Safety Emphasized for First-Time Skiers and Snowboarders During National Ski and Snowboard Week.

TORONTO, Jan. 15 /CNW/ - Discovering and learning something new can be a little nerve-wrecking, but exciting at the same time. During National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Week, January 16-24, 2010, many Ontario ski areas are ready to help make your new snow sport experience the best it can be. So what's the best way to start? Learn how to be safe.

Here are 5 main safety tips to ensure a fun and safe winter sport experience:

1. Dress appropriately: Dress in layers and avoid wearing cotton. Remember to bring water-resistant gloves or mittens, goggles and sunscreen.
2. Get the right gear: Use the rental shop at your local ski hill to get properly fit boots, bindings, poles and skis/snowboards. Helmets are also often rentable and recommended - just be sure to educate yourself on the benefits and limitations. Check on any mandatory helmet requirements being enforced at the ski hill your visiting.
3. Take a lesson: Gain some good basics. Most ski hills offer lessons with trained and certified ski and snowboard instructors that will help you get comfortable on the slopes.
4. Follow the rules: Follow the Alpine Responsibility Code and colour- coded symbol trail signs. Your primary safety consideration and obligation is to ski and ride in a controlled and responsible manner.
5. Ride safe on ski lifts: Listen to the lift attendants and be aware of all signs during your ski lift ride. If you're unsure, look for instructional posters and ask the attendant for help. For chair lifts, always use the safety bar. And remember - only lift the bar when you've reached the "Raise Bar Here" sign.

So what's the last thing to remember? Know your limits. Skiing and snowboarding can be tiring, so take lots of breaks and pack it in for the day if you feel exhausted.

During National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Week and throughout the season, look for Technical Standards and Safety Authority's (TSSA's) RideSmart Crew at a major snow resort near you. You could win a snow resort gift certificate and walk away with more ski lift safety tips.

For these and other important public safety tips, visit www.safetyinfo.ca.

For additional information about National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Week, visit www.skicanada.org.

TSSA is an innovative, self-funded, non-government organization focused on delivering public safety services. It provides not-for-profit regulatory safety services in industry sectors such as ski lifts, amusement devices, elevating devices, fuels, boilers and pressure vessels, operating engineers, and upholstered and stuffed articles. The organization's vision is to be the world leader in public safety services.

For further information: Bernadette Celis, Public Education Advisor, Public Relations and Communications, TSSA, Telephone: 1-877-682-8772, Email: media@tssa.org; For more information on the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, please visit www.tssa.org.