Lift Tickets may be confiscated

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 14, 6 September 1983, Page 6

Lift Tickets may be confiscated

Some skiers on Turoa skifield are in danger of having their lift tickets taken off them according to AHI Turoa ski patrol director, Peter Sutton. "There are a handful of skiers on the mountain who are continuously skiing dangerously" said Mr Sutton. "We've already had to reprimand a few. We'll have no hesitation in confiscating lift tickets from people who continue to ski in a way that endangers the safety of other people on the mountain." The major problem seems to be with intermediate skiers who think they can ski well but can't really handle the speeds at which they travel said Mr Sutton. "They ski at the limit of their control where it only needs a minor variation to occur and there' s an accident." Points to remember There are several factors that skiers should remember to ease the situation. First, ski comfortably within your own limits. Be honest with yourself about your ability. Second, uphill skiers must always give way. The downhill skier has right-of-way. Third, when skis are stood, crossed tail first in the snow, keep well clear.

The crossed skis are an international sign indicating an accident below. Several near-accidents have occurred this season by people ignoring the crossed skis and skiing very close to an accident. A New Zealand first As part of its positive emphasis on caring for skifield patrons, AHI Turoa have set up their own 4-wheel drive ambulance. The first skifield to own an ambulance in New Zealand, the vehicle is a four wheel drive Nissan Patrol van and adapted to carry Langstone stretchers used by the ski patrol. Equipped as a standard ambulance, the vehicle provides the facility to take people off the mountain in any conditions, something that couldn't be done in an ambulance previously. As part of its policy of people care, AHI Turoa have 9 full time ski patrollers, and a clinic on the mountain staffed by a professional, qualified nurse and a fully qualified medical practitioner. "By its very nature, skiing is a sport where accidents are bound to happen. We want to ensure the very best care for our people if they are unfortunate enough to have a prang" said Peter Sutton.