I got clipped by a newbie boarder last week - any tips on avoiding collisions?

[solstice_baby]

I was on a very pretty blue run when a beginner boarder wiped out and took me down with him. I know accidents happen, but since he obviously wasn't in control of his board, he had no business being on that run. He knocked my skis completely out from under me, and I landed on the back of my head (and, very stupidly, I was not wearing a helmet).

I'm still convalescing, but I hope to get back up on the mountain later this week. Any expert tips on how to avoid collisions in the future?

 

[cant_think_of_1]

accidents happen. Wear a helmet. That's about it.

the only way beginners get better is by progressing through the difficulty of trails.

I've got taken out by beginner skiers before whom are just starting out on blue trails.

 

[Steve]

I have no sympathy for a skier who is on a trail that is beyond his or her abilities. Every lift ticket says to ski in control, it is part of the skier's (or boarder's) responsibility. A part of that responsibility is that if you are overtaking someone, you keep clear of them. So this person had no business being on that trail.

OK, off my soap box. How to avoid this in the future? If you venture on blues or greens, always go slightly faster than traffic - this reduces your chances of being hit from behind by an out of control beginner. Take a look uphill once in a while, and if you see someone coming who is in over their head, be mindful of them - either let them pass, or get moving fast enough that they won't catch you.