Readers Say
Readers shared advice for how skiers and riders should behave better on chairlifts and trails and inside the lodge.
It’s been a stellar year for snow at New England ski resorts, but do the manners of skiers and riders match the impressive conditions?
Most people know that skiers should follow the Your Responsibility Code, a 10-point safety guide written by the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) that includes staying in control, obeying signs, and looking uphill before entering a trail. But what are some of the unwritten rules they should keep in mind?
We asked readers what skiers and riders should and shouldn’t do on the mountain. What follows is their advice for behavior on the trails, chairlift, and even in the lodge.
On the chairlift or gondola
“Anyone who wears a speaker backpack forcing everyone to listen to their music should immediately be permanently banned.” — Jackie from Windham, N.H.
“Don’t break wind (i.e. burp, toot) in the gondola.” — James S. from Marshfield.
“Pay attention when loading. Put your cell phone away (that isn’t the time to take a FaceTime call to talk about ‘Love Island’!). — Frank B. from Jay, Vermont
“Always announce ‘Coming down’ as you lower the safety bar.” — Shane from Boston
“When there are lift lines (meaning people behind you are waiting for a chair), never leave empty spots in your chair. I see people do this all the time after being paired with singles, other twosomes, etc.” — Frank B. from Jay, Vermont
“Mr. Backpack Speaker Guy should never be allowed to play the worst selection of music humanity has ever experienced.” — Jimmy from Quincy
“Clear the landing area promptly! That is not the place to snap your streak, fix your goggles, or make snow angels if you fall. Clear out and vibe on!” — Frank B. from Jay, Vermont
On the trails
“Don’t stop in the middle of the ski slope, stop on the side.” — Anne
“Please try to be a bit more courteous and think twice before skiing at excessive speed.” — Anonymous
“No sitting in the middle of the slope.” — Joe D.
“Don’t ski too close from people or fly by too close.” — Anne
“Football isn’t allowed on the mountain.” — Mike B.
“Know the code. Put the code into action. Shared Space, Use Kindness.” — Mark C.
Inside or outside the lodge
“There are ski racks for a reason. Put your skis on them.” — Matt H.
“Don’t step on other people’s skis.” — Anne
“Don’t claim a table for the full day in the lodge by putting your bag on it.” — Anne
“Don’t overindulge at the pub, climb onto a chairlift while inebriated, and put other skiers and riders at risk on the trails.” — Geoffrey from Franconia, N.H.
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
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