Grizzly Needs to Lead to Get Out of Control Boarders/ Skiers

[johnny the jibber]

Sadly whenever there is ANY snowboarder in front of me even on the busiest traverse I assume the moron will go from one side of the trail to the other to go for some nothing of a hit. I am right about 85% of the time. I also think that currently there are more new to the sport snowboarders than skiers and that exasperates the problem. Then there is also the "cultural" aspect to snowboarding. Its a witches brew of clusterfarkery.

2 thumbs up!

[rogman]

The main source of the problem is the 15 to 25 male demographic. They are typically snowboarders, but only because more of that group tends to be snowboarders. That same group is also more likely to get in traffic accidents. It's a risk taking mentality. A "stern talking to" by Grizzly or any of his minions of that same (much older) age group is going to be met with massive eye rolling and a "can I go now" reaction. It won't work. Something involving their peers is far more likely to succeed.

I was hit by a skier racing down lower Superstar last season. It knocked me out of my skis, and it was a good 5 minutes before I was able to clear my head enough to stagger my way to the bottom. It took several weeks to get over the resulting concussion. Fifteen minutes after the incident Rusty asked me the name of the president. I could picture the face, but I didn't know the answer. I point all this out, because I continue to hear people say, "Well, if I got hit, that person better watch out because I'd... ". No, Idiot, you're not going to do anything, because your brain has been injured. You better hope the people around you take care of you; you won't be able to.

This problem isn't confined to Killington, it occurs everywhere. The industry needs to step up to the plate and address the root causes; aggressive out of control skiing and riding is ultimately damaging to the sport.

[snowguy59]

Sadly whenever there is ANY snowboarder in front of me even on the busiest traverse I assume the moron will go from one side of the trail to the other to go for some nothing of a hit. I am right about 85% of the time. I also think that currently there are more new to the sport snowboarders than skiers and that exasperates the problem. Then there is also the "cultural" aspect to snowboarding. Its a witches brew of clusterfarkery.

I don't snowboard but over the years I have heard from a lot of boarders they do this on purpose because they say all skiiers do is whine and they want to piss them off more. Not saying that is the situation here though.

[Finn]

Many years ago ski patrol used to punch a ski ticket for someone out of control.

Also skiers and boarders jumping of of the woods onto side trails has been happens all the time. It is sort of annoying.

Maybe a merge sign at the bottom of Chute/Mousetrap/Great Northern would be helpful.
Sometimes in mid season, I have seen Ambassadors stand next to the slow signs in this area.

Rogman sorry to hear that you were hit last year.

[MrFistHer]

Ski area red light district. Problem solved! Designate 3 trails and let the out of controllers go to town. Take each other out, get drunk, smoke j's and anything else the little jack asses want to do.

[Skivt2]

Only opening the k1 at 8:00 and putting everyone on great northern 1st thing this morning was NOT good!! This was dangerous!!!

[joeyd]

The number of skiers per ski-able acre is most likely a huge factor in the increased risk of accidents at K (insurance companies take note). Obviously, the accident risk increases during early season skiing when limited terrain is available but, can also happen later in the season. This is a topic that deserves more attention and should be more about safety than the bottom line. K management should push for an increased awareness among their guests about safety on the mountain - more than is currently done. But, how should it be implemented? That is the big question.

[RENO]

Reno, I really think the jumping and flying off sides of trails is not a "beginning of the season" issue . . . sorry, but more signage and moving ropes would help . . . the guilty jumpers know exactly where to go - they've formed a bump coming off Great Northern where it meets middle Chute - all that needs to be done is the rope moved out further - but, probably will not be done until someone really gets hurt - same thing happens off High Road where it meets the lower part of Upper Bittersweet . . . I just hope Killington is not ignoring these concerns because they do not want to become the mountain that "polices" too much to the younger skier/riders . . . I agree the Ambassadors are not the answer . . . 'caution' signs near trail merges, should read "merge" and other signs "no jumping' would help . . . as mentioned on this board several times, it is not noobs getting hurt, it's experienced skiers/riders . . . ok, rant over

I hate that spot! I always gotta pull to the side and wait until the morons jump and splatter on the ground and then I just pass them!
I've determined that the baggier the pants and the more underwear that shows, the more dangerous the rider/skier is!

[RENO]

The number of skiers per ski-able acre is most likely a huge factor in the increased risk of accidents at K (insurance companies take note). Obviously, the accident risk increases during early season skiing when limited terrain is available but, can also happen later in the season. This is a topic that deserves more attention and should be more about safety than the bottom line. K management should push for an increased awareness among their guests about safety on the mountain - more than is currently done. But, how should it be implemented? That is the big question.

Welcome to the Kzone...

[Bubba]

Turn early season skiing into a Biathlon and the problem would be quickly solved.

[BoozeTan]

Sadly whenever there is ANY snowboarder in front of me even on the busiest traverse I assume the moron will go from one side of the trail to the other to go for some nothing of a hit. I am right about 85% of the time. I also think that currently there are more new to the sport snowboarders than skiers and that exasperates the problem. Then there is also the "cultural" aspect to snowboarding. Its a witches brew of clusterfarkery.

2 thumbs up!

At least he hasnt changed his stance.....After all Ive NEVER been hit by an out of control skier EVER...not once...
There are f*** morons on both sides of the fence

looks like you need to update your sig Jibber

[Big Bob]

Turn early season skiing into a Biathlon and the problem would be quickly solved.

From what I hear, you don't need a permit to carry a concealed weapon in Vt.

[brownman]

Weaponry 10-4.

[spanky]

This problem isn't confined to Killington, it occurs everywhere. The industry needs to step up to the plate and address the root causes; aggressive out of control skiing and riding is ultimately damaging to the sport.

At least he hasnt changed his stance.....After all Ive NEVER been hit by an out of control skier EVER...not once...
There are f*** morons on both sides of the fence

I think this video backs up both of these statements...

[spanky]

I don't think immediately yanking tickets is the solution (bad customer relations if the skier was in control but maybe there was an err in judgement by the ambassador/patroller). I think something along the lines of a warning first and then a revoking of privileges if caught again. Simple sharpie marker 'X' on a day pass and (slightly more difficult) capturing of a season passholder's name. I think actually just getting the word out that there is some kind of enforcement and there is the chance of loss of lift privileges will go a long way toward reducing the reckless behavior. Right now, the reckless skiers/riders know there are no repercussions for their actions so there is no incentive to curtail the behavior.

A combination of clear communication and visible enforcement will go a long way toward reducing these issues. It may not be immediate, but I think it would work.