New Partnership with Snow Angel Foundation Focuses on Collision Avoidance
This month ski areas across Vermont are participating in National Safety Awareness Month, promoted by the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA). While Vermont’s ski areas remain focused on the safety of guests and employees every day, the goal of the annual month-long initiative is to remind skiers and snowboarders of the important role they play in mountain safety.
The dynamic nature of snow sports is what makes them fun and exciting—but also means that inherent risks cannot be eliminated. Skiers and riders should always be aware of changing weather and conditions and what’s happening around them, ski and snowboard within their ability and remain in control. All participants should know and follow Your Responsibility Code, wear a well-fitting snow sports helmet, learn how to ride lifts and avoid collisions.
Collision avoidance is central to a new statewide partnership between Ski Vermont and The Snow Angel Foundation. Evolving from their Ride Another Day campaign, The Snow Angel Foundation focuses on collision avoidance and enhancing the overall culture of safety at ski areas across the country. “We think our mission fits really well with Vermont’s existing ski culture,” says Founder Chauncy Johnson. “It comes down to understanding how one’s actions can affect others’ safety on the mountain. It’s a neighborly approach, which is something Ski Vermont—and Vermont skiers and riders—seem eager to embrace.”
Through the partnership, Johnson and Ski Vermont are holding a series of safety-awareness discussions at ski areas around the state in January and February.
“It was great to meet my new friend Chauncy—which is what he said we could call him,” said Cody Sayers, Burke Mountain’s Risk Management Specialist. “Our talk really explored ways to improve skiing and riding safety for everyone. I am truly in awe of their commitment to sharing such a positive message and their continued love of the sport after experiencing a life-altering event.”
Magic Mountain, Bromley Mountain, Saskadena Six, Killington, Burke Mountain, and Bolton Valley hosted the first round of discussions earlier this month. Johnson and The Snow Angel Foundation plan to continue visiting other Vermont ski areas during a second trip in early February.
“Vermont’s ski areas are committed to providing skiers and riders with a great experience, which is built on a foundation of safety,” says Ski Vermont President Molly Mahar. “While ski areas prioritize safety in their daily operations, it is important to remind participants that mountain safety is a partnership, and their awareness and actions directly contribute to others’ safety as much as their own. Our aim is to foster Vermont’s culture of mountain safety so skiers and riders know the neighborly attitude in the surrounding communities also extends to the slopes.”
Your Responsibility Code Refresh
Your Responsibility Code—the guidelines that skiers and snowboarders are responsible for following on the mountain—received its most recent update on its 60th anniversary in 2022, modernizing it for evolutions in skiing and snowboarding, equipment, and culture. Now is a great time for skiers and riders to refresh their knowledge of the Code and make sure their friends and families know it, too.
Always practicing Your Responsibility Code will help you have a safer day on the mountain.
For more safety education resources, visit SkiVermont.com and NSAA.org.
Your Responsibility Code
- Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
- People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
- Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
- Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
- You must prevent runaway equipment.
- Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
- Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
- You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
- Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.