Skiing is a popular winter activity in the United States. Nearly 18.5 million Americans went skiing at least once in 2023, an increase of four percent compared to 2022. Cross-country skiing participation increased from 4.85 million individuals to approximately 5.32 million, while 13.14 million Americans engaged in alpine, downhill, Freeski, and telemark skiing. There are a few tips that can help individuals enjoy their first time at a ski resort or mountain.
The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) Responsibility Code is a good place to start for novice skiers and snowboarders. The most important thing for skiers to remember is to always remain in control, such as maintaining a speed at which they can stop, turn, or otherwise avoid obstacles on the trail, including other people.
In addition, the Responsibility Code covers right-of-way rules on mountains, which skiers must understand. All individuals downhill have the right of way. It is the responsibility of skiers further up the trail to avoid anyone in their paths. The only exception is when a person is merging onto a trail. In this situation, individuals should make themselves visible and look up and down the trail until there is a safe time to enter. Any time a skier has to stop, they should do so at the side of the trail or in some other place where they are visible and do not interrupt the traffic flow.
Skiers should restrict the movement of runaway equipment whenever it is safe to do so. Individuals must know how to safely load, ride, and exit a ski lift. Additional topics addressed in the Responsibility Code include refraining from skiing or using the lift while impaired by drugs and alcohol and sharing personal information with fellow skiers following a collision.
The Responsibility Code goes on to state that skiers should carefully read and adhere to all posted trail signs, which include trail closures and trail difficulty ratings. First-time skiers must not take on trails beyond their skill level, which can injure themselves and others. Trails marked with a green circle are the easiest trails on a mountain, though it is important to remember that there is no baseline for trail ratings. Some may consider a green circle in one area as an intermediate or advanced trail elsewhere and vice versa.
Blue squares denote intermediate trails, while black diamond trails represent the highest challenge at most mountains. Skiiers should leave trails marked with double black diamonds for those with expert skills and familiarity with the terrain.
Individuals should be aware that downhill skiing is only one of several types. After spending time on a mountain, skiers may learn they prefer cross-country skiing. Many resorts provide skiers and snowboarders with access to terrain parks, where individuals focus on trick riding and jumps rather than downhill skiing.
Lastly, individuals must conduct proper research regarding how to dress for mountains in their area. Layering is the key to dressing for a ski trip. Essential items include long underwear, wool and fleece tops, jackets, long socks, properly fitted snow boots, and covering for the hands, face, and eyes.
