Page 55 - Flathead Beacon // 1.7.15

FLATHEADBEACON.COM JANUARY 7, 2015 | 55 WEEKEND OUTLOOK
WEEKLY ON-MOUNTAIN NEWS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015
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Riley Polumbus
Every year I spend on skis I am re- minded of how lucky I am. I know that I am very fortunate to live where I can be so close to a moun- tain and be healthy enough to ski it all
toward or an intersection of runs, and wait for everyone there. Having a time and place to meet for lunch or a break is also a good idea this way if you do get separated you have a place to regroup. Set another time and place to meet at the end of the day.
While not all areas on the moun- tain have cell coverage, carrying a phone also can be very helpful. Some skiers carry radios to keep in touch, though in either case it’s still a good idea to make a plan of what to do if you cannot reach each other by phone or radio.
On the (hopefully) rare occasion you lose someone, contact Whitefish Mountain Resort Ski Patrol at 406- 862-2940 as soon as possible. Their number is printed on every ski pass and ticket in case you forget. Ski Patrol can help locate your missing friend or family member. It is help- ful if you can provide a description of what they are wearing as well as a time and location of where you last saw them. Also if you made a plan, telling patrol where they were head- ing will help too. Ski Patrol also has the ability to look up pass holders to see where and when they last rode a lift.
Have Fun!
We hope 2015 will be a safe and fun year for everyone. Keep it safe by knowing your code and making a plan while out on the mountain.
season long. The more time I spend here on the mountain I learn more ways that we can all safely enjoy the mountain. Since January is National Safety Month I would like to offer up two phrases to help you, your fam- ily and your friends stay safe on the slopes: Know Your Code and Make a Plan.
KNOW YOUR CODE:
The National Ski Areas Associa- tion established “Your Responsibil- ity Code” in 1966 as a code of ethics for all skiers on the mountain. Any- one who buys a pass or a lift ticket must follow this code comprised of seven points:
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.
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.
Knowing and following your code will make our mountain a safer and more enjoyable experience for
ers out there at different skill levels that are also here to have fun. Each one of us is responsible for safety on the slopes. Please do your part by following your code, and showing courtesy to the others with whom we share this mountain.
MAKE A PLAN:
It’s a BIG mountain up here! With 105 runs and 3,000 acres there are so many places to ski and ride. It’s always best to ski with a buddy, or family and friends. Ideally you stick together, yet because it’s a big moun- tain it’s a good idea to “Make a plan”
As you decide which run you want to ski designate a destina- tion or meeting spot, a lift to head
NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH
3. YOU MUST NOT STOP WHERE
YOU OBSTRUCT A TRAIL, OR
ARE NOT VISIBLE FROM ABOVE. all. While we are all here to have fun,
4. WHENEVER STARTING we need to respect that there are oth-
VALLEY DEMO DAYS - JAN. 10
Try out the latest and greatest equipment...for FREE*! Demos are available for skiers and
-3pm at the Lift Plaza (base of Chair 1) on Saturday, January 10. snowboarders from 9am
*I.D. and credit card required as deposit to try out the sweet new gear.
NIGHT SKIING & LIVE MUSIC
NightSkiingisonFridaysandSaturdaysforjust$20from4-8:30pm! Needmorefun? Join us Saturday, January 10 at Ed & Mully’s from 4-7pm for live music with John Floridis.
877-SKI-FISH | SKIWHITEFISH.COM