Best Practices for Installing and Maintaining Airbags and Landing Pads in Ski Resorts

In recent years, ski resorts have increasingly incorporated airbags and landing pads to enhance both the safety and experience of their guests. These installations serve a crucial role in reducing injury risks, particularly in freestyle areas, snow parks, and other zones where high-flying tricks and jumps are commonplace. While airbags and landing pads significantly contribute to skier safety, their effectiveness depends on proper installation, ongoing maintenance, and regular inspections. This blog outlines the best practices for installing and maintaining airbags and landing pads in ski resorts, ensuring they provide the highest level of protection and safety.

Importance of Airbags and Landing Pads

Skiing and snowboarding, particularly in freestyle disciplines, involve a high degree of risk. Jumps, flips, and spins can result in hard landings, leading to serious injuries. Airbags and landing pads provide a softer landing surface, helping to absorb impact and reduce the chances of injury. They are particularly beneficial in terrain parks, learning zones, and training areas, offering skiers and snowboarders a safer environment to practice their skills.

Installing and maintaining airbags and landing pads correctly is essential not only to meet safety standards but also to build confidence among visitors, especially beginners and those trying new tricks. Properly managed, these safety measures can significantly enhance the overall experience at ski resorts, making them more appealing to a wide range of guests.

Best Practices for Installing Airbags

1. Site Assessment and Planning

Before installing airbags, it’s critical to conduct a thorough site assessment. The area where the airbag will be installed needs to be evaluated for the terrain’s slope, exposure to wind, and proximity to other features. Choosing the right location ensures that the airbag can be properly secured and will not shift during use.

• Level Ground: The area where the airbag will be placed must be flat and stable. This helps to prevent the airbag from sliding or moving when impacted.
• Adequate Space: Ensure there is sufficient space for both the airbag and the run-up to it. This includes accounting for the size of the airbag when fully inflated, as well as a safe distance for skiers to approach and land.

2. Proper Inflation

One of the most important factors in airbag safety is inflation. Proper inflation ensures that the airbag can absorb impacts effectively and provide a safe landing. Underinflated airbags may not absorb enough force, while overinflated ones may be too rigid, increasing the risk of injury.

• Check Manufacturer Guidelines: Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding the ideal inflation pressure. Regularly monitor and adjust air pressure as needed, particularly in varying weather conditions that can affect inflation levels.
• Ensure Even Distribution: The air should be distributed evenly throughout the airbag to prevent weak spots or overly firm areas. Uneven inflation can lead to inconsistent landings and increase the risk of injury.

3. Securing the Airbag

To prevent the airbag from shifting during use, it needs to be properly anchored. Use a combination of ground anchors and weighted supports to keep the airbag securely in place.

• Anchors and Straps: Use heavy-duty straps and anchoring points to secure the airbag. Ensure that these are regularly checked to prevent loosening over time.
• Protection from Wind: In exposed areas, wind can shift or deflate airbags. Consider wind barriers or additional securing measures to prevent the airbag from being blown out of place.

4. Regular Inspection and Maintenance

Regular inspection of the airbag is critical for maintaining its safety over time. This includes daily checks before opening the ski resort to guests and additional inspections during busy periods or after heavy usage.

• Surface Checks: Inspect the airbag surface for any tears, holes, or wear. Damaged airbags can deflate during use, rendering them unsafe. Immediate repairs should be made to any areas showing signs of wear.
• Anchoring and Inflation: Check the inflation levels and the security of all anchors daily. Any signs of shifting or deflation should be addressed immediately.

Best Practices for Installing Landing Pads

1. Choosing the Right Materials

Landing pads are often made of foam, air-filled cushions, or specialized materials designed to absorb impact. Selecting the right material for your resort’s specific needs is crucial for both safety and durability.

• High-Quality Foam or Air-Filled Pads: Choose landing pads made from high-density foam or durable air-filled cushions that can absorb repeated impacts without losing their shape or effectiveness.
• Weather Resistance: Ensure that the materials used for landing pads are weather-resistant and can withstand the extreme cold, snow, and moisture typical of ski resorts.

2. Placement and Size

The size and placement of landing pads are critical to ensuring that skiers and snowboarders land safely. Landing pads must be large enough to cover the entire landing zone and must be placed in a way that accounts for the trajectory of jumps or falls.

• Proper Positioning: Landing pads should be positioned at the end of jumps, ramps, or areas where skiers are most likely to fall. The landing zone must account for the speed and angle of descent.
• Adequate Coverage: Ensure the pad is large enough to provide full coverage. Skiers or snowboarders should not be at risk of landing outside the pad’s boundaries.

3. Securing the Pad

Like airbags, landing pads must be securely fastened to prevent movement. This is particularly important in areas where skiers will be landing with significant force, which can cause unsecured pads to shift or slide.

• Anchor Points: Use strong anchors to secure the landing pad to the ground. Regularly inspect these anchors to ensure they remain tight and effective, especially after heavy use.
• Weighting: Some landing pads can be weighted down to prevent movement. This is particularly useful in areas with high winds or steep slopes.

Maintaining Airbags and Landing Pads

1. Daily Inspections

Daily inspections are a must for both airbags and landing pads. Before the resort opens, trained staff should inspect each unit to ensure it is functioning correctly and safely.

• Airbag Pressure: Check the air pressure in airbags every day, especially after temperature changes or heavy usage. Adjust the pressure according to manufacturer recommendations.
• Surface Integrity: Inspect the surface of both airbags and landing pads for any signs of wear, tears, or damage. Address any issues immediately to prevent accidents.

2. Regular Cleaning

Snow, ice, and moisture can accumulate on airbags and landing pads, potentially affecting their performance. Regular cleaning helps to remove these elements and ensure that the surface remains safe and functional.

• Remove Ice and Snow: After heavy snowfall or during prolonged periods of use, clear snow and ice from the landing surface. Accumulation can make landing unpredictable and dangerous.
• Drying: If moisture accumulates inside airbags or landing pads, allow them to dry out before further use. Damp surfaces can become slippery, increasing the risk of accidents.

3. Seasonal Maintenance

At the end of each season, both airbags and landing pads should undergo thorough maintenance to ensure they are ready for the next year. This includes deeper inspections, repairs, and storage.

• Repair Tears and Weak Spots: Use the off-season to repair any damage to the airbags or landing pads. Addressing small issues before they worsen ensures longer-lasting equipment.
• Storage: Properly deflate and store airbags in a dry, temperature-controlled environment to prevent wear and tear during the off-season. Similarly, landing pads should be cleaned and stored in a dry area.

Training and Safety Protocols

Proper installation and maintenance of airbags and landing pads are crucial, but staff training is equally important. Ski resort staff should be trained in the correct procedures for inspecting, maintaining, and responding to issues with these safety features.

• Staff Training: Ensure that all staff responsible for airbag and landing pad maintenance receive comprehensive training on installation, daily inspections, and emergency response protocols.
• Emergency Response: In the event of an issue with an airbag or landing pad, staff should be equipped to respond quickly to prevent accidents. This includes having backup equipment available in case of a malfunction.

Airbags and landing pads are invaluable tools for improving safety at ski resorts, particularly in freestyle areas where skiers and snowboarders take more risks. Proper installation and regular maintenance are essential for maximizing their effectiveness and ensuring the safety of resort guests. By following best practices for site assessment, inflation, securing, and daily inspections, ski resorts can provide a safer environment, encouraging guests to push their limits with confidence.