Stay in Control. That Applies to Skiers, Too.

Are snowboarders reckless? Some are. Then again, so are some skiers. The other day I saw a woman descend a moderately steep hill with poise and mastery. But I also saw a young man head down the same hill a very short time later. He was “bombing it,” and exhibiting little control.

Sure enough, about halfway down the two “met,” as the out-of-control skier clipped the skilled one. Actually, the encounter was more dramatic than that. The “bomber” had caught an edge, fell, and was rapidly sliding down the hill when he knocked over the other skier. Fortunately, she did not appear to be hurt.

While it’s useful and good to push yourself, be smart about it. Stay under control, and don’t endanger anyone else. Save your more strenuous outings for a time and trail where there’s nobody else around. And try to make one step forward at a time, not ten.