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Safety and Class Management

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Make safety a routine and drill it every time.

For example:
  • Always look uphill before starting a run, keep an eye on merging traffic.
  • Stop away from the group and then approach.
  • Explain ropes, signs and warnings.


Terrain

  • Is the terrain appropriate for everyone in the group?
  • Do athletes seem relaxed and eager to learn on the terrain?
  • Is the slope too crowed?
  • Are the conditions safe for the group’s ability?
  • Athletes are freshest in the morning. Work on the most difficult terrain before lunch. You can do skill drills in the afternoon on easier terrain.
  • If you find yourself on difficult terrain, work on tactics, sideslipping and speed control. Pretty soon you can make a black feel like a blue.

Group Handling

  • Count early and often. Establish a routine time to count, usually at the top and bottom of every run. Have your group do the counting for you.
  • Set up a place to meet if someone gets lost.
  • Give clear directions on where athletes should stop and what trail they should ski on.

Stopping

  • Always be clear on where you want athletes to stop.
  • Stop where you can be seen by uphill skiers.
  • Never stop in the middle of the trail or under a lift.
Riding the Lift

  • Review loading and unloading procedures before the first few rides. Practice with a stationary chair, if one is available, or draw lines in the snow.
  • Watch and learn – Form groups near the lift and allow students to watch people getting on the lift and you talk them through the process.
  • Establish rules – Always hold on to the bar, always face forward.
  • Designate a meeting place at the top of the lift.
  • Check for loose clothing.
  • Check to see if athletes have removed pole straps from wrists before loading.
  • If it is necessary to assist them loading or unloading, grab them under the arm and guide them.
  • Constant Vigilance! – Even experienced skiers get distracted and mess up

Dealing with Accidents

  • Send someone to contact Ski Patrol – not an athlete, not you. Lift attendants and some on-snow personnel can contact Ski Patrol.
  • Have the group stop together in a safe place, away from the injured athlete.
  • Put a pair of skis in an X to warn oncoming traffic.
  • Keep the injured skier as warm and comfortable as possible.
  • Don’t move equipment or the injured athlete.
  • Reassure the athlete and keep him or her calm until the Ski Patrol arrives.
  • Once the athlete is under Ski Patrol’s care, get the rest of the group off the hill and follow your mountain's reporting procedure
Correcting unsafe behavior

  • Immediately address the problem, don’t let the athlete think that behavior is acceptable
  • Address the problem privately, there is no reason to embarrass them
  • Make sure the athlete understands why this behavior
  • If the issue persists contact a supervisor or the athlete’s parent
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