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Skiing and snowboarding 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. Observe the code listed below and share with other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing experience.

1. Always stay in control.
2. People ahead of you have the right of way.
3. Stop in a safe place for you and others.
4. Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.
5. Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
6. Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails.
7. Know how to use the lifts safely.

Be safety conscious and
KNOW THE CODE. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

This is a partial list. 
Officially endorsed by: NATIONAL SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION.

ORANGE OVAL

The orange oval is a symbol, which identifies freestyle terrain on the hill. Check out the sample signage and vocabulary to make sure you're up to speed on the basics. Smart Style is a terrain park safety initiative, which you need to understand in order to use terrain parks safely.

FREESTYLE TERRAIN MAY INCLUDE HALF-PIPES, AS WELL AS TERRAIN PARKS AND TERRAIN FEATURES. THEY ARE PROVIDED FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT AND OFFER ADVENTURE, CHALLENGE AND FUN. HOWEVER, FREESTYLE TERRAIN USE, LIKE ALL SKIING AND RIDING, EXPOSES YOU TO THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY. PRIOR TO USING FREESTYLE TERRAIN, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS AND TO FOLLOW "YOUR RESPONSIBILITY CODE".

1. Freestyle Terrain contains man-made and natural terrain variations.
2. Freestyle Terrain changes constantly due to weather and use.
3. Inspect Freestyle Terrain before using and throughout the day.
4. In jumping and using this terrain, you assume the risk of serious injury.
5. Be courteous and respect others.
6. One user on a Terrain feature at a time.
7. Never jump blindly - use a spotter when necessary. Look Before You Leap!
8. It is your responsibility to control your body on the ground and in the air.
9. Always clear the landing area quickly.
10. Always ride or ski in control and within your ability.

Four main points of Smart Style

• MAKE A PLAN
  • Every time you use Freestyle Terrain, make a plan for each feature you want to use.
  • Your speed, approach and takeoff will directly affect your maneuver and landing.
• LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP
  • Before getting into freestyle terrain observe all signage and warnings
  • Scope around the jumps first not over them
  • Use your first run as a warm up run and to familiarize yourself with the terrain
  • Be aware that the features change constantly due to weather, usage, grooming and time of day
  • Do not jump blindly and use a spotter when necessary
• EASY STYLE IT
  • Know your limits and ski/ride within your ability level
  • Look for small progression parks or features to begin with and work your way up
  • Freestyle skills require maintaining control on the ground and in the air
  • Do not attempt any features unless you have sufficient ability and experience to do so safely
  • Inverted aerials increase your risk of injury and are not recommended
• RESPECT GETS RESPECT
  • Respect the terrain and others
  • One person on a feature at a time
  • Wait your turn and call your start
  • Always clear the landing area quickly
  • Respect all signs and stay off closed terrain and features

Be sure you Know the Code : You're Responsibility Code provides safety tips while on the slopes. Smart Style is a terrain park specific safety program that you should check out before using terrain parks.

EQUIPMENT

Just as with all skiing and snowboarding, there is an element of risk in the park and pipe. You might want to consider wearing protective equipment. There's a lot of personal preference when it comes to choosing this equipment. Comfort is the key. You're more likely to wear the protection if it's comfortable, allows you to move the way you want, and still fits in with your choices for fashion, form, and function. 
Some options:

Helmets are probably the most obvious piece of protective equipment to consider. They certainly do offer a level of protection for your head and impacts it may have with firm snow, rails, and boxes.

A HELMET- IT'S A SMART IDEA

A helmet is an important safety consideration. There is no substitute for responsible behavior on the slopes. Follow the "Your Responsibility Code," and consider wearing a helmet. If you do wear a helmet...ski and snowboard as if you're not wearing a helmet....

For more helmet safety information go to LidsOnKids www.lidsonkids.org

• Chin/Mouth guards can be a good addition to protect your jaw and pearly whites. Helmets that have built-in or optional chin guards and mouth guards (like those football players wear) can be found at just about any sporting goods store
• Body Armor - with the popularity of so many extreme and contact sports, there are many brands, models, and options for protective padding all around the body. Many motocross, bmx, in-line skating, and skateboard shops have a variety of gear that is comfortable to wear and fits easily as a layer under your coat and pants. Protecting the tailbone and hipbones with padded shorts or pants is common
• Knee, elbow, shoulder pads, and wrist guards are other options

Click here to check out some additional safety equipment considerations from R.E.D.

Be sure you Know the Code : "You're Responsibility Code" provides safety tips while on the slopes. Smart Style is a terrain park specific safety program that you should check out before using terrain parks. The equipment section contains information on protective gear including helmets that you might want to consider wearing.

visit:  www.terrainparksafety.org for more information