Sometimes there's the assumption that safety and fun don't coexist. We never want to be the fun police, and sometimes it can feel like we're putting a damper on things when we tell people how dangerous it is when they paddle without a PFD.

A few weekends ago it was Slope Safety Awareness Weekend at Whitetail Resort. Fin (AKA @dcsuppup) made his debut as the Whitetail Ski Patrol Canine Ambassador.

We chatted with tons of people. We connected the public to the patrol. We ran into friends on the mountain. We had fun. And it got us thinking about how the same rules on the water apply as they do on the snow. And that the two - fun and safety - aren't mutually exclusive.

In fact, being safe actually fosters fun. We worry a lot less about an out of control skier or rider running into us when we have head gear on that we know will help protect us. We aren't nearly as concerned when a SUP student falls off their board if they're wearing a PFD. We also find that people learn faster and pay attention better in safe environments.

So, here's our roundup of the top 5 things we recommend you do to keep yourself safe on the mountain - and how it translates to your time on the water too.

Wear a Helmet
Helmets are a smart choice. They protect us from everything from concussions to skull fractures. A helmet with MIPS technology built in is an even better choice. MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System and it's designed to reduce rotational forces that can result from certain types of impacts - think quick, sudden, abrupt stops, which can cause the brain to move or stretch. This rotational motion is believed to cause subdural hematomas and traumatic brain injuries.
Even if you ski or ride in control, don't you want to know that you're doing everything you can to protect yourself from others who can't say the same about their skills?
We view wearing a helmet the same way as a PFD - non-negotiable. No, a PFD won't protect you from every injury, but it has the potential to save your life - just like a helmet. If you fall and hit your head, a PFD will float you when you’re not able to do so yourself. If you get separated from your board, a PFD will float you so that you can rest and regain strength when you’re unable to swim. In many cases, we advocate for paddlers to wear inherently boyant PFDs, though there’s a time and place for every kind.
Use the Safety Bar on the Chair Lift
There's a safety bar on the chair lift for a reason. Why do so many people think they're too cool to use it? It's like driving a car without wearing your seat belt, or SUPing without a leash.
No, leashes aren't going to protect you from all injuries, but they will keep you attached to your board, which is the safest place for you to be (it’s your biggest PFD after all). Even if you're an experienced paddler, it’s usually a smart idea to take the precaution and wear it. Yes, there are times when leashes aren’t necessary (and can even be a hindrance or pose a danger to you), but the same cannot be said about the chair lift bar. Use it - 100% of the time.
1-800-Ski Patrol
Okay, don't actually call that number. But do look up the ski patrol phone number at your local mountain - or any mountain you visit - so that it's on-hand in case of emergency. For the record, the Whitetail Ski Patrol number is 717-328-6644.
Having these numbers at the ready is especially important when you're on a big mountain where the trails may be less populated and mountain personnel are more dispersed over a big area. We do this for every mountain we visit, just like we do for local authorities before we hit the water with a class, like the Park Police when we’re teaching in Widewater in the C&O Canal. Even if your plan is to call 911 in an emergency (duh, a solid plan), isn’t it good to know which jurisdiction covers your location? Seems pretty straightforward, but it’s not always so simple. For example, when you’re paddling in Mather Gorge, 911 will automatically connect you to Fairfax County, Virginia even though Maryland has jurisdiction over the river. Is that something you should worry about when you’re faced with an emergency? Definitely not. That’s up to the emergency dispatcher to figure out. But having a baseline understanding of local authorities and jurisdiction is always helpful and can prove useful if you’re the one in the position to help someone out.
Prepare for the Weather
Layer up. Be ready for cold temps (hello Midwest Polar Vortex) and mid-day warm ups (pretty standard in the Mid-Atlantic ski region) all in one day on the slopes. And don't forget to include wind protection as part of your layering process.
The same game plan applies for SUPers. The biggest difference is being prepared for an immersion, even though our activity takes place out of the water and on top of a board. This means that you need to consider how you’ll feel getting back on your board with wet clothing and skin.
For SUPing, the main weather factors to help you determine your personal dress code are water temperatures, air temperatures, wind conditions, solar heat, and cloud cover. For example, getting wet from 60 degree water temperatures will feel different if you’re paddling on a sunny, 80 degree day or a cloudy 50 degree one. Layer up in moisture wicking and quick-dry articles of clothing. And, if all else fails, pack a dry bag with additional options or even duplicates. You can always swap out wet clothing with dry if you’ve got it on-hand.
Know the Code
This one's a bit of a cheat because it encompasses seven specific rules to follow. Take a moment to learn what responsibility you have on the mountain before you hit any trails.
On the water, you have the responsibility to do the research before you go out - what are the tides doing, do you have all of your equipment, what’s the weather expected to be that day, have you left a float plan on your vehicle and with a friend? Make your own checklist and run through it each time you go out. And, while it’s not a part of any official code, we always recommend the buddy system. Paddle with a friend, hit the slopes with a friend.

If you’re a paddler, a skier, or a snowboarder let’s face it - we’re all semi-professional weekend warriors. We take our playtime very seriously. But the best way to ensure you can keep going out each weekend is to be prepared, have a plan, and be safe. See you on the (frozen or liquid) water!