Ski and snowboard safety is no accident BY MARC PLANTE MOST PEOPLE PREFER to stay on top of their skis, kicking up powder, not chasing after them or sitting in the chalet nursing frostbite. The men and women in the blue and yellow jackets, members of the Canadian Ski Patrol, have the same idea in mind. They want you to have a great day on the hills. These volunteers spend their time and energy promoting safe skiing and boarding. Of course, when things go wrong, they provide firstaid in the snow. A good way to avoid an unexpected visit by Ski Patrol members might begin with reviewing basic elements of ski and snowboard safety:
} Be aware of other people on the hill. } Stay in control. } Maintain your equipment. } Ski or ride within your ability. } Warm up, stretch before heading out, because skiing can push your body hard. Think of yourself as a driver and your skis or snowboard as the vehicle. On the road, do you merge into oncoming traffic without looking over your shoulder? Do you go hell-bent for speed, ignoring road signs? Do you accelerate downhill until you lose control? Of course not, so don’t do it on the slopes. Just like driving a vehicle, alpine sports contain elements of speed, precision and decision-making. On the road, you don’t merge into oncoming traffic without checking, or park your car in the middle of the highway. You don’t blaze through red lights and stop signs. If it makes no sense on the highway, it makes no sense on the hill.
GET INTO PRE-SEASON SHAPE
PHOTO BY CANADA SKI PATROL
Your most important piece of equipment is your body. Exercise and diet before the snow falls can make the winter months more enjoyable and safe – free of needless injuries. You’ll also feel better after a hard workout on skis.
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OTTAWAOUTDOORS WINTER 2005-2006
PHOTO BY WP MCELLIGOTT – WWW.WPMCELLIGOTT.COM (TAKEN AT MONT STE. MARIE)
Staying physically fit is simple, even if you’ve spent the summer by the pool sipping margaritas and munching nachos. Try running, swimming, and biking. All you need is 20 minutes of aerobic activity three times a week. Or visit your local gym where trainers would be happy to set you up with a program designed for leg strength and stamina. In most ski areas, long gone are the days of slow, fixed-grip lifts. Multipassenger gondolas and high-speed chairlifts mean more of your time is spent on the snow instead of standing in line. The quicker it takes to get to the top of the mountain, the more runs you’ll be able to take, and the more likely you’ll ski yourself into exhaustion. So be wise. Recognize when it’s time for a rest.
MAINTAIN YOUR EQUIPMENT
Make sure your equipment is in top form. This means digging it out of the basement for a trip to the ski shop for a professional tune-up before your first ski trip. Get your edges sharpened, and have a ski technician fill in any gouges in your bases left over from last spring. Check your binding settings; they should be adjusted to your weight and level of expertise. Both may have changed from last year! And above all, ensure that your boots and bindings fit you as well as each other. If you get your skis and boards in early to the technician, you’ll be ready when the snow flies. www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
