Are all ski collisions black and white?

If you know the ski responsibility code, it clearly states that “People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.” Seem pretty clear, right? No necessarily.

A week or so ago, I witnessed a ski collision involving two adult males, both traveling at a high rate of speed and evolving on almost concentric paths.

The slope was wide open but its transverse configuration was slightly convex, so they couldn't necessarily see each other until the very last minute when they couldn't avoid the collision. They both fell, but since they were traveling at roughly the same speed in the exact same direction, they weren't hurt and, after exchanging a few strong words, went on their own way.

The take-away from that story is quite useful for all of us who like to ski fast. First, always stick to one side of the run, then keep scanning the periphery at all time and finally, slow down when there are many folks on the run!