lessons and stay on the beginner's slopes.

Falling: Keep arms forward, skis together, and hands over skis. Don't use hands to break your fall and wait until you stop sliding to get up. If you feel you are getting out of control, fall to your rear or side.

Equipment: Always wear a helmet while skiing or snowboarding. Select the right equipment and make sure items such as bindings and boots are adjusted to fit properly. Outdoor recreation rents equipment at great rates and will assist you in selecting the proper equipment.

Alcohol Use: In simple terms, alcohol and winter sports do not mix.

Ski Area Codes:
All local ski resorts have rules for the slopes; you should know those rules and be courteous to all users.

Ski Area Trails:
Getting lost in the Idaho mountains during the winter can be fatal. Ski resorts provide maps on site or through their websites. If you areunfamiliar with the area be sure to get a map and never ski outside the posted trails.

Skiing/Snowboarding:
Skiing and snowboarding are popular, physically challenging sports that require physical endurance. Many participants can sustain sprains and muscle injuries due to fatigue. Preparing yourself can decrease chances of injury. Most snowboarding injuries result from lack of experience with the most common snowboarding injury being wrist injuries and fractures.

Sledding:
Sled only during daytime hours or in designated night time lighted areas.
Avoid sledding over snow bumps or anything that may cause the sled to become airborne.
Stay out of the paths of other sledders. If the slopes become busy, you should move off them quickly.