Letter: Some suggestions to make the mountain safer

With all due respect to Elizabeth Kraus in her recent contribution, “How to avoid on-mountain collisions,” it is my opinion that the very companies that operate mountain ski resorts, as well as the state of Colorado overwhelmingly contribute to the number of skier deaths and injuries, rather than prevent them.

Vail Resorts has an opportunity to become a visionary in this struggle, rather than a laggard. Skiing and snowboarding are just as dangerous in many ways as driving a car, truck, motorcycle, or any other on-road vehicle, and deserve rules to follow, which is why driver’s privileges are only granted to individuals 16 years and older who have passed comprehensive driving and educational testing.

I am not advocating such strict standards for skiers and riders, so please breathe easier, but a discussion of the local facts might be in order.

• There is no “code” printed on the Vail Resort napkins, any longer.
• There are no more paper maps distributed, which previously had a column “Safety On The Slopes” on one of its back panels.
• In fairness, the “Responsibility Code” is available on the Vail Resorts’ Mountain websites under “Safety and Mountain Access.” But who goes there?
• There have never been any required conditions to ski or ride, except for the purchase of a ski pass. I would suggest having to pass an online “10-Point “Responsibility Code” test, with a 100% passing grade of that same Responsibility Code listed on the Vail Resorts’ Mountain websites as a 5-year license to ski or snowboard. 
• Vail Resorts should replace some of the advertising panels on their chair lifts containing maps and advertising with this same Responsibility Code. People on the chair, especially families with young skiers could see and discuss these mountain safety items while on the chair ride, or gondola ride up.
• Ski Instructors should be required to explain the code to all clients and in all classes before riding up the mountain with students or clients. 
• The first question I always ask my guests (children and adults alike) is: “Who has the right-of-way on the mountain?” 98% of all new guests do not know the answer until we discuss it. Furthermore, most people do not even think to look back up the mountain, before starting up again after having stopped to rest. 
• People who operate cars know how to stay safe and can receive penalties when they endanger the lives of others by driving recklessly or are not observing every law their driving licenses require them to observe. They have been comprehensively taught to do other safe things that are not even laws, but are important for their own safety and the safety of others, such as, “Don’t slam on your brakes,” and “Use turn signals.”
• The sport of skiing, which I love so much, presently allows people to ski and ride recklessly without requiring them to know, let alone observe any rules that ensure their own safety, as well as the safety of others.

Bob Kurlander
Edwards