Tips for Prior to Hitting the Slopes  | Tips for while you're on the Slopes | Helmet Q & A's
Blandford Policies - Jumping - Lift ticket enforcement - Warnings - Ticket Loss

DEAR SKIERS AND RIDERS, It is the responsibility of every member and guest of the Springfield Ski Club to act in a safe manner while enjoying the winter sports we love. Every skier and rider is expected to know and follow the "Skier Responsibility Code" below. If any unsafe practice is observed on our slopes and trails please notify the nearest ski patroller, lift attendant, director or mountain manager. With everyone's cooperation, we expect few problems on the hill this season. Please don't hesitate to speak to one of the directors, drop a note in our suggestion box by the club office, or email us at marketing@skiblandford.org. As always, your feedback is important in our continuing efforts to improve the Blandford Ski Area.

NOTE: The term "skier" or "skiing" when used throughout this page shall also include users of snowboards, snowblades, skiblades or any other authorized snowsports equipment.

Skier & Rider Responsibility Code:

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.
3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.
4. Whenever starting 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.

KNOW THE CODE. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Officially endorsed by: NATIONAL SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION

Blandford Ski Area's Safety Policy
Warnings can be issued and in severe cases, tickets will be revoked for violations of this policy or for anyone who puts him or herself or anyone else at risk of injury. Our primary goal is for the safe enjoyment of the snowsports we love. If you observe unsafe behaviors on our mountain, please contact the nearest patroller or lift operator.

Jumping
1. The building of jumps, bumps, hits or installation of any terrain park device is permitted only in designated areas to be determined in partnership by the Mountain Management and Ski Patrol as conditions allow
2. When the landing of a jump is blind to the approach, a 'spotter' must be stationed so as to inform the jumpers of hazards in the landing area
3. It is YOUR responsibility to jump within your ability. Don't take chances. We want you all to enjoy a full season on the snow

Lift ticket enforcement
1. Please be prepared to show the lift attendants your ticket or membership badge prior to loading
2. The attempt to use The Blandford Ski Area's lifts and trails without first purchasing a lift ticket or season pass or the attempt to use someone else's season pass is considered theft of services and can result in loss of skiing privileges for all parties involved. We reserve the right to notify police and prosecute offenders
3. No refunds on lift tickets or memberships

It is the Blandford Ski Area's policy to WARN...
One or two warnings, depending on circumstances, may be given before revoking lift ticket or season pass for but not limited to:
1. Skiing closed or unlit slopes, trails, or areas not designated for skiing
2. Cheating in (jumping) a lift line
3. Interfering with or endangering others or self. i.e.: Skiing too close to others, skiing too fast for ability or conditions, or colliding with others
4. Skiing on terrain beyond one's ability
5. Repeated use of offensive or vulgar language
6. Throwing any objects from a chairlift
7. ANY dangerous or inappropriate behavior
8. Reckless, careless or under-informed skiers where their actions could cause harm to themselves or others.
9. Other appropriate cases

It is the Blandford Ski Area's policy to REVOKE lift tickets or season passes...
if after repeated warnings, the offense continues, or in severe cases after only one occurrence. Lift tickets or season passes may be revoked in extreme circumstances without warning in at least the following cases:
1. Skiing closed or unlit slopes, trails, or areas not designated for skiing
2. Apparent drunkenness
3. Apparently using or under the influence of drugs
4. Serious disorderly conduct, including among other things, fighting, damaging property, apparent theft or serious interference with or endangering others
5. Jumping from a chairlift
6. Actively swinging or bouncing a chair
7. Using someone elses season pass
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Ski and Snowboarding Tips Officially endorsed by: 
NATIONAL SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION  (NSAA)
Skiing can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country and other specialized ski equipment, such as that used by disabled or other skiers. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce.

