Safety on the Slopes
Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. BOYNE is committed to providing a safe environment for our guests. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the following programs and initiatives so that everyone can share a safe enjoyable day on the slopes!
January is National Safety Month!
National Ski Patrol
As the leading authority of on-mountain safety, the NSP is dedicated to serving the public and outdoor recreation industry by providing education and accreditation to emergency care and safety service providers. The organization is made up of more than 28,000 members serving over 650 patrols. Their members work on behalf of Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain to improve the overall experience for winter enthusiasts.
Know the Code
Common Sense, it's one of the most important things to keep in mind and practice when on the slopes. The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) believes education, helmet use, respect and common sense are very important when cruising down the mountain. NSAA developed Your Responsibility Code to help skiers and boarders be aware that there are elements of risk in snowsports that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce.
Seven Points to Your Responsibility Code
1. Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
2. People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.
4. Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
5. Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
6. Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
7. Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.
KNOW THE CODE: IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
SMART STYLE
This terrain park safety initiative began in 2001 with the help of the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), Burton Snowboards and a host of other contributing sponsors. The goal of Smart Style is to educate riders about freestyle terrain safety. The orange oval is the symbol used to designate freestyle terrain and is usually posted at the top of the terrain park or pipe.
The Smart Style Terrain Park Safety Program has Four Main Messages:
1. MAKE A PLAN
Every time you use freestyle terrain, make a plan for each feature you want to use. Your speed, approach and take off will directly affect your maneuver and landing.
2. LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP
Scope around the jumps first, not over them. Know your landings are clear and clear yourself out of the landing area.
3. EASY STYLE IT
Start small and work your way up. (Inverted aerials not recommended).
4. RESPECT GETS RESPECT
From the lift line through the park
PEEPS - Park Etiquette and Education Program
The BOYNE PEEPs is our very own terrain park etiquette and education program. Once you've completed the short interactive presentation, you will be entitled to one swanky PEEPs pass and the know how to use our park features to have more FUN! Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain pride ourselves on having the best Michigan snowboarding and skiing parks around! Knowing your park etiquette and being educated about terrain parks will always give you a better terrain park experience!
Lids on Kids
In 2002, Lids on Kids debuted as a resource for consumers to learn about helmet use in skiing and snowboarding. This site contains FAQs about helmet use, fit and sizing information, general slope safety information, related articles and games, and testimonials about helmet use from well-known athletes, including US Ski Team members. The site has received nearly 2 million hits since it was created. The tag line, "A Helmet-It's a Smart Idea," is printed on posters and promotional cards at resorts nationwide.
Kids on Lifts
Using and riding chair lifts in a responsible manner is one of the primary safety considerations for all skiers and boarders. A skier's behavior has as much or more to do with the safety of the sport as does any piece of equipment from helmet to chair lift. In 2012 the Kids on Lifts initiative debuted around the country to resorts and consumers. This site contains FAQ's and safety tips on how to load, ride and unload responsibly, general skiing and riding tips, coloring pages for kids, public service announcements and more. The tag line "No Horsing Around" is a motto we hope to ingrain in not only children but every skier and boarder.
NSAA Safety Facts & Tips
The National Ski Ares Association believes these safety facts and tips will help prepare individuals and families for a day on the slopes. With the help of the following information, your adventures down the mountain will be that much more enjoyable. Helpful facts and tips can be found via the following links.
• Helmets - Questions & Answers
• Facts About Skiing and Snowboarding Safety
• Skiing and Snowboarding Tips
• Ski Tips for Kids
