SRT SAFE SKIING CODE
Safety. Responsibility. Respect.
About the SRT Safe Skiing Code
The Sundown Race Team (SRT) Safe Skiing Code helps parents, guardians, and racers understand and practice safe skiing habits during training, racing, and recreational skiing.
It also provides valuable guidance for families to follow when skiing independently, promoting awareness, personal responsibility, and respect for others on the mountain.
All SRT families are encouraged to review this code together before the season begins and revisit it throughout the winter.
Why Safety Matters
Alpine skiing is an exhilarating and rewarding sport, but it involves inherent risks. Speed, gravity, changing snow conditions, terrain, equipment, and other mountain users can create potentially dangerous situations.
Competitive ski racing introduces additional challenges, including higher speeds, technical courses, and demanding training environments.
Understanding these risks, developing sound judgment, and following established safety practices are essential parts of every racer’s development.
Our goal is to help athletes become skilled, confident, and responsible skiers who can enjoy the sport throughout their lives.
1.0 Terrain Park Rules
SRT Training Policy
Terrain Park Use During Practice
Sundown Mountain’s terrain park is located adjacent to SRT’s designated training areas. As a result, racers regularly encounter terrain park features before and after practice.
Terrain park use during SRT practices is strictly prohibited unless specifically authorized and directly supervised by an SRT coach.
Racers may travel through designated routes near or within the terrain park when necessary to exit a training area, but they may not use jumps, rails, or other terrain park features without coach authorization.
We recognize that young athletes are naturally adventurous and constantly tempted to explore these features. However, racers are expected to remain focused on scheduled training, follow their coaches’ instructions, and respect established boundaries.
Leaving practice to ski terrain park features without permission is a violation of SRT’s safety and training policies.
Outside official SRT activities, parents and guardians are responsible for determining whether their children may use terrain parks and ensuring they understand the associated risks.
Training Attendance and Boundaries
Racers are expected to remain within designated training areas and follow their coaches’ instructions.
- Leaving practice without permission is prohibited.
- Unsupervised terrain park use during scheduled practice is prohibited.
- Racers who disregard these rules will receive a warning.
- Repeated violations may result in removal from training or suspension from future practices or races.
Athletes removed from training must follow coach instructions regarding their return to a designated supervised location. Parents or guardians will be notified when appropriate.
Safety violations are taken seriously because they can place both the individual racer and other mountain users at risk.
2.0 Terrain Park Safety Code
Terrain parks introduce additional risks associated with jumps, rails, variable snow conditions, and limited landing visibility.
All SRT racers and families should understand the following safety principles.
Know the Rules
Review the ski area’s Responsibility Code and posted terrain park safety guidelines before entering.
Inspect Before Using
Examine features, approaches, landing areas, snow conditions, and signage before attempting any maneuver.
Check Blind Landings
Never enter a jump or feature without confirming that the landing area is clear. Use a spotter when appropriate.
Control Your Speed
Approach features at speeds appropriate for your ability and the conditions. Overshooting landings can cause serious injuries.
No Inverted Maneuvers
Flips and other inverted aerial maneuvers are prohibited.
One at a Time
Wait until the previous skier or rider has completely cleared the feature and landing area before proceeding.
Start Small and Progress Gradually
Choose features appropriate for your skill level. Develop fundamental skills before attempting more advanced terrain.
3.0 General Safe Skiing, Training, and Racing
Equipment Inspection
All equipment must be properly fitted, maintained, and inspected before the season.
Pay particular attention to ski boots, bindings, helmets, goggles, and protective equipment.
Helmets must be worn during all SRT skiing activities, with chin straps properly secured.
Night Skiing Visibility
Clear or appropriate low-light goggle lenses are recommended for night skiing. Dark lenses can significantly reduce visibility under artificial lighting.
Protective Equipment
Racers must wear appropriate protective equipment for their age group, discipline, and training activity.
Coaches will communicate requirements for helmets, chin guards, shin guards, pole guards, and other protective equipment.
Cold-Weather Preparation
Dress appropriately for winter conditions, including extreme cold and wind.
Use insulating layers, waterproof outerwear, appropriate gloves, and face protection when necessary.
Maintain Control
Ski at speeds appropriate for the terrain, visibility, snow conditions, and surrounding traffic.
High-speed straight-lining, tucking, or schussing on public trails is prohibited during SRT activities unless specifically directed and supervised by a coach.
Course Etiquette
If a racer catches another skier, encounters a course worker, or experiences an obstruction, they must take appropriate action to avoid a collision.
During competition, racers should follow race officials’ instructions regarding stopping, course obstructions, and requests for reruns.
Respect Ski Area Personnel
Always follow instructions from ski patrol, lift operators, race officials, and mountain operations personnel.
Concerns should be communicated respectfully to an SRT coach or team representative.
Chairlift Safety
Follow posted lift instructions, remain seated, keep equipment properly positioned, and lower the restraint bar when available.
Never intentionally drop equipment or other objects from a lift.
Know Your Limits
Ski within your abilities and adjust your speed and technique for changing conditions.
Concussion Safety
Any racer showing signs of a possible concussion must immediately stop skiing and be removed from training or competition.
The athlete may not return to skiing until evaluated and cleared by an appropriate healthcare professional in accordance with applicable concussion protocols.
Drugs and Alcohol
Skiing under the influence of alcohol or impairing substances is prohibited and may result in immediate suspension from team activities.
Buddy System
Racers should ski with a partner or small group whenever possible, particularly at unfamiliar or larger ski areas.