Prior to Hitting the Slopes...
1. Get in shape. Don't try to ski yourself into shape. You'll enjoy skiing more if you're physically fit.
2. Obtain proper equipment. Be sure to have your ski or snowboard bindings adjusted correctly at a local ski shop. You can rent good ski or snowboarding equipment at resorts.
3. When buying ski wear, look for fabric that is water and wind-resistant. Look for wind flaps to shield zippers, snug cuffs at wrists and ankles, collars that can be snuggled up to the chin and drawstrings that can be adjusted for comfort and keep wind out. Be sure to buy quality clothing and products.
4. Dress in layers. Layering allows you to accommodate your body's constantly changing temperature. For example, dress in polypropylene underwear (top and bottoms), which feels good next to the skin, dries quickly, absorbs sweat and keeps you warm. Wear a turtleneck, sweater and jacket.
5. Be prepared. Mother Nature has a mind of her own. Bring a headband or hat with you to the slopes, 60 percent of heat-loss is through the head. Wear gloves or mittens (mittens are usually better for those susceptible to cold hands).
6. Wear sun protection. The sun reflects off the snow and is stronger than you think, even on cloudy days!
7. Always wear eye protection. Have sunglasses and goggles with you. Skiing and snowboarding are a lot more fun when you can see.

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While You're on the Slopes...
1. Take a lesson. Like anything, you'll improve the most when you receive some guidance. The best way to become a good skier or snowboarder is to take a lesson from a qualified instructor.
2. The key to successful skiing/snowboarding is control. To have it, you must be aware of your technique, the terrain and the skiers/snowboarders around you.
3. Be aware of the snow conditions and how they can change. As conditions turn firm, the skiing gets hard and fast. Begin a run slowly.
4. Skiing and snowboarding require a mental and physical presence
5. If you find yourself on a slope that exceeds your ability level, always leave your skis/snowboard on and side step down the slope.
6. The all-important warm-up run prepares you mentally and physically for the day ahead.
7. Drink plenty of water. Be careful not to become dehydrated.
8. Curb alcohol consumption. Skiing and snowboarding do not mix well with alcohol or drugs.
9. Know your limits. Learn to ski and snowboard smoothly—and in control. Stop before you become fatigued and, most of all have fun.
10. If you're tired, stop skiing. In this day and age of multi-passenger gondolas and high-speed chairlifts, you can get a lot more time on the slopes compared to the days of the past when guests were limited to fixed grip chairlifts.
11. Follow "Your Responsibility Code", (see above) the seven safety rules of the slopes:

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Helmet Q and A's

For more info on helmets visit lidsonkids.org

Q: Does the NATIONAL SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION (NSAA) recommend helmets for skiers and snowboarders?
A: NSAA does not endorse equipment. NSAA does believe that wearing a helmet should always be a matter of personal choice.

Q: If I fall or hit a tree while skiing, will a helmet protect me from getting hurt?
A: A helmet can make a difference in reducing or preventing injury and many skiers and snowboarders today are choosing to wear them. Helmets are designed to reduce the severity of head injuries, but they are most effective at providing protection at speeds of 12 mph or slower. If you hit a tree, object or another skier at moderate or high speed, a helmet may not prevent or reduce a serious injury.

Q: I see that many children enrolled in ski school are wearing helmets. Will my child be safer if she wears a helmet?
A: A helmet can make a difference for your child in reducing or preventing injury from falls or other impacts. They are most effective at slower speeds. Be sure to have your child properly fitted for a helmet if you decide that he or she should wear one. And don't forget to teach your child to ski or snowboard responsibly.

Q: Are skiing and snowboarding as safe as they used to be? No one used to wear a helmet. Is a helmet a key piece of safety equipment in this day and age?
A: Skiing and snowboarding have always had some risks, but they also have an excellent safety record. Each skier or snowboarder's behavior has as much or more to do with the safety of the sports as does any piece of equipment. Following "Your Responsibility Code" is the key to promoting your and others' safety. If you choose to wear a helmet or use other types of equipment to protect yourself, be sure you understand the limits and proper use of that equipment. Don't let any safety equipment give you a false sense of security.

Q: I would feel safer wearing a helmet. What kind of helmet would you recommend?
A: A helmet designed for recreational snowsports. There are a variety of helmets available that conform to the newly adopted American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard F2040, or meet the international CE standard. It is important that any helmet be properly fitted and that it not uncomfortably restrict your vision or hearing. Read the helmet manufacturer's information and learn about what level of protection a particular helmet will provide. All models are not the same and do not provide the same level of protection.

Q: Where can I get more information about helmets?
A: Check with your local ski/snowboard shop

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Prepared by the NATIONAL SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION (NSAA)
The Springfield Ski Club's Blandford Ski Area is a member of the NSAA