Crowded Ski Trails

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Ski resorts fill up on weekends, holidays and after a good snow fall. Skiing on a crowded trail can be tricky, especially where the trail gets narrow. Skiing safely on crowded trails is necessary for everyone’s well being. Here are some tips for successfully navigating through a crowd:

Keep your speed in control
Just like driving, keep your speed relative to those around you. While driving, you shouldn’t go 70 in a 35 zone, nor should you drive 35 on the highway. On a crowded ski trail, it is necessary to maintain control. It can be harder on a congested, narrow trail when you’re going too fast! It will be easier for you to maneuver around other skiers when you are traveling at a moderate pace.
 
When and where to stop
If you need to stop while skiing down a trail, slow down and look uphill to find a moment where you can safely pull over to the side of the trail. Unlike cars, skiers don’t have brake lights. Stopping suddenly in the middle of a trail can be a hazard when people are trying to ski around you.
 
If you’re passing another skier, call out to let them know.
If you’re going to be passing someone, they may not know you’re there so call out which side you will be passing them on. If you’re going to pass another skier on their right, you should call out "Right side!" or "On your Right!" It doesn’t matter what words you use as long as you’re polite and the other skier knows that you are approaching them. This is a must to avoid collisions. This call out is also used in cycling.
 
If you fall, Get up immediately if you are able.
If you fall and are not hurt, gather up your equipment immediately and go to the side of the trail to put your skis and other gear back on. That way, you won’t be putting yourself or anyone else at risk for a collision. This is especially true going up a rope tow, in the bumps or behind a jump where you many not be easily seen.
 
For Other tips for skiing in crowded areas refer to the Skiers Responsibility Code.