Jan. 15-21 Is National Safety Awareness Week

The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) and resorts are teaming up on the program, intended to make skiing and riding safer by educating people about the dangers to be found on slopes and how to avoid or minimize them.

For example, Pico Mountain in Vermont is among many resorts across the country taking part in National Safety Awareness Week Jan. 15-21.

Pico is offering skiers and riders a free lift ticket with the purchase of a new helmet that week.

Pico also will be handing out stickers and cards on two NSAA-sponsored programs: Heads Up - Know the Code, and Smart Style.

The "code" in this case is the Skiers and Riders Responsibility Code, which embodies basic principles of slope behavior, including don't stop in the middle of the trail; always look uphill before setting out; avoid people below you on the trail; always ski or ride in control; and more.

Smart Style is a joint venture by NSAA, Burton Snowboards, Professional Ski Instructors of America, and American Association Snowboard Instructors intended to teach safe use of freestyle terrain.

Most U.S. resorts are offering some form of incentive during Safety Week to entice guests to think about having fun in a safe way.

Pico's free lift ticket is only one of them.

More information.: Pico; NSAA. Or call 866-667-7426.