ASAA

Snow Sport Helmet Use

The Australian Ski Areas Association recommends the wearing of helmets for skiing and riding. Skiers and snowboarders are encouraged to educate themselves on the benefits and limitations of helmet usage. The primary safety consideration, and obligation under the Alpine Responsibility Code, is to ski and ride in a controlled and responsible manner.

The Australian Ski Areas Association’s helmet policy has been reviewed and updated following recent changes made by the Canada West Ski Areas Association and the National Ski Areas Association (USA). The review also had regard to the Australian alpine and snowsports environments as well as the increasing use of helmets by Australian skiers and riders

The ASAA’s helmet policy urges skiers and riders to wear a helmet and to educate themselves on the benefits and the limitations of helmet usage, while emphasising that skiing and snowboarding in a controlled and responsible manner at all times is the primary safety consideration for all skiers and boarders.

Individual members of the ASAA may have more specific helmet requirements for some activities and programs for one or more particular groups or age of participant, which are conducted by the member resort.

Lids on Kids

The ASAA and its members provide information to snow sports enthusiasts and parents of snow sports enthusiasts to promote education and awareness about the benefits, limitations and proper fitting of helmets.

In supporting the use of helmets when undertaking recreational snow sports, the ASAA recognises that a helmet may make a difference in reducing or preventing injury, and that many skiers and snowboarders 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 20kph or slower. If a person was to collide with a tree, any other object or another skier at moderate or high speed, a helmet may not prevent or reduce serious injury.

Each snow sports enthusiast’s behaviour has as much to do with their safety as does any piece of safety equipment.

Alpine Responsibility Code

Regardless of how you enjoy your snow sport, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are inherent risks in all snow recreational activities that common sense, protective equipment and personal awareness can reduce. These risks include rapid changes in weather, visibility and surface conditions, as well as natural and artificial hazards such as rocks, trees, stumps, vehicles, lift towers, snow fences and snow making equipment.

Observe the code and share with others the responsibility for a great experience.

1. Know your ability and always stay in control and be able to stop and avoid other people or objects. It is your responsibility to stay in control on the ground and in the air.
2. Take lessons from professional instructors to learn and progress.
3. Use appropriate protective equipment to minimse the risk of injury.
4. Before using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.
5. Observe and obey all signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails or runs.
6. Give way to people below and beside you on the hill. it is your responsibility to avoid them.
7. Do not stop where you are not clearly visible from above. Look uphill and give way to others when entering/exiting a trail or starting downhill.
8. Always ensure your equipment is in good condition and use suitable restraining debvices to avoid runaway skiing or boarding equipment.
9. Do not ski, snowboard, ride a lift or undertake any other alpine activity if your ability is impaired by drugs or alcohol.
10. If you are involved in, or witness an accident, alert Ski Patrol, remain at the scene and identify yourself to Ski Patrol.

“Respect gets Respect”
From the lift line to the slopes, through the park and the resort.

Kids Alpine Responsibility Code

A special responsibility code for kids.

1. Take lessons to improve your skiing or snowboarding.
2. Give way to people in front of you and beside you.
3. Stop where you can be seen. Stop on the side of the run.
4. Look up the hill before you start and only go when the run is clear.
5. Check your equipment. Make sure ski bindings are in good condition. Snowboarders should always use safety straps.
6. Read and follow all signs. Do not go into closed areas.
7. Learn how to get on, ride and get off all lifts safely. Always use the safety bar.
8. If you see or have an accident, call Ski Patrol and wait until they arrive.
9. Helmets may keep your head safe.

Snow Riding Restraint Devices

ASAA member resorts will be enforcing the use of restraint devices on all snow-riding equipment.

• In the interest of visitor safety all ASAA member resorts will be enforcing the use of restraint devices on all snow-riding equipment including snowboards.
• There have been incidents in the past few winters where run away snowboards have endangered the safety of resort visitors. Some of these run-aways have actually been boards accidentally knocked over whilst unattended. The restraint requirement will extend to unattended snow-riding equipment not fitted with approved braking devices. As an example, board riders will be required to leash their board to a fixed restraint (eg: resort provided racks) when unattended.
• To educate snow-riders of this requirement, resorts will be utilising additional signposting, with ski patrol, ski school and lifting staff enforcing the policy.
• All hire and retail outlets should ensure that all their equipment complies with this requirement.
• Any snow-rider found utilising unleashed snow-riding equipment will not be permitted on the ski slopes.

Disabled Wintersport Association Concession Policy

• ASAA members provide a 50% concession on the regular full day lift pass price (adult and child) to full DWA Members (i.e. with a medically certified disability) on presentation of a current valid DWA Passport or member card.  Associate DWA members do not receive a concession unless they are an approved carer/companion with that noted on their member card or in their DWA Passport.
• ASAA members also provide a concession on private lessons conducted at all ASAA Snowsports Schools for valid DWA Passport holders or member card holders. Because pricing structures vary between resorts, the concession may be applied differently, and DWA members are advised to check the specific concession available at each resort. Each ASAA member has the discretion to apply lesson concessions as appropriate.
• ASAA members may in some cases provide additional benefits and concession programs for the benefit of DWA members such as season pass concessions, rental concessions and the like. These additional benefits are provided at the sole discretion of the individual ASAA member in negotiation with DWA.