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ABOUT US
Sussex Snow is an ever changing sports club with a new committee elected each year. It is important for the club that we stick ato regulations set out in the Sussex Snow constitution. If you have any queries regarding the club then please fill in a question form here.
There is a a large amount of information available for those who enjoy skiing and, whilst we ensure that everyone has a great time, there are things that you should know when on the trips.
INTRODUCTION
It is the objective of the University of Sussex Ski and Snowboard Club to promote safe snow sports, to encourage the development of member's personal abilities and to facilitate skiing and snowboarding activities for its club members. The club uses patrolled ski resorts and ski dry slopes only, for club activities.
EQUIPMENT
Members have a responsibility to check their equipment prior to activity to ensure that it is all in good working order and that it fits and feels comfortable. Novice members are advised consult a more experienced member for help and advice if required.
Members should be equipped with adequate clothing and have a change of clothing if the slopes are some way from their accommodation. Clothing should be warm and windproof. Here follows a suggested list of minimum equipment and clothing.
Skis/ boards and bindings Poles with baskets and wrist straps Boots - MUST be comfortable or you will regret it! Waterproof salopettes or trousers - with more layers underneath if necessary Waterproof jacket with hood Warm clothing - Layered is the best option e.g. thermal baselayer, then layers Woolly hat/ Balaclava Gloves - should be warm and waterproof Goggles and sun glasses Thick warm socks - Ski Socks Emergency food e.g. chocolate and raisins in jacket pocket Water - dehydration is a real issue Spare layer of clothing
Important things to look for when checking equipment: Skiers: Skis; edges and soles are all intact and in good condition. Boots; good fit, comfortable and with all fastenings closing as required. Bindings; inspected for corrosion, wear and release function. Bindings have moving parts and these should be "moved" when checking. It is recommended that bindings should only be adjusted by a ski technician. Safety bindings work on the principle that the toe can twist out sideways and the heel pulls out upwards in a fall, when the leverage of the skis might cause injury. Some bindings even allow the toe to pull out upwards, and the heel to twist out sideways and upwards. Ski Poles; should match, with wrist straps for use on snow and without wrist straps for use on dry slopes. Baskets are intact and firmly fixed. Once the skis have been properly set, members should be happy and are advised to ask a more experienced member for assistance if changes are required. If they release too easily, they should be tightened down just a little. Skis should also have ski-brakes, which prevent the ski from sliding downhill when they have been released. Boarders: Boots: should fit well and feel snug without feeling uncomfortably tight, with minimum heel lift and some sort of grip on soles. Bindings: should have all screws in baseplate and straps tight with teeth interlocking in baseplate. Should also be set at an angle and stance which suits the rider and can easily be changed so ask someone if it feels uncomfortable standing on the board. Board: should have sharp edges (or detuned edges if hitting up jibs or grind rails) and have no scratches deep enough to be able to see the core layer of the board. If you want to go fast, the board should also be waxed, but this is not essential for beginners.
SKI CODE - F.I.S. (International Ski Federation Rules)
Rules of the slopes: Respect - Do not endanger others. Control - Adapt the manner and speed of your skiing to your ability and to the general conditions of the mountain. Choice of Route - The skier in front has priority - leave enough space. Overtaking - Leave plenty of space when overtaking a slower skier. Entering and Starting - Look up and down the mountain each time before starting or entering a marked run. Stopping - Only stop at the edge of the piste or where you can be easily seen. Climbing - When climbing up or down, always keep to the side of the piste. Signs - Obey all signs and markings - they are there for your safety. Assistance - In case of accidents provide help and alert the rescue service. Identification - All those involved in an accident, including witnesses, should exchange names and addresses. All the above rules are binding in law and apply to both skiers and snowboarders.
ADVICE TO MEMBERS
Users of marked pistes: You ski/board at your own risk. Pay attention to all signs and markers. Please stay on marked runs - these are protected from unexpected alpine dangers. The area outside the marked runs are not patrolled or groomed. Watch out for piste machines. Crossed skis on a slope warn of an accident ahead, members are advised to act with due care and slow down. Respect nature - don't drop litter. Lift passes are precious, you cannot use the mountain without one and you have to pay for replacement if lost.
Off-Piste skiing outside recognised ski area runs is strongly advised against. Piste maps are available at all resorts and should be carried. Novices should ask experienced members for help in reading maps. Pistes are classified according to their difficulty.
Beginner - Green, Easy - Blue, Medium - Red, Difficult - Black
Snow or Board Parks - also often have jumps or rails differentiated by difficulty by colours. Make sure the exact classification is confirmed before attempting.
Members are advised to be aware of their own capabilities and the advanced skills and techniques required to enjoy fun parks safely. Be particularly observant within the parks as it is not always obvious where jumps land or if you are stationary on the route through for users linking jumps, rails etc.
LOCAL DANGER SPOTS AND AVALANCHE DANGER
Both these risks will be clearly marked with red closed signs and/or lights and with marker ropes and flags to indicate that you must not ski on these areas. Insurance policies are invalid if danger signs are ignored.
SKIING ALONE
No one should ski alone (except perhaps at bottom of a nursery slope and in full view of public) for two reasons: if there is an accident help is close at hand and if caught in a mist or 'white out', it is surprisingly easy to get lost and so the risk of an accident increase.
DRY SLOPES
When on dry ski slope remember: As a skier - do not put hands through wrist loops. Wear gloves and long sleeves and trousers to protect yourself from chaffing on the matt when you fall. As a spectator - do not go on the slope
SKI LESSONS
Members new to the sport are strongly advised to take advantage of the subsidised dry slope ski lessons organised by the club. Lessons for improvers and intermediates can and will be arranged if there is sufficient demand. Contact the Club President.
FIRST AID
Due to the nature of the sport the club aims to have as many people as possible with basic first aid training
TRANSPORT
In the interests of safety club members are asked to wear a seat belt (if fitted) while travelling in the minibus, members are also asked not to smoke or consume drugs or alcohol while in the minibus.
PRE ACTIVITY CHECKS
Activity Leaders must check weather and resort conditions prior to any club activity.
CHANGEABLE WEATHER
Even when it appears to be a clear sky at the start of the days activity, members should always be prepared for the prospect of bad weather by having the appropriate equipment with them. This is very important as the weather can change dramatically in a very short space of time. When snow is falling heavily enough it can be very disorientating even if you know the slope, it is therefore club policy that no one skis or boards alone. Take note of daily forecasts when planning your days skiing/boarding. Wear high factor sunscreen/ sunblock and reapply regularly. Carry lip salve as the wind and sun conditions in the mountains dries and chaps lips. The reflection of sun on snow can cause snow blindness if eyes are not protected.
CHAIRLIFTS AND TOWS
One of the most difficult things to learn as a beginner is how to deal with tows and chairlifts. If beginners are unsure they should practice on the nursery slopes and ask the operator for some assistance or instruction. All skiers should obey the tow guidelines and use etiquette when joining queues. All ski pass holders must be aware of opening and closing times of lifts. Plan your return to the resort in plenty of time to catch last lifts and ensure necessary lifts are operating when planning routes for the day.