1. Always stay in control.
Translation: you should be able to turn and/or stop at any moment during your skiing and riding. This includes avoiding stationary objects – lift towers and trees that won’t move out of your way ever, and other skiers who make an unexpected turn or stop. Note to Bomber Boy flying straight down a groomed boulevard at 35mph: your perfect elevens to the base are not evidence of “control.” 
2. People ahead of you have the right of way.
Like driving your car, if you are going to pass someone – you need to be sure you can do so with plenty of space so as not to impede their safety. Sorry, this even applies to trail hogs sweeping across the entire trail, if they are below you, you have to give them all that space and more.
3. Stop in a safe place for you and others.
The best placed to stand is usually on the side of a trail and on the top of a knoll clearly visible to others but not in bowling strike range. Chilling out under a big joey jump or snow whale could result in you as a landing pad.
4. Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.
Don’t just push off down the hill or pop out of an intersecting trail without looking up to be sure you don’t cut someone off. Didn’t you mother teach you to look both ways before crossing? Same concept only simpler – just look up!
5. Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
Ski brakes, snowboard retention straps – I hope this one is self-explanatory.
6. Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails.
Don’t duck ropes, the patrol put them there for a reason!
7. Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.
How about, if you cause the lift to stop because you’re ill-prepared, prepare for the wrath of everyone else in lift line? Take a lesson, ask a liftee or another skier for instruction before your first time.
Have a fun safe time on the slopes and follow the 7 rules.
Dress warmly and enjoy!
Portwest 