Mountain safety

Thredbo ski patrol
Thredbo Ski Patrol consists of Thredbo's own 23 Professional (Paid) Patrollers and up to 80 Volunteer Patrollers from the Thredbo Ski Patrol Association (TSPA).

The role of the Patrol is to maintain the ski slope area within Thredbo's area boundary. This includes the first aid treatment and transport of injured skiers and riders, monitoring the ski area for reckless and dangerous behaviour and public education.

The patroller's day begins with a sweep of all the open ski runs to determine suitability for skiers and riders, to clear or mark hazards and to report on the conditions the skiing public may expect to encounter.

Once the mountain is open and the skiers and riders are out on the hill, ski patrol duties include:

• Constant monitoring and reporting of hazards and snow conditions
• Rescue and retrieval of injured or distressed skiers and riders
• Speed control (preventing reckless or out of control skiers and riders)
• Providing advice and directions to the skiing public
• Maintenance of rescue equipment, signage, safety pads (fence and chairlift), rope lines and fences
• Ongoing training and skills maintenance

At the conclusion of the skiing day, Patrollers again conduct a coordinated sweep of the entire open ski area, closing all runs and making sure no skiers or riders remain on the runs.

General mountain safety
Thredbo puts a very high priority on providing you with a fun and safe alpine experience. We take our safety very seriously and would like to remind you of a few things that we hope will make your day on the mountain more enjoyable.

"Be aware – ski and ride with care"
Safety starts not just when you hit the hill, but much earlier. Get in shape. Don't try to ski or ride yourself into shape. You'll enjoy your alpine activity more if you're physically fit.

All sports involve some inherent risks, but to some extent, it is that very same risk that appeals to us. Regardless of how you enjoy your snow sport, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are inherent risks in all snow recreational activities that common sense and personal awareness can reduce.

These risks include rapid changes in the weather and surface, as well as natural and artificial hazards such as, rocks, trees, stumps, bare spots, ice, lift towers, snow fences and snow making equipment. Observe the code and share with others the responsibility for a great experience.

KNOW THE CODE. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE CODE MAY RESULT IN CANCELLATION OF YOUR TICKET OR PASS BY SKI PATROL OR OTHER AUTHORISED PERSONNEL.

Obtain proper equipment. Be sure to have your ski or snowboard bindings adjusted correctly at a local ski shop. You can rent good quality ski or snowboarding equipment at Thredbo.

When buying skiwear, look for fabric that is water and wind-resistant. Look for wind flaps to shield zippers, snug cuffs at wrists and ankles, collars that can be snuggled up to the chin and drawstrings that can be adjusted for comfort and keep wind out. Be sure to buy quality clothing and products.

Dress in layers. Layering allows you to accommodate your body's constantly changing temperature. For example, dress in polypropylene underwear (top and bottoms), which feels good next to the skin, dries quickly, absorbs sweat and keeps you warm. Wear a turtleneck, sweater and jacket.

Be prepared. Mother Nature has a mind of her own. Bring a beanie, headband or hat with you to the slopes, 60 percent of heat-loss is through the head. Wear gloves or mittens (mittens are usually better for those susceptible to cold hands).

Wear sun protection. The sun reflects off the snow and is stronger than you think, even on cloudy days!

Always wear eye protection. Have sunglasses and goggles with you. Skiing and snowboarding are a lot more fun when you can see.

ASAA - Policy on the use of helmets for recreational snow sports
The Australian Ski Areas Association (ASAA) supports the wearing of helmets by persons undertaking recreational snow sports activities, but recognises that the decision to wear a helmet is a matter of personal or parental choice.

It is important to use only helmets that meet current recognised snow sport helmet design standards, such as: EN 1077:1996 - Helmets for Alpine Sports (European Committee for Standardisation)

ASTM F 2040-00 - Standard Specification for Helmets Used for Recreational Snow Sports (American Society for Testing and Materials)

Snell RS-98 - Standard for Protective Headgear for Recreational Skiing and Snowboarding (SNELL Foundation)

The ASAA and its members provide information to snow sports enthusiasts and parents of snow sports enthusiasts to promote education and awareness about the benefits, limitations and proper fitting of helmets.

In supporting the use of helmets when undertaking recreational snow sports, the ASAA recognises that a helmet may make a difference in reducing or preventing injury, and that many snow sports enthusiasts are choosing to wear them. Helmets are designed to reduce the severity of head injuries, but they are most effective at providing protection at speeds of 20kph or slower. If a person was to collide with a tree, any other object or another skier or snowboarder at moderate or high speed, a helmet may not prevent or reduce serious injury.

Each snow sports enthusiast’s behaviour has as much to do with his or her safety as does any piece of safety equipment.

ALWAYS SKI AND RIDE WITH CARE AND ADHERE TO THE "ALPINE RESPONSIBILITY CODE"

Riding with small children
Skiing and boarding with small children in backpack baby carriers, slings, front pouches is not allowed, permitted or encouraged in Thredbo. As a foot passenger (no ski’s) you can take your small child up the lift to take a look around.

Tips for while on the slopes
Take a lesson. Like anything, you'll improve the most when you receive some guidance. The best way to become a good skier or snowboarder is to take a lesson from a qualified instructor.

The key to successful skiing/snowboarding is control. To have it, you must be aware of your ability, the terrain and the skiers/snowboarders around you. Be aware of the snow conditions and how they can change. As conditions turn firm, the skiing gets hard and fast, so always begin a run slowly. Skiing and snowboarding require a mental and physical presence.

If you find yourself on a slope that exceeds your ability level, always leave your skis/snowboard on and side step down the slope.

The all-important warm-up run prepares you mentally and physically for the day ahead.

Drink plenty of water and eat proper meals. Be careful not to become dehydrated and keep snacks like muesli bars in your pockets, they will be useful when you need a little pick-me-up.

Curb alcohol consumption. Skiing and snowboarding do not mix well with alcohol or drugs.

Know your limits. Learn to ski and snowboard smoothly-and in control. Stop before you become fatigued and, most of all have fun.

Thredbo has several "slow zones". Please slow down and make an extra effort to give other skiers and riders some room in these areas.

Terrain park safety
Thredbo has recently adopted the National Ski Areas Association's (USA) new Smart Style Terrain Park signage. You will see these new signs at all of our terrain parks. The new program offers some smart safety advice that we think is very easy to digest.

We know that terrain parks are fun and challenging places to explore and Thredbo is committed to building new features and elements, however, we encourage people to not try something that exceeds their ability, to keep the terrain parks safe and to adhere to the code.

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