4.0 Avoiding Collisions
Collisions are among the most serious hazards in recreational skiing and competitive training.
Every racer is responsible for maintaining awareness of surrounding skiers, terrain, and changing conditions.
Inspect the Terrain
Observe snow conditions, trail intersections, visibility, and potential hazards before skiing at higher speeds.
Stay Visible
Never stop below jumps, behind knolls, or in locations where approaching skiers cannot see you.
Safe Passing
Skiers approaching from above or behind must avoid those downhill or ahead.
Always leave sufficient space when passing another skier.
Maintain Spacing
Allow adequate distance between skiers during training and recreational skiing.
Stop only in visible, safe locations away from normal skiing traffic.
Entering or Crossing Trails
Look uphill before starting downhill, entering a trail, or crossing an intersection.
Yield to approaching skiers and proceed only when it is safe.
Remember: Maintaining control and avoiding collisions are fundamental responsibilities of every skier.
5.0 Pre-Season Conditioning
Ski racing is physically demanding and requires strength, endurance, coordination, balance, and agility.
Athletes are encouraged to maintain an active lifestyle throughout the year.
Recommended Preparation
- Develop core and lower-body strength.
- Practice balance, agility, and coordination.
- Maintain cardiovascular fitness through regular physical activity.
- Include appropriate flexibility and mobility exercises.
- Complete a dynamic warm-up before skiing.
- Allow adequate recovery between demanding training sessions.
Proper conditioning supports athletic development, improves performance, and helps athletes better manage the physical demands of ski racing.
6.0 Weather, Clothing, and Sun Safety
Winter weather can change rapidly, particularly during long training sessions and race weekends.
Cold temperatures, wind, precipitation, and sun exposure can affect an athlete’s comfort, concentration, and safety.
Dress for the Conditions
Parents and guardians should check the forecast before every practice and race.
- Dress racers in layers that can be adjusted throughout the day.
- Use waterproof and wind-resistant outerwear.
- Provide warm gloves or mittens and appropriate face protection.
- Bring spare gloves, dry clothing, and additional insulating layers.
- Monitor athletes for signs of excessive cold exposure.
Protect Against UV Exposure
Snow can reflect ultraviolet radiation, increasing exposure to the skin and eyes.
- Apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to exposed skin.
- Use SPF lip protection.
- Reapply sunscreen according to product directions.
- Wear goggles or sunglasses with appropriate UV protection.
Warm, dry, and properly prepared athletes are better able to concentrate, train effectively, and enjoy their time on the snow.
7.0 Hydration and Nutrition
Physical exertion, dry winter air, and inadequate fluid intake can contribute to dehydration, even in cold weather.
Good nutrition and hydration help athletes maintain energy, concentration, and physical performance.
Hydration
- Encourage regular water intake before, during, and after skiing.
- Bring sufficient fluids for training sessions and race days.
- Do not rely solely on thirst as an indication of hydration needs.
- Avoid energy drinks and excessive caffeine.
Nutrition
- Eat balanced meals that provide sustained energy.
- Bring nutritious snacks for long training sessions and race weekends.
- Allow time for meals and recovery between demanding activities.
Recognize Warning Signs
If a racer experiences dizziness, unusual weakness, confusion, or disorientation, they must stop skiing and notify a coach or responsible adult immediately.
8.0 Environmental and Community Responsibility
SRT racers represent their team, families, and the broader skiing community.
Respect for others and the mountain environment is an essential part of being a responsible athlete.
Team Expectations
- Dispose of trash properly and help keep the South Lodge and training areas clean.
- Respect trail closures, signage, fencing, and restricted areas.
- Maintain safe distances from snowmaking equipment, lift towers, fencing, and other mountain infrastructure.
- Treat lift operators, ski patrol, race officials, coaches, and mountain staff with courtesy.
- Respect other skiers and snowboarders, regardless of age or ability.
- Protect the mountain environment and leave facilities as you found them.
Sportsmanship and responsibility extend beyond the racecourse.
9.0 Accidents and Emergency Procedures
Despite careful preparation, accidents and injuries can occur.
Every racer should understand the importance of reporting incidents promptly and following established emergency procedures.
Report Injuries Immediately
Racers must notify a coach, ski patrol member, or responsible adult whenever an injury, collision, or potentially dangerous incident occurs.
Protect Injured Skiers
Do not move a seriously injured skier unless necessary to prevent further immediate danger.
Contact ski patrol and follow their instructions.
Know How to Contact Ski Patrol
Athletes and parents should familiarize themselves with ski patrol locations and emergency procedures at Sundown Mountain and other race venues.
Follow Emergency Instructions
During official SRT activities, athletes must follow instructions from coaches, race officials, ski patrol, and other authorized personnel.
Parent and Guardian Communication
Parents and guardians should ensure that the team has current emergency contact information and is aware of relevant medical considerations that may affect their child’s participation.
A Shared Commitment to Safety
SKI SMART. RACE RESPONSIBLY. RESPECT THE MOUNTAIN.
At Sundown Race Team, we believe that developing great ski racers begins with developing responsible skiers.
Technical skill, discipline, sound judgment, and respect for others are essential qualities that extend far beyond competition.
We ask every racer, parent, and guardian to take an active role in maintaining a safe, supportive training environment.
Our ultimate goal is simple: Help young athletes develop the skills, confidence, and judgment to enjoy skiing for a lifetime.
Sundown Race Team | Dubuque, Iowa
