Safe ski tips

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 504, 21 September 1993, Page 8 (Supplement)

Safe ski tips

by Jenelle Frewen Conditions at this time of the year can sometimes become a little challenging for the novice skier so the Turoa Ski Patrol have a few tips to offer skiers to make their time on the snow accident-free. Obey signage is the first tip from the assistant Ski Patrol supervisor, Adam Wallis. If in doubt don't hesitate to ask a Ski Patrol member about the snow and weather conditions. The Ski Patrol are happy to pass on information. Another good tip if you run into some difficulty is to leave your skis on. "Your skis' edges are the best protection you have against sliding in icy or hard conditions," Adam said. The Ski Patrol also recommends staying put if you land in difficult terrain. "Stay where you feel stable and wait for the Ski Patrol to arrive," says Adam. The Ski Patrol has an array of specialist equipment available for use in all conditions to get you back to safety. The self-arresting technique is also a handy one to know if you find yourself sliding in icy snow. The correct position for a self-arrest is feet downhill and on your stomach. "If not naturally in this

position you should roll into it as soon as you begin to slide," Adam said. While in this position you should lift your feet into the air and grip your ski pole at its base with both hands. Elbows should be bent with hands close to your chest, then dig the ski pole into the snow until you feel yourself slowing down to a stop. The Ski Patrol says there are plenty of books available on safer skiing and useful mountaineering techniques and it's well worth getting hold of one. Army races From page 6 five skiers from Waiouru, Capt Alister Plimmer, Capt Kin Pettigrew, Capt John Frewen, Cpl Jo Barrett and 2nd Lt Murray Brown who is team manager and reserve. The ATG's team manager and Army squad coselector, Capt Scott Kerr, is quietly confident about the Army taking out the inter-service competition. "We have a very dynamic team," he said. Capt Kerr also noted that the Army team's consistency should be the key factor in deciding the outcome of today and tomorrow's racing.