Newsgroups: rec.skiing

            The rec.skiing Frequently Asked Questions List
                              -or-
   Everything you always wanted to know about skiing and were *just* about
   to ask by posting.

   The rec.skiing FAQ is a work in progress and is maintained by glen
   baker (glenb@sr.hp.com) Additions and corrections to the FAQ are 
   welcome. If you have an addition or correction to make please take the
   time to write it out in the format of the FAQ so that I don't have
   to try to figure out how to say what you're trying to say!

   Index:
       1) Warnings  
       2) Equipment
       3) Clothing
       4) Technique
       5) Transportation
       6) Lodging
       7) Miscellaneous
       8) Lest we become too serious

 --------------------- Section 01: Warnings   ---------------------

 1.01) "So where's the obligitory disclaimers?"

    Thanks for asking.This list is a compilation of many frequently asked 
    questions and their frequently posted responses. As such it is merely 
    a compression of information from many sources. Neither the persons 
    maintaining and posting this list nor their employers make any claims 
    about the safety or even the accuracy of the information in the list.

    You're on your own. Make informed decisions. Only take the risks
    that you feel comfortable taking. Don't ski alone. Stay warm.
    Don't get caught in an avalanche. Use appropriate equipment. Don't
    ski out of bounds.
   
    Have some respect. Respect the other people on the slopes. Respect
    the mountains...they can bite. Respect the weather, it can change.
    Respect your limitations, exceed them and you'll hurt yourself.
    Respect the setting...littering is for morons.

 1.02) "How dangerous is skiing?"

    It's about as safe or as dangerous as you want it to be. While there
    is always some inherent danger in the sport most problems are due
    to "pilot error". Pay attention to posted signs...they're there for
    a reason. Ski in control. Don't ski in closed areas. 

    The injury rate for skiing has been fairly level at about 3 injuries
    per thousand skier-days. These injuries include everything from 
    minor bruses and lacerations to broken necks. The most common injuries
    are thumb and knee injuries.

    You *can* kill yourself skiing. You can also kill somebody else. Stay
    in control. That being said it should also be mentioned that you're
    probably more likely to slip and fall in the parking lot...

 1.03) "What's this skier's responsibility code thing?"

    Well, rather than saying much *about* it, we'll just include it here.
    [Note that the skier's responsibility code may be a United States
    phenomena...does anybody know if there's international acceptance 
    of this code? ..ed]
 
			The Skier's Responsibility Code
			-------------------------------

	1.  Ski under control and in such a manner that you can stop or
	    avoid other skiers or objects.  
	    Excessive speed is dangerous.

	2.  When skiing downhill or overtaking another skier, 
	    you must avoid the skier below you.

	3.  You must not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not 
	    visible from above.

	4.  When entering a trail or starting downhill, 
	    yield to other skiers.

	5.  All skiers shall use devices to prevent runaway skis.

	6.  You shall keep off closed trails and posted areas and
	    observe all posted signs.


    The Skier's Responsibility Code is endorsed by The American Ski 
    Federation, National Ski Patrol, United States Ski Industries 
    Association, Professional Ski Instructors of America, Cross Country 
    Ski Areas Association, United States Ski Association, Ski Coach's 
    Association, and other organizations.