Skiing and snowboarding are both physically demanding sports that cannot be pursued without any risk of injury.  Permitting your child to enjoy a day of skiing or snowboarding without parental supervision deserves additional preparations.

Our primary focus is to have a fun, but safe experience while at Mt. Ashland. 

Despite our best efforts, children have experienced injuries on several occasions over the years.  Sometimes, those injuries have required the attention of the Mt. Ashland Ski Patrol.  Their prompt response and strict protocols regarding proper care and transport ensure that everything possible is done whenever any of our skiers or snowboarders experiences injury while at the mountain.  When minor injuries occur, children are often comfortable waiting for the end of the evening and riding home on the bus.  However, if the child’s condition warrants more immediate transportation, a parent or guardian will be needed for transport. On rare occasions and with regard to certain injuries, the Ski Patrol will insist that minors be transported to town by ambulance.  These circumstances usually involve injuries to the head, neck, or back or when the child’s level of responsiveness is impaired

When a minor is injured, the Ski Patrol will attempt to contact a parent or

The most important thing that parents can do to minimize potential injury on the mountain is to make sure that children are dressed for the weather.

guardian.  Make sure that there is someone available by phone to contact in case of an emergency.

There are several things that parents can do to help regarding the prevention of and care for injuries:

First, provide up-to-date information regarding your child’s physical condition, medications they may be carrying, and the existence of allergies to either medication or food.

Second, make sure that your medical insurance policy is current and that the insurance information (along with a physician’s name and phone number) is with the child and readily available.  Do to the very nature of these outdoor sports, not carrying adequate insurance for emergency care and transportation is risky to say the least.

Third, the most important thing that parents can do to minimize potential injury on the mountain is to make sure their children are dressed for the weather.

We have many beautiful, almost balmy days and nights.  We have also had periods of bitter cold and wind, with the wind-chill pushing the temperature down to below zero.  When the weather is less than cooperative, it is imperative that our skiers and snowboarders be dressed in winter clothing designed to keep them both warm and dry.  Too often, minor injuries on the hill become serious emergencies simply because of the complications caused by cold exposure.  Even when ski patrollers respond quickly to the report of an accident on the slopes, injured skiers or snowboarders can spend time lying in the snow before being transported via toboggan to a warm aid room.
 
Consequently, make sure that your children head up to the mountain outfitted with warm, moisture-repellent clothing.  A thick, warm stocking cap, waterproof outer garments, goggles or sunglasses, and sun block are the bare essentials.  Thick socks, long underwear, a warm sweater, good gloves or mittens, and a winter parka are ideal for alpine conditions.  Avoid cotton or denim, jeans provide little insulation.  Be sure to mark hats, gloves, and goggles with a name so that lost items can be promptly returned.

In making the season an enjoyable one for all, we must work together to make it as safe as possible.