This soft power of the skiing industry is the core of healthy development for the ice and snow sector!

In the winter of 2017, China’s ice and snow sports market grew increasingly hot, with skiing trips becoming a new fashion choice for many. However, frequent accidents at ski resorts have drawn attention from all sectors to another aspect of the ice and snow sports industry.

At the National Ski Resort Safety Work Conference held on February 9 earlier this year, Gao Zhidan, Deputy Director of the General Administration of Sport of China, stated that the development of ice and snow sports,ensuring the safety and health of participants should be the primary responsibility."Amid the boom in ice and snow sports, there should not be a lack of calm reflection. Effective safety guarantees must be provided for skiing enthusiasts."It cannot be denied that China’s skiing industry is still in a phase of "extensive development."

According to statistics from the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) in the United States on nationwide ski accidents, the average number of fatalities due to skiing incidents over the past decade has not exceeded 34. Calculated based on over 50 million skier visits per season, the accident rate is only 7 in ten million, a figure even lower than the fatality rate from car accidents in the U.S. Yet, in early 2017 alone, there were already three tragic deaths caused by skiing accidents in China.

Practitioners in the skiing industry shouldtake what measuresto improve safety, reduce accidents,and ensure the personal safety of skiers of all levels to the greatest extent?Meanwhile, the ISPO Beijing 2018 — the 14th Asia Outdoor Trade Show and the Asia-Pacific Snow Industry Forum (APSC), held from January 24–27, 2018, at the Beijing National Convention Center —will focus on information technology, training, safety instruction, and other aspects, bringing together senior professionals from home and abroad to discuss how ski resorts can ensure skier safety.will focus on information technology, training, safety instruction, and other aspects, bringing together senior professionals from home and abroad to discuss how ski resorts can ensure skier safety.

Strengthening ski resort operations and management to uphold the safety baseline for skiers.

For skiing to develop sustainably, professional safety training must be put on the agenda as soon as possible. Gao Zhidan stated that to uphold the red line of safe development, it is first necessaryto enhance the sense of responsibility,as many accidents stem from weak safety awareness and lack of accountability. Secondly, it is essential toupgrade management concepts, industry standards, and regulatory mechanisms.。

“Safety is the foundation for the long-term and stable development of any sport. The development of the ice and snow sports and industry is at a critical stage; if safety management fails to keep up, problems will arise.”

The 2016 Ice and Snow Blue Book — China Ski Industry Development Report — points out that currently,there is a shortage of professional technical and managerial personnel in skiing, far from meeting the rapidly growing market demand.Shan Zhaojian, former Secretary-General of the Chinese Ski Association, mentioned that some ski resorts currently have issues in management, such as inadequate protective and rescue measures, and insufficient safety promotion by ski instructors.

The management and training of talentis also one of the key topics at this year’s Asia-PacificSnow Industry Forum (APSC), which has warmly invited participants fromCardrona Alpine Resort in New Zealand(Cardrona Alpine Resort)Mr. Bridget Legnavsky, the person in chargewill draw on his years of experience in ski resort management to share typical cases, aiming to bring more international cutting-edge information and inspiration to professionals in China’s snow sports industry.

Safeguarding skiers' safety with standardized regulations

The "China Skiing Safety Standards" apply to all types of ski resorts and cover all skiing and snow entertainment activities offered at these venues. The standards provide comprehensive and specific regulations regarding the safety of managers, skiers, instructors, professionals, and various activities such as lifts, equipment, and competitions at ski resorts. Among them, clear safety regulations are set for professional skiing personnel:

―1. Safety First

Instructors should understand the situation before starting work, fully grasp the number of participants, their skill levels, experience, physical and mental conditions, etc., and prioritize safety education.

―2. Ensure Safety

(1) Instructors should strive to ensure the safety of skiers while working at the ski resort.

(2) When instructing skiers during practice, instructors should help them correctly choose slopes and skiing methods based on their skill levels.

(3) Instructors should try to persuade skiers to use safe clothing and equipment, and conduct regular inspections.

―3. Avoid Danger

Instructors should always pay attention to weather changes, nearby obstacles, and the movements of other skiers, giving specific instructions to skiers and striving to prevent accidents.

―4. Rescue

In the event of an accident involving a skier, the instructor should personally provide assistance and, if necessary, quickly seek help from others.

―5. Guidance and Precautions for Skiers

(1) Instructors have the responsibility to ensure that skiers read and understand the following in advance:

① Pay attention to the instructor’s explanations and follow instructions;

② Correct methods for using equipment;

③ Protective safe falling techniques in case of danger;

④ Self-protective falling techniques when unavoidable collisions are about to occur;

⑤ The main points of the "Skier Safety Rules";

⑥ The main points of the "Aerial Tramway Passenger Safety Rules".

⑦ Guide skiers to be familiar with various signs at the ski resort:

― Prohibition signs indicating dangerous behaviors;

― Caution signs indicating potential dangers;

― Reminder signs indicating what should be done;

― Difficulty level signs indicating the difficulty of ski runs;

― No-entry signs marked by ropes, nets, railings, bamboo poles, etc.;

― Directional guidance signs indicating flags, main signs, and marker numbers.

(2) Both instructors and skiers must adhere to the "Skier Safety Rules" when engaging in activities on the snow.

(3) Skiers must carefully listen to the instructor’s directions and follow them accordingly.

(4) The instructor is not responsible for any injury accidents resulting from failure to follow their instructions.

―6. Prior Consultation

When guiding a large group or undertaking special guiding tasks, the instructor must consult with ski resort management in advance to agree on an action plan, which both parties will then follow.

Stay tuned for more first-hand updates from the ice and snow industry.

January 24–27, 2018, Beijing National Convention Center

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