Be Safe Out There

There is an old saying that goes “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” While I’ve never conducted a scientific study to confirm or deny this notion, I think there should be at least one more certainty added to this short list. No matter where you go, whatever country or state or political subdivision, all ski slopes will conduct safety meetings. I’m not referring to an actual meeting to discuss matters of safety but more the colloquialism that these two words represent. If you don’t know what I’m talking about than the rest of this entry might seem a bit crazy.

It’s not a big secret that these meetings occur. They are almost as much a part of mountain culture as the skis, snowboards, or après that are associated with snorkeling your way out of the white room. In some cases there are specific shelters designated to carry out these meetings. After all, it’s important to be comfortable when you’re trying to be safe.

Safety meetings are conducted for various reasons. Sometimes they are done for the social context. Other times a safety meeting is held to ensure everyone in the group is on the same page before embarking into the gnarr. Usually however, the meetings are performed to help the day flow smoothly. Whatever the reason though, these meetings are important and a necessary activity at any respectable mountain because safety should be everyone’s number one priority.