Listen up PEEPs, freestyle safety comes first

By Matt Boxler

I just completed my first online course. The teacher was very supportive, even though she talked a little funny. There was even a nun who dropped in a few times to monitor my progress. She couldn’t crack me with her virtual ruler, though she did crack me up a bit in that old habit of hers.

Freestylers are never too advanced to brush up on park signage, safety and etiquette (Loon Mountain photo).I’m happy to say I took really great notes and aced all three quizzes. The best part is that it took only a few minutes from start to finish. Now, I’m a recognized graduate of “PEEPs,” Loon Mountain’s new Park Etiquette and Education Program.

Just launched on Loon’s website, the PEEPs program is available for anyone. There are no prerequisites other than a desire to learn about freestyle terrain signage, safety and etiquette. The resort rewards everyone who completes the program with a voucher, making them eligible to win prizes from monthly drawings.

Best of all, the program is helping to make freestyle terrain a safer place for us all to enjoy.

"We wanted to creat a fun way to get skiers and riders involved