Governor Polis Declares January 23 Ski Safety Awareness Day
Proclamation Highlights Ski Safety Awareness Month Throughout January
Colorado Governor Jared Polis declared January 23, 2025 as Ski Safety Awareness Day. Ski safety is an important topic throughout the ski season, with special emphasis during Ski Safety Awareness Month each January.
“Ski Safety Awareness Month in January is the perfect time to brush up on Your Responsibility Code,” said Melanie Mills, President and CEO of Colorado Ski Country USA. “By knowing, understanding, and following Your Responsibility Code all season long, we can all help build a culture of safety, respect, and enjoyment so that everyone has the safest possible day on Colorado’s slopes.”
You may already be familiar with Your Responsibility Code, the ten points everyone must follow when spending time on the ski slopes, thanks to its bright yellow signage and reminders posted throughout ski areas. The Colorado Ski Safety Act also incorporates The Code’s requirements as skier responsibilities.
- Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
- People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
- Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
- Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
- You must prevent runaway equipment.
- Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
- Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
- You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
- Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.
Thousands of Coloradans are active skiers and snowboarders and Colorado’s ski areas welcome residents and visitors alike with world-class recreation experiences. Ski Safety Awareness Month affords an opportunity to remind all participants that they can mitigate the inherent risks of the sport by following Your Responsibility Code.
Sarah Beatty, APR