Insurance Brokers and the Canadian Ski Patrol Encourage Safety on the Slopes

Brokers celebrate their third year in partnership with Canadian Ski Patrol System by donating safety blankets

Ottawa, ON (March 23, 2010) – Even with the warm weather approaching, the Canadian Ski Patrol System (CSPS) and the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada (IBAC) were on Parliament Hill today with a message urging Canadians to have fun and be safe when skiing and riding.

“Canadians have had a fantastic skiing and riding season this year, however they need to realize how important it is to stay safe, while having fun on the slopes,” said CSPS National Chairman Brian Low. “Most slope tragedies can be avoided by simply making smarter choices. Poor choices not only put their own life at risk, but also those of their future rescuers.”

The Canadian Ski Patrol System is a national, not-for-profit organization that has been providing safety programs, first aid and rescue services to over 200 ski resorts across Canada for over 65 years. They currently have about 5,000 highly trained volunteer members whose responsibility is to encourage the public to ski and ride safely.

To assist the CSPS with their goal of keeping Canadians on ski hills safe, IBAC has donated magenta blankets to them for use in the delivery of their services.

“We are so proud of our partnership with the Canadian Ski Patrol System,” said IBAC President Justin MacGregor. “The insurance broker blanket represents comfort, warmth, and security; much like the services provided by those who patrol our slopes.”

In wanting to keep Canadians safe while enjoying the slopes, the CSPS strongly advises skiers and snowboarders to stick only to trails that have been designated as open and safe and to adhere to the Alpine Responsibility Code, which states:

  • Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
  • People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
  • You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.
  • Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
  • If you are involved in or witness a collision or accident, you must remain at the scene and identify yourself to the Ski Patrol.
  • Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
  • Observe all posted signs and warnings.
  • Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
  • You must not use lifts or terrain if your ability is impaired through use of alcohol or drugs.
  • You must have sufficient physical dexterity, ability and knowledge to safely load, ride and unload lifts. If in doubt, ask the lift attendant.

“Unfortunately, every year, some people will attempt to ski down a closed run or outside of the parameters of the marked trails at their local resorts�some even at the expense of their life,” commented Low who says that he and his volunteers see many accidents resulting from skiers and snowboarders who take unsafe risks and do not adhere to the Alpine Responsibility Code.

“That’s why we work year-round to educate the public on how to have fun safely on our slopes and trails and how to make good decisions that will avoid dangers and possible injury.”

The Insurance Brokers Association of Canada (IBAC) is the national voice of insurance brokers and an advocate for insurance consumers. IBAC represents their interests to the government of Canada. For more information about IBAC, please visit www.ibac.ca.

For more information about the Canadian Ski Patrol System, please visit www.csps.ca.