Snowboarding Safety Tips

I know very little about snowboarding; however, I enjoy skiing very much. More often than not, snowboarders and skiers share the slopes together. It is vital for both snowboarders and skiers to practice safe techniques while enjoying a vacation on the mountains. There are many safety considerations to consider before and during your time snowboarding.

Before you go:

1. Have the right equipment

A snowboard would be a good start.

2. Warm clothing

It gets cold on the top of a mountain.

3. Goggles

Especially with tint (unless night snowboarding) the sun can be just as hazardous as the snow.

4. Helmet

Need I say more? A fuzzy hat will not protect you from a head injury.

While snowboarding

1. Know what you’re doing

If you don’t know how to snowboard, then take a lesson.

2. Keep control

Always feel comfortable that you can stop, slow down, and turn at a moment’s notice.

3. Don’t be afraid to stop

If you make a wrong turn onto a double black diamond after you’re first snowboarding lesson, stop, remove your equipment, and walk down.

4. Intake

Drink water and eat well, don’t mix alcohol/drugs with going down a mountain at high speeds: it won’t end well.

Responsibility code

The National Ski Areas Association says it best - here’s what they have on their website:

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.

But remember, many snowboarding and ski resorts have their own rules, learn and follow them.

Enjoy the slopes, despite our warm winter. Keep your safety tips in mind and have fun. After your snowboarding weekend, check us out at www.agordon.com. Take a look at my other blogs about winter sport safety for skiing, sledding, and ice skating.