Safety

“Safety first!” … Or is it?

The fact that snowboarding can be dangerous adds fuel to the fire for some people. Or it may be the barrier to fun for others. Adrenaline can play a large part in our addiction to snowboarding, which for some people means getting out of their comfort zone.

People perceive safety in different ways. Someone with lots of board sport experience will expect a few falls and will be happy to try anything. Those who do very little sport will probably be cautious when simply walking to the learners’ area.

A snow resort can either look like a danger zone or a playground depending on whose eyes you’re looking through. The instructor is there to help everyone be a part of this awesome environment in a safe way.

To do this, the instructor must first understand the dangers well enough so they can make students aware of them at the appropriate time. This will comfort students and even excite those who want to safely push their limits.

Aside from riding, just the environment itself can pose a threat. This can vary greatly from a cold, windy trail 3000m above sea level, to a hot spring day walking up and down a learners’ slope.

Special attention must be paid to…

Environment

Dressing appropriately to avoid hypothermia on cold days; look out for people shivering and going very quiet. Overheating on hot days; look out for people staggering and sitting down a lot.

Sun

With increased UV rays at higher altitudes, even on cloudy days, it is important to wear goggles and sunscreen.

Hydration

It’s easy to forget on a cold day, or maybe students sweated a lot with all their gear on; but people need to drink enough water, not eat the snow!

Injuries can be caused from falling, crashing into objects/people, using lifts incorrectly or from other, less common hazards, such as falling rocks. Helmets are one form of protection that can reduce head injuries, padding and wrist guards are another, but the best form of protection is to minimise unwanted exposure to these risks.

Other Snow Users

Other snow users should also be considered a hazard. For the more cautious students, this should be one of the biggest concerns. This is easily forgotten, as instructors typically have enough control over their own abilities to share the slopes with others safely. Be aware of the general blind spots for snowboarders (particularly on the heelside) and ensure you pass this knowledge on to students.

Note that each country has its own set of resort rules, usually known as the Snow Responsibility Code. All instructors must know and adhere to the rules within that country and, more importantly, be positive role models for other slope users to follow. In addition, each individual snowsports school typically has their own safety policies, covering topics such as lift loading and lost children. As a working instructor, these policies are imperative to learn thoroughly and adhere to.

Good class handling, terrain selection and use of appropriate tasks are the main ways in which instructors can set students up for success, minimise the chance of injury and help to retain those students as future guests. These factors will be covered in more detail throughout the manual.