Practice Proper “Shrediquette” on the Slopes

Are common courtesy and common sense not so common on the ski slopes these days? According to this article in the Denver Post, some snowboarders and skiers aren’t following proper “shrediquette” at resorts.

From excessive swearing to littering and dangerous behavior, things are far from perfect in the high country.

Snowboarders plopped across the middle of runs chatting on cellphones. Gondola cars reeking of smoke. Red Bull cans littering the snow under lifts. Shredders turning black runs blue with their “F-bombs.”

So what’s a resort to do? Some mountains are getting tough with warnings and fines, while others are implementing reward-based systems. Winter Park, for example, is offering admittance to a new and exclusive terrain park only to those who follow the rules. Still other mountains are considering mandatory ski/snowboard safety classes before granting lift tickets.

All of those things are good ideas. As the slopes get more crowded, people need to be more aware… and remember that they’re not the only ones trying to enjoy themselves.

We need to show a little more respect out there — for each other and our surroundings. Let’s make sense and courtesy common again.