As the ski season approaches my “Mommy worry” kicks in hopeful that no family will have to experience what we did almost five years ago when our then eight-year-old fell 32 feet off of a chairlift. Because of the accident we are now strong advocates for ski safety and saving lives through blood donation- issues that are dear and near to our hearts.

At this time every year I have posted about ski lift accidents that occurred in prior seasons. This is depressing to me. So instead I will focus on the positive for the upcoming season- increased education of slope safety.

The NSAA‘s “Kids on Lifts” policy is a wonderful start to share with friends and family. I would add no loose clothing, hold on, and use the safety bar (if available). It would be a wonderful thing if the safety bar were always an option to use or not to use per preference of the ski patron- preferably bars designed with both little and big bodies in mind like Mammoth Mountain‘s retrofitted bars.

Have a wonderful ski season! Our family can’t wait. Let it SNOW!

NSAA’s Kids on Lifts Poster