Wipe-out etiquette

I've been skiing on & off for 28 years, previously I have never clashed with any strangers...but there's a first time for everything...

So I'm skiing a wide red, centre of piste short-radius 'hop' turns over fluffy snow piles. (Little more than walking pace). I'm completely aware of my mate 40 yards down the hill; and some skiers far left and far right.

I take a left-turn and out the corner of my eye just catch a glimpse of another skier above me to my left...really close. I call out and turn back right, quick as poss, but it's too late we clash as he hits me at a 45 degree angle from above - shoulder to shoulder, which deflects him over the front of my skis.

He looses one ski which stops dead in its track and I 'plop-down' on my backside next to it. My skis stay on and poles in hand. As I refocus, I see him face-planted in the snow, facing up-hill, spread eagled with his remaining ski...at least 50-75 yards down the slope.

I move the 'lost' ski aside, and get up, unhurt. Somebody else stops and picks up the ski, and we both ski down to Mr Spreadeagle (who's still splayed out) and I ask in my best French "sava?"

Mr Spreadeagle just nods; doesn't ask if I'm alright or say anything at all. Mr Spreadeagle's mate, who has now joined the 'party' says (I now find out they were English), "you need to learn to ski in control", I thought for a moment he was talking to the guy who's face is in the snow...but no. He looks at me as says "he's a learner, you need to watch out for learners!". Again, no asking if I'm alright just repeats "he's a learner".

Well, frankly, I was well 'p'd off. I start to explain that as far as I could see he came from above and took me out, but no that's not relevant apparently 'cause "he's a learner".

The guy who collected the ski, looks at matey and says he thinks best treat it as 50/50. I'm a peaceful man, we collided, it happened fast, we all make mistakes, so accept and shake hands. But Oh no, "he's a learner, he [me] needs to watch out".

How in fluffy snow's sake was anyone supposed to know he was a learner? That was the end of conversation for me. As I turn to go, I then see Mr Spreadeagle's ski sticks snapped & bent…I didn't smile. )

In my book:
Rule one: first you ask if the other is OK. [FAILED]
Rule two: the up hill skier needs to give way. [FAILED]
Rule three: if you're skiing with a "learner" don't take them down a slope on which they can't stay in control, stop or turn in time. [FAILED]
Rule four: if "Skier 1" sits down at the point of collision and "Skier 2" looses a ski, slides 75 yds down the hill, snaps one stick, bends the other…accept that "Skier 2" was out of control and don't blame "Skier 1". [FAILED]

I hope he learns quicker next year :roll:

AND Rule five: make sure you come to J2Ski for some anger management theropy when you get home. :D


Arrrr, that's better. And relax. :) :-) :D

:shock: :shock:

I think you were both wrong. Personally you should blame Iceman, he seems to be responsible for everything else :twisted:

Smartski, totally agree with all of your 5 rules there. I had a similar thing happen to me this year, but it was a border hitting me from behind - I was skiing down the side of a blue run and he could not turn and rammed me up the back

We didnt lose ski or anything like that but the outcome was differnt:

Rule one: first you ask if the other is OK. [PASS]

Rule two: the up hill skier needs to give way, he apologised. [DOUBLE PASS]

Rule three: if you're skiing with a "learner" don't take them down a slope on which they can't stay in control, stop or turn in time. [PASS]

Rule four: if "Skier 1" sits down at the point of collision and "Skier 2" looses a ski, slides 75 yds down the hill, snaps one stick, bends the other…accept that "Skier 2" was out of control and don't blame "Skier 1". [not applicable, but he would probably pass]

The guy who did it to me was very apologetic (and covered in snow!)

Blame the IT Department, not Iceman ;)

Yep, none blameworthy and good to see you did'nt loose your cool 8) The only observation that does not apply to you with the short turns. If your cutting wide carves it is a good idea to look over your shoulder at the start just to make sure no maniac is steaming down the hill.

His fault Smartski - plain and simple.

In all conditions, no matter what the lower skier does - uphill skiers gives way.

However daft, unpredictable, plain crazy is the "route" of the lower skier - uphill gives way and avoids.

end of ........

OldAndy wrote:His fault Smartski - plain and simple.

In all conditions, no matter what the lower skier does - uphill skiers gives way.

However daft, unpredictable, plain crazy is the "route" of the lower skier - uphill gives way and avoids.

end of ........

Agreed!!!

I am now at the stage where if someone collides with me from behind, unless I'm totally sure that both my gear and myself are unscathed, I want contact info. It's often not until later that you find your skis have been damaged, or worse that you have an injury that was not apparent in the adrenalin rush of the collision. It's hard to have your wits about in that situation, so you need to mentally rehearse your reaction beforehand.

Anyway, glad you are OK, and what a great addition to the J2ski lexicon "what in fluffy snow's sake".

Anyway, glad you are OK, and what a great addition to the J2ski lexicon "what in fluffy snow's sake".