SAFETY & INJURY PREVENTION
Alpine Responsibility Code
This Alpine Responsibility Code is endorsed and used by the Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA), the Ontario Ski Resorts Association (OSRA), the Atlantic Ski Areas Association (ASAA), and the Canadian Ski Council (CSC).
Nordic Responsibility Code
This code is endorsed and used by the Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA), the Ontario Ski Resorts Association (OSRA), the Atlantic Ski Areas Association (ASAA), and the Canadian Ski Council (CSC).
Avalanche Safety
Skiers/boarders are often unaware of avalanche danger. Avalanche danger within ski area boundaries is controlled, however avalanche terrain beyond the boundary fence or boundary markers is not controlled. The temptation to have fun too easily overrules caution. Common false beliefs include, "I’ve skied that slope before,” or "There are tracks there, so it must be safe to follow.”
Neither of these statements allow for the hidden changes that occur daily or hourly within the snowpack, or the fact that the first skier/boarder may merely have loosened the snow enough to make it avalanche for someone behind. If you are ever tempted to think "it won’t happen to me,” make sure to also ask "will it slide” and "what holds it up there?”
When skiing/boarding in the sidecountry or backcountry, you need to carry the gear (transceiver, probe & shovel), know the avalanche danger, be able to recognize avalanche terrain, and be skilled in avalanche rescue.
Avalanche safety and rescue require skill and practice.
The source for avalanche awareness and training information is the Canadian Avalanche Centre
Helmet Safety
The CSP strongly recommends the use of ski and snowboard helmets by its members and anyone participating in alpine skiing, snowboarding, telemark skiing, and other related snow sliding activities.
Providing services in over 200 resorts across Canada, with approximately 5,000 highly trained volunteers who are on the slopes and trails promoting safety and injury prevention, we encourage new skiers/riders to take lessons, follow the Alpine and Nordic responsibility codes, and wear a helmet.
Helmets are not a substitute for being "aware”. Being safety conscious on the slopes leads to greater enjoyment and better management of the risks that are present here as in all outdoor sports.
The good news is that, according to the Canada Ski Council, there has been an increase in helmet usage on the slopes, particularly by youth. The National Consumer Profile and Satisfaction Survey, conducted annually by the Canadian Ski Council, (CSC) has been tracking helmet usage by skiers and riders for the last four years.
- Overall, helmet usage has increased from 67 percent of all skiers and riders in 2006 to 71 percent in 2010.
- The greatest growth in helmet usage is in the 55 to 64 age group, which has increased to 76 percent in 2010 from 39 percent in 2005.
- Usage is highest in New Brunswick at 95 percent, followed by Newfoundland (75 percent), Alberta (73 percent) and Quebec (77 percent).
To read more, click here:
Concussion Management
The Canadian Ski Patrol, in partnership with BrainTrust Canada, has continued its program to inform both patients and patrollers about the serious life impact that a concussion can have.
Thanks to this partnership, thousands of concussion cards and posters have been distributed to CSP patrollers across Canada to be handed on to patients and their families.
Concussion information and management is an important step in managing brain injury. Getting early medical treatment and having a gradual and medically supervised return to activity are important steps in reducing the potential for a concussion to become a cause of death or disability.
Links to additional information: