On-slope safety is something I’ve always cared deeply about: skiing and riding are in many ways like driving a car. We are all out there on a journey; some in a hurry, some meandering, all on the same route. We must understand basics like the rules of merging and what signage means, but also the nuances of moving in unison out there.

Chauncy Johnson of the Snow Angel Foundation has some strong basics for skiers and riders of all ages and abilities to not just learn but keep up front in your mind. He focuses on “Speed, space and self.” Here are some tips.

It’s not about ability level: Of course first-time skiers and riders need to learn the most – and this is a big reason why investing in ski lessons is key. You’ll not only learn a strong base of skills to build your mountain life on; you’ll learn the rules of the slopes.

But, Chauncy points out, industry statistics show that a majority of collisions are caused by adept skier and riders. Most are males and many know how to ski or ride well.

“It’s an entitlement thing, perhaps,” he said. “LIke ‘it’s my mountain and I can ski it as I want.’” Even champions, he said, should review safety on the slopes and be sure they’re sticking to it. Just because you can ski or ride really fast doesn’t mean you should wherever you want.

“Let’s get over ourselves,” he said. “Being safer is better for others, but for you too, so you can ride another day.”

Learn or review the basics of moving in mountain traffic: It amazes me how many high-level skiers and riders I see jumping into a trail or crowding another skier in not quite the right way.

First; the uphill person always, always has the responsibility to look out for those below them. Let’s say a learning skier suddenly takes a sharp turn you did not expect and you hit them or come close to them. In no situation is that skier below you ever at fault. Leave enough room so that you can shift your path should you need to .

That means knowing what that distance looks like. The industry minimum suggested is 15 feet between any two skier/riders. Most come closer. A good idea Johnson suggests is taking your ski group – be it family or friends – and standing 15 feet apart out in snow to get a real feel for what that looks like. Distance is a key safety tool that works well.

And what about when you stop to take that selfie or just gaze out at the beauty around you? Only do this toward the side of the trail and in a spot you can clearly see all the way up the trail above you. It’s not good to catch a downhill skier by surprise; it’s your job to avoid that for their sake.

Save the buzzy for Apres: What’s better than cold brews at lunch? And with the legalization of THC in many places, that’s out there more (who are we kidding; that’s been in the ski culture forever). Save it for apres. The rider who died and killed Johnson’s daughter had traces of THC in him. Skiing, like driving, needs your undulled attention. “It’s enough of a high to just be out there in all that beauty,” he said.

Resorts have responsibility too: Long ago, Waterville Valley has this great program where staff had coupon books. See someone out of control, rather than just a warning, they were given a coupon for rentals or a lesson or just a hot chocolate to go think things over with. Resorts should be bold about safety, Johnson said, and I agree. Icy conditions? As hard is it is to upset the regulars, close the trail. Out of control guests who refuse to adapt? Pull the ticket. My take is this: If any of that upsets folks, they’re not one of the millions and millions of us who love the snow in a safe, smart way.