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Whistler-Blackcomb video to be shown in schools

Video teaches children to respect mountains, other riders "You must have sufficient physical dexterity, ability and knowledge to safely load, ride and unload lifts. If in doubt, ask the lift attendant.

Video teaches children to respect mountains, other riders

"You must have sufficient physical dexterity, ability and knowledge to safely load, ride and unload lifts. If in doubt, ask the lift attendant."

Huh?

The above statement is number 10 on the Alpine Responsibility Code, but if you’re a typical young person with the attention span of a puppy, who isn’t even responsible enough yet to take the garbage out, you probably didn’t get past number two.

And since reading and actually understanding the responsibility code are two different things, the Whistler-Blackcomb Ski Patrol and Whistler Freeride Team are releasing a new video that sums up the entire Alpine Responsibility Code in one word: RESPECT.

"This RESPECT video combines celebrities and music videos to convey a message of respect, safety and fun," says Cathy Jewett, Mountain Safety Supervisor. "Similar tools produced in previous years did not appeal to our targeted audience. We have videos with mascots that were great for children but not teenagers. The new RESPECT video speaks directly to teens."

The video will be used in schools throughout Canada and the U.S., and will be incorporated into winter resort education programs. Whistler Freeride Team captain Rob Boyd will accompany Jewett on a tour of Vancouver-area schools.

The course will teach teens to first of all respect the mountains, and appreciate the dangers that exist inbounds and in the backcountry.

Secondly it will teach teens to respect themselves and recognize their own abilities and limitations before attempting anything out of the ordinary or giving into peer pressure.

It will also teach young skiers and boarders to respect others by staying in control, obeying signs, yielding at intersections, looking ahead, and respecting the limitations of friends.

"This video is being used extensively in Western Canada and throughout areas served by Intrawest Resorts in the U.S., and we are proud that Whistler-Blackcomb was the driving force behind the production," says Doug Forseth, senior vice-president of operations for Whistler-Blackcomb.

"Intrawest provided leadership and funding for the production with our partners like Canada West Ski Areas Association and Universal Studios."

The CWSSA is currently distributing the video to all of its member resort areas.