The senior vice president of the Big White Ski Resort near Kelowna is urging skiers and snowboarders to put their phones away while sliding down the mountain.
Michael Ballingall said safety-conscious users are reporting to resort administration an increase in texting, talking and filming on smartphones while skiers and boarders are in motion.
He said the reality is, if a skier or snowboarder is operating a smartphone, they’re not paying attention to where they’re going and it can pose a safety hazard.
Ballingall said the resort is also noticing an increase in other trends like not wearing helmets and skiing or riding alone.
A young snowboarder died in a collision at the resort last weekend.
RCMP were contacted at around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday Feb. 18 after Tristin Croteau suffered a fatal head injury in the Black Forest area of the resort.
“It is believed that the 21-year-old Kelowna man was snowboarding alone when he struck a tree along the trail,” Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey said in a news release.
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Ballingall said he doesn’t know if Croteau was wearing a helmet or not, but said the ski industry highly recommends the use of helmets at all times.
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When asked if he believed helmets should be required under the law, Ballingall said enforcement of apparel for a recreational activity would be a challenge.
The resort is reminding people to ride and ski with caution and to adhere to the 10 points of the alpine responsibility code.
1. Always stay in control. You must be able to stop, or avoid other people or objects.
2. People ahead of you have the right-of-way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
3. Do not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.
4. Before starting downhill or merging onto a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
5. If you are involved in or witness a collision/accident you must remain at the scene and identify yourself to the Ski Patrol.
6. Always use proper devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
7. Observe and obey all posted signs and warnings.
8. Keep off closed trails and obey area closures.
9. You must not use lifts or terrain if your ability is impaired through the use of alcohol or drugs.
10. You must have sufficient physical dexterity, ability, and knowledge to safely load, ride, and unload lifts. If in doubt, ask the lift attendant.
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