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FLATHEADBEACON.COM JANUARY 8, 2014 | 63

WEEKEND OUTLOOK

WEEKLY ON-MOUNTAIN NEWS WEDNESDAY, JAN 8, 2014
LOW40oF HI 24oF

NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH – KNOW YOUR CODE

S
kiing and snowboarding are inherently a few, are prime candidates for point number
fun activities and those of us who are three, “You must not stop where you obstruct a
lucky enough to live here look forward to good trail, or are not visible from above,” stop on the
times on the mountain shredding powder, rip-
uphill side of a rollover, or better yet on the side

ping up groomers or just being of a trail.
on the mountain with friends hose of us who ski all the time also know
and family. In other words,
that conditions change and hazards exist. Our
it’s about having FUN. Over Ski Patrol is constantly monitoring situations
the years a funny thing has around the mountain that can arise and use

Riley Polumbus
happened. more people have warning signs and closures to keep us safe.
discovered just how fun skiing
hat brings us to point number six, “Observe
and snowboarding can be! We aren’t the only all posted signs and warnings. Keep of closed
ones here having fun!
trails and out of closed areas.” Our lower
Because we ski this mountain day ater day, mountain lits open at 9:00 a.m. while Chair

year ater year, we know it well enough that the 1 opens at 9:30 a.m. One of the reasons is that
routes we take around the mountain are second our Ski Patrol needs this time to ensure the
nature. It’s easy to fall into a habit of tunnel vi- top of the mountain is safe and that signs and
sion, rather than seeing what’s actually around warnings are posted where needed.
you. Do you ever take the time to stop and look On powder mornings we will oten open
around?
Chair 1 while Hellroaring Basin and East

Recently I had the opportunity to stop and Rim remain closed for avalanche control. It is
look around. I took the time to note how we
extremely important to stay out of these areas
ski through certain areas, especially in places while control work is taking place. Fortunately,
where we have people converging from and into there’s a lot of other great terrain for us to ski
multiple directions. Ever notice that someone until these areas are made safe by patrol.
January is National Safety Month. Please be chill on the ol’ Ant Hill! (Good advice all season long!)
skiing from Mully’s on their way to Chair 1 will Just as we regulate what areas are open
cross the path of someone skiing from Russ’s at the start of the day, Ski Patrol closes all the
Street to Chair 2? Or have you noticed that runs on the North Side at 3:30 p.m. and runs
must follow this code which has seven points: Keep of closed trails and out of closed areas.
someone trying to pick up speed on their way in Hellroaring Basin at 4 p.m. hese closures 1. Always stay in control, and be able to
7. Prior to using any lit, you must have the
to the East Rim could cross the path of a slower allow patrol to “sweep” the mountain and make stop or avoid other people or objects.
knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload

skier on the way to Caribou?
sure that everyone is heading down to the front 2. People ahead of you have the right of safely.
While we are all here to have fun, we need of the mountain before we close for the day.
way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
When skiing through high volume areas
to respect that there are others out there at January is National Safety Month and it is 3. You must not stop where you obstruct a such as the “Ant Hill” or to the Lit Plaza,
diferent skill levels that are also here to have a good time to remember Your Responsibility trail, or are not visible from above.
several of these points apply: “Stay in control,
fun. We are each responsible for safety on
Code as well as take the time to look around 4. Whenever starting downhill or merging people ahead of you have the right of way, and

the slopes. Back in the 1999/2000 season the and notice what’s going on around you. Stay into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
whenever starting downhill or merging into
National Ski Areas Association introduced ski- safe and the fun will last all season long!
5. Always use devices to help prevent run- a trail, look uphill and yield to others.” Runs
ers and snowboarders to “Your Responsibility away equipment.
with rolling terrain, Gray Wolf, Goat Haunt,
Code.” Anyone who buys a pass or a lit ticket
6. Observe all posted signs and warnings.
Moe-Mentum and Over the Hill Gang to name

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