VALLEY – January is National Safety Month at ski resorts across America, and Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) member resorts are hosting safety-related programs across the state.

Every year, Colorado’s ski resorts hold safety demonstrations and programming to educate guests about best safety practices and remind skiers and riders, whether they are new to the sport or long-time veterans, that each skier or rider is responsible for ensuring they stay safe on the slopes. January events include ski patrol demonstrations, avalanche safety training, visits with resorts’ highly trained avalanche dogs, and helmet and safety giveaways. After years of raising awareness about the importance of helmet use, 83 percent of skiers in Colorado wore a helmet during the 2016-17 season.

Another key aspect of National Safety Month at Colorado ski resorts is raising awareness about the importance of skiers and snowboarders following the Your Responsibility Code:

Your Responsibility Code

·   Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.

·   People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.

·   You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.

·   Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.

·  Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.

·  Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.

·  Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

Below is a summary of National Safety Month activities at CSCUSA member resorts for this region:

Monarch Mountain

Ski Safety Month

During National Safety Month, Monarch will host events for guests to engage with the Your Responsibility Code, Monarch’s Ski Patrol, backcountry skiing safety tips, avalanche awareness, children’s helmet use, terrain park safety and more. For more information, visit www.skimonarch.com.

Wolf Creek Ski Area

Your Responsibility Code Safety Poster Contest

Wolf Creek’s annual safety poster contest will invite elementary, junior and high school students to illustrate one or more aspects of the Your Responsibility Code. Posters will be displayed in the Base Camp Building where the illustrations will be voted on by Wolf Creek staff and guests.

First through third place winners will be awarded a free ski day with immediate family members. For more information, visit www.wolfcreekski.com.