Skibike Resposibility Code

Skibikers as new snowsport enthusiasts, may not always be aware of the Responsibility Code.  Like driving on a road or highway, there are legal rules for the ski slopes.  Break them and you could hurt yourself, someone else, or find yourself in court before a judge.

Knowing the Responsibility Code and following the rules will also foster goodwill with other snowsport sliders.  It can prevent collisions from happening as well as chair lift accidents.

The Skibike Resposibility Code from the NSAA website.

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.

Those new to riding at ski resorts should familiarize themselves before hitting the slopes with the skibike.  Find out any resort specific skibike rules too.  

Access that ski resorts give, they can take away if they feel safety and thus insurance risk is in jeopardy.  That's exactly what happened at Copper Mountain Ski Resort in Colorado and Powder Mountain in Utah.  Accidents happened and access was taken away.

If bikers show responsible riding out on the slopes, skiers and snowboarders will take note.  Whether you like it or not - they are always watching us out on the hill.   Many are scared of us.  If we show them there is nothing to be afraid of perhaps more ski areas will permit us.

© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.