On Your Own
Safety First
The important thing to remember is not to overdo it. We don't recommend a trip to the top of the mountain after your first visit... you probably won't be ready for it. Spend some time in Hunter One practicing the exercises you learned in your lesson. Save the trip to the top for another day, when you're more prepared.
Control is the Key
Remember what your instructor told you about staying in control. You should always be able to avoid a collision with other people, and initiate a stop.
Where do you go from here
Ski resorts across the country use a universal trail rating system. It's your responsibility to stay on terrain that you can handle, and avoid terrain that you cannot handle. The rating system utilizes four shapes to designate trail difficulty:
Green Circle: Easiest Trails
Blue Square: More Difficult
Black Diamond: Most Difficult
Double Diamond: Extremely Difficult
Keep in mind that these ratings apply to trails only within a particular resort and do not relate to other ski areas; a single diamond at Hunter Mountain may be considerably more difficult than a single diamond at another resort. While trail ratings do not change over the course of a day, the actual difficulty of a particular trail may change, due to skier use, weather, or other variables. Moguls are created naturally by skiers and snowboarders, and can have a major impact on the difficulty of a trail.
Your Responsibility Code
The National Ski Areas Association has developed rules that you need to be aware of and need to follow. Most skiing and snowboarding accidents can be directly attributed to someone not following one of these basic rules:
Winter sports can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country and other specialized ski equipment, such as that used by disabled or other skiers. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in winter sports that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the code listed below and share with other skiers and snowboarders the responsibility for a great skiing experience.
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.
KNOW THE CODE. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
This is a partial list. Be safety conscious.
Officially endorsed by: NATIONAL SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION.