For further information contact: Terri Messer tmesser@aol.com or 207-671-0715
The wind has blown a lot the past week and a half making it necessary for most Prime Time Club members to add another layer or two under the ski jacket and wear a face mask to enjoy the snow underfoot which has been good at least during the first few hours of the day. The sides of the trails usually have the best snow when it’s windy — just figure out which way the wind’s blowing and you’ll find where most of the swirling snow has been deposited. This week is Go50 Week at Sunday River ski area, celebrating young-at-heart skiers and boarders. Prime Time Ski Club members have served as ambassadors during the week, offering mountain tours for guests each weekday morning from North Peak Lodge. The week started with the ever-popular Cinnamon Bun Social at Peak Lodge and also included a Retro Race Day and Results Party. New this year was Paint & Sip, a group-led painting session where you could discover that inner Picasso or Grandma Moses. There’s a wine dinner tonight and demo days have been available all week. There’s still time to ski with our Prime Time Ski Club members Friday morning at 10 a.m.
January is the National Ski Areas Association’s Safety Month so now is a good time to brush up on the Skier’s Responsibility Code, developed by the National Ski Areas Association to help skiers and boarders recognize that there are elements of risk in snow sports that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. The Responsibility Code summarizes the main elements of safety and courtesy and is also endorsed by the Professional Ski Instructors of America and the National Ski Patrol. Everyone on the mountain, no matter age, or ability is responsible for being familiar with and adhering to all seven points of the Responsibility Code: 1. Always stay in control, and 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. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above. (Stopping on the side of a trail is usually a good choice. When stopping, always ski downhill of others in your group.)
- Whenever starting downhill or merging onto a trail, look uphill and yield to others. 5. Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment. (Have your bindings and ski brakes or retaining devices checked each season by a qualified technician.) 6. Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas. 7. Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load and unload safely. (When leaving a lift, make sure you clear the unloading area quickly so you are out of the way of other skiers and riders.)
Know and practice the Code: it’s your responsibility. And if you are looking for someone to ski with, why not join Prime Time Ski Club members every weekday at North Peak Lodge at 10 a.m. (upper level, right-hand side). After a brief time for announcements, members (who are 50 years or older) usually break into small groups of from four to eight skiers, based primarily on skiing ability and terrain preference. Check out our website at www.primetimeskiclub.com or just show up and ski a few runs with us (safely, of course) and make some new friends.
