KELLOGG, ID  — The Idaho Ski Areas Association, known as Ski Idaho, is using January’s designation as National Ski Safety Awareness Month to remind skiers, snowboarders and other snow-sport participants of their responsibilities while on the slopes.

Idaho Ski Areas Association officials say the annual awareness month serves as an opportunity to reinforce safe decision-making at ski areas across the state, where winter recreation involves inherent risk.

“National Ski Safety Awareness Month is an important annual reminder for everyone on the mountain,” said Ski Idaho President and Silver Mountain Resort General Manager Jeff Colburn. “Skiing and snowboarding will always involve some inherent risk, but the clear, practical guidance of Your Responsibility Code gives people tools that can help them understand and reduce those risks.”

Originally developed in 1962 by the National Ski Areas Association, Your Responsibility Code outlines expectations for behavior on the mountain and is posted on bright yellow signage throughout ski areas nationwide. The code has been updated over time to reflect modern skiing and riding practices and includes the following 10 points:

1. Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
2. People ahead or downhill of you have the right of way. You must avoid them.
3. Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
4. Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
5. You must prevent runaway equipment.
6. Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
7. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
8. You must know how and be able to load, ride, and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
9. Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
10. If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.

Colburn said following the Responsibility Code also places skiers and riders in compliance with the Idaho Skier Safety Act, part of Idaho Code 6-1106, which outlines legal responsibilities for those using ski slopes in the state.

Ski Idaho also encourages helmet use and riding chairlifts with safety bars lowered when available. According to Colburn, helmet usage among skiers and snowboarders now approaches 95 percent, contributing to ongoing safety improvements alongside advances in technology.

He pointed to the use of the AirFlare app as one example. The app turns smartphones into outdoor rescue location tools and has assisted in several rescues at Idaho ski areas. Seven Ski Idaho destinations — Bogus Basin, Brundage, Lookout Pass, Schweitzer, Silver Mountain, Soldier Mountain and Tamarack — currently partner with AirFlare, providing more coverage than any other state.