You Need to Stay in Control

Snowboarding, like many activities, works better when its participants follow some simple concepts of etiquette. In the case of skiing or snowboarding, it’s the Responsibility Code that should set the minimum level of expectations. The text of the code is (or should be) plastered on the wall of your local ski area. Hopefully, many walls.

The nearest microhill to my home periodically (perhaps once every 20 minutes) broadcasts a version of the Responsibility Code over the PA system. I have heard it so often that some of the phrases–not only the words but the tones–are ingrained in my memory.

You need to stay in control.
People in front of you have the right of way.
etc.

Here’s just one example of how the code works: I’m working my way down a run. In front of me is a novice skier, who is using some snowplows and stem Christies, and sliding slower than I am. He’s also making moderately large sweeping turns, so he gets in my way. And I’m losing my confidence in my ability to get around him.

But since he is the downhill skier, he’s got the right of way. Period. I can be upset that he’s making my run poke along, but I’ve got to keep in mind that he’s got the right of way. He may not be skiing properly, but it’s my responsibility to adjust myself to him to ensure a safe overtake him.

It takes me a while, but finally I overtake him. And within 30 yards, I fall down and he overtakes me.

Oh well!

If I were king … I might want to require every season pass holder recite some form of the responsibility code back to me. Knowing the code is no guarantee of good behavior, but it’s a start.