While most people at this time in the season are obsessing over snow reports and preparing for another great year, I’m here to give you some safety tips and reminders. How’s that for a Debbie Downer.
Thank me in March when your body is still in one piece for MTB season.
Update Your Equipment
Sure those K2s from 1971 are hilarious and fashionably retro but they’re not worth the hilarity of a full body cast. If you’re going to throw on some retro gear for whatever reason (maybe it’s Retro Day and you get a free lift pass, or maybe you’re just ok wasting a day on the slopes with old gear), make sure it’s been checked by a ski shop pro in at least the last decade. If your setup is relatively new but it hasn’t been tuned in a while, make sure to get them inspected before hitting the lifts.
Old bindings, loose knobs and belts can lead to the weird twist of the ankle that lands you on the couch for the rest of the season.
Old Snow
If it looks old, grey or even yellow…don’t party on Garth (Wayne’s World reference for all you Gen Z’rs out there). Many times the grey color of the snow or the crackled texture is a sign of rocks and other unsavory landscapes. These obstructions may seem small and something Tanner Hall would totally ski through, but take it from Tanner, nobody looks cool while they are being injured.
Drinking
It’s not a secret that mountain men and mountain women are the coolest. But most mountain folks (hopefully) know better than to drink on the mountain like it’s a frat house. Yes, it’s true that the “beach” at A‑Basin is a glorious place to enjoy a cold one while basking in the beautiful weather, but liquid courage while skiing is a magnet for injuries. Sure enjoy a brew or maybe even a few, but if you’re drunk and you’re in the way, don’t expect me to show you any sympathy.
Ego
Nobody falls harder, or blows the jump to a more epic degree, than men who don’t know their limits. It’s easy to get caught up in amazing powder and the feeling that comes from skiing at your all-time best. Overconfidence on the other hand, is a killer. There’s a reason why GoPro videos are called edits — it’s because the sizing-up and studying-the-mountain parts are all edited out.
Take a minute to study the terrain and particularly, compare how small you are compared to the mountain. If that doesn’t work, bring up Vail on Google maps. Have fun but remember you are not invincible, despite not remembering that last time you wiped out.
Rules
Ski resorts have them in place for a reason. You don’t want to end up hitting an un-seeable rock in an out-of-bounds area of the mountain with no hope of rescue. No es bueno for your life . Plus the areas that are roped off are basically ski patrol’s way of saying “if you get hurt down there, you’re on your own for a loong time.”
Having a blast on the mountains this season, but also keep in mind to play it (relatively) safe.