Collision Safety

Collision safety promotes on-hill safety and responsible skiing and riding to reduce the risk of a collision between two or more skiers and riders. Sometimes, skiers collide. It is important to remember that we are sharing the slopes with skiers and riders of all different ages, abilities and sizes. Your awareness of those around you and of the surrounding environment, as well as responsible skiing and riding, are the best ways to reduce the risk of a collision between you and another skier or with an object.

Continue reading to learn how an on-snow collision inspired the development of the #RideAnotherDay campaign, about the Triangle of Safety, and what you can do to promote safety on the hill at your ski area.

Ride Another Day Tips for Avoiding Collisions

Ride Another Day

Five year-old Elise Johnson was just learning to ski when an out of control rider struck and killed her. Elise's parents, Kelli and Chauncy Johnson, wanted to help prevent such accidents befalling other families. The Johnson family generously offered a donation to create the #RideAnotherDay campaign in partnership with NSAA. The campaign encourages awareness, responsibility and common sense to reduce the risk of on-mountain collisions between skiers and riders.

This safety program is a main pillar of collision safety and uses artwork and media content to spread awareness. It is important to educate your guests and community on this powerful topic. Watch and read the video and article below to learn what you can do to promote safety on the hill. The #RideAnotherDay campaign has both a print and a video component where ski areas can find artwork and posters to help spread the collision safety message to their guests.

To download the #RideAnotherDay video please contact NSAA at nsaa@nsaa.org.

Ski areas can access this artwork and posters here.

ride another day article

Learn more about the Johnson family and the development of the #RideAnotherDay campaign in this NSAA Journal Summer 2017 article.

Tips for Avoiding Collisions

Complementing the Responsibility Code and it's 10 tenets, #RideAnotherDay promotes 3 actions every skier and rider can take to help keep themselves and those around safer on the slopes.

1. Be Ready

Be ready to slow down or avoid objects or other people at any time. Ski and ride in such a way that you are always able to control yourself regardless of conditions and avoid others and objects you may encounter on the run, groomed or otherwise.

2. Stay Alert

Stay alert to what’s going on around you, especially other skiers and riders. Being aware of those around and changing conditions will help you have a fun and safe day on the hill.

3. Plan Ahead

Ease up at blind spots, check uphill when merging onto trails, and give other skiers plenty of room when passing. Look out for spots on the run where traffic merges or you can't see what's coming next. If you are unfamiliar with a run, take it easy the first time down it and make note of places where you'll want to slow down, such as cat tracks and rollers. Also, give other skiers and riders lots or room, especially if you are passing them. There's plenty of space out there, so there's no need to crowd each other.

By doing these three things every run, you'll be helping keep the slopes safe and enjoyable, for you and everyone else.

Triangle of Safety

Collision Awareness