8 Secrets of Defensive Skiing & Snowboarding

  1. Stay Alert – being alert allows you to react quickly.
  2. Stay Focused – focus on skiing and riding intentionally – distractions slow your reaction time.
  3. Scan your surroundings – pay attention. Check your corners and blind spots frequently and scan conditions ahead of you.
  4. Watch our for others – Anticipate the worst case scenario and adjust your movements and routes in advance.
  5. Leave Space – Maintain a safe following distance of 3 to 4 seconds to allow adequate time to react, change direction or stop.
  6. Have an escape route – your safest position is where you can see and be seen.
  7. Own the zone – ensure your speed matches conditions and traffic, especially in slow zones.
  8. Heads up to change up – put your own safety first. Look ahead and double check your blind spots before changing your maneuver, task, direction or speed.