SKI TIP
In few sports are the rules of courtesy so closely tied to the requirements of safety as they are in skiing. Every beginner, for his own sake as well as for the other skiers on the slope, should learn the rules as soon as he is ready for his first solo run. For that matter, many expert skiers, as the crowded midyear holidays approach, might take notice of some of the following suggestions.
First of all, never schuss on a crowded slope, no matter how good a skier you may be. You may know exactly where you are going, but there is no way you can prevent a frightened tyro from stepping the wrong way as you rush toward him.
Always remember it is the skier ahead of you who has the right of way. As you overtake someone do not yell "Track," for no one with his back turned can guess on which side you intend to pass. Instead, if you want to warn someone ahead, say, "Passing on your right" (or left, as the case may be). This will at least give him an idea which way not to turn.
When you fall, fill in your Sitzmark, so the man behind doesn't plow into it and crack a ski, or a leg.
Be sure your skis are fastened tightly to your feet. There are not many falls worse than those caused by skis that suddenly come off. And if you have safety bindings, be sure the skis are clipped to your boots by a thong so that if a ski comes off it won't rattle down the slope, endangering other skiers (and losing itself hopelessly in the woods below).
Don't stop to rest around a blind curve and don't gather with other skiers in narrow places on the trail. The man behind you may be coming very fast.
If a slope or trail is marked closed, stay off it. The ski patrol closes trails for your safety. They are doing their best to spare you from rocks, ice and sometimes even avalanche danger. Furthermore, if you hurt yourself on a closed trail, you may spend the night there, since no other skier is likely to come along.
Finally, if you see someone take a bad fall, stop and ask how he is. He might need the ski patrol.
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FRIEDL PFEIFER