Did you know the law requires you to stop if you collide with and injure another skier or snowboarder?

"Hit and runs" are illegal on the roadways. It's the same way on the slopes. The Ski Safety Act requires a level of responsibility that skiers may not fully understand. The law was enacted back in 1979 and has since been amended several times. There's a lot of legal speak and jargon in there but for the most part, it lays out who's responsible for what. For skiers and snowboarders, you're basically out there "at your own risk." However, if you collide or cause a skier to crash and is injured, you must stop! It's serious stuff. You can be criminally charged if you leave the scene of the accident.

On the front range, Eldora Mountain is taking steps to help raise safety awareness. They've started handing out warning tickets to anybody they spot skiing dangerously. I'm guessing this "warning ticket" policy will become reality at more and more ski resorts all the time.

Of course, a little prevention goes away. The National Ski Areas Association offers tons of safety tips and information on their website. Here's the NSAA "Responsibility Code."

  1. Always stay in control.
  2. People ahead of you have the right of way.
  3. Stop in a safe place for you and others.
  4. Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.
  5. Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
  6. Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails.
  7. Know how to use the lifts safely.

Credit: Fox31

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