Ski Friendly for safety

Ruapehu Bulletin, 17 August 1990, Page 11

Ski Friendly for safety

Mitsubishi Motors and Ruapehu Alpine Lifts have come up with a promotion to improve safety on Whakapapa and educate skiers on safe skiing practices. Called "Ski Friendly" the campaign has come about because of the number of self-inflicted accidents and com-

plaints about reckless skiing. The campaign is being promoted with posters in cafeterias, high profile uniformed staff handing out stickers, signs on lift towers and business cards offering discounts on ski lessons. "Rather than disci-

pling skiers for reckless behaviour we'd much rather educate them to make the skifield safer and more enjoyable for all", said Scott Lee, marketing manager for RAL. "It's great that Mitsubishi have agreed to sponsor this campaign

which is aimed at recreational skiers, they've poured hundreds of thousands of dollars into ski racing. It's great to see recreational skiing being recognised as well", he added. The messages of the Mitsubishi Motors Ski Friendly campaign at Whakapapa are; ski under control, excessive speed is dangerous; when overtaking, avoid the skier below you; stop only where visible from above; when entering a trail, give way to other skiers; observe all trail signs; stay off closed trails; be considerate of others; obey slow skiing signs; know your limit, ski within it; wear appropriate skin and eye protection; learn to turn - take a lesson; reckless skiing will not be tolerated; enjoy your National Park - don't litter; skiing is not a contact sport.