Panorama’s new helmet guidelines
November 28, 2009 by CVNews
Filed under News, Panorama, Skiing and boarding
Jonah Neville models a sleek green helmet. Panorama Resort will be strongly encouraging all ski and boarding visitors to wear helmets, following a recent ski-accident death in Quebec. (Photo by Julie Neville)
Vancouver-based Intrawest, owners of both Panorama and Whistler Blackcomb resorts, will be increasing awareness of the importance of helmet use for skiers and snowboarders at both resorts, beginning this 2009-2010 ski season.
At Panorama Mountain Resort this 2009-2010 season, helmet use will be strongly recommended for everyone and will be mandatory for children from age 3 to 12 years and youth from 13 to 18 who participate in Ski and Snowboard School Programs. All participants in freestyle terrain park programs, regardless of age, will be encouraged, although not required, to wear helmets this season.
Intrawest is committed to the safety of skiers and snowboarders and is fully supported in this new endeavor by the National Ski Areas Association (NSSA) and Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA). Mark Dickson, marketing manager at Panorama Mountain Resort told CVNews that they are doing their level best at the resort to lead the industry by example. Mr. Dickson says that, although they cannot enforce helmet use this year except for participants in the school programs, a strong emphasis will be placed on the obligation of all those who ski and snowboard to do so in a responsible manner.
Beginning with the opening of the new season, a helmet will be included in all ski and snowboard rental packages at the resort. Advertising and employee education sessions will emphasize the new guidelines and all trail maps as well as the resort’s website will support this emphasis.
The new guidelines will be phased in over this year and next, and by the 2010-2011 season, it will be mandatory for all Panorama employees as well as guides and staff of the ski and snowboard schools to wear helmets while skiing or snowboarding.
Story by Lynn Knell reprinted from Columbia Valley News
Copyright © 2009 ColumbiaValleyNews.com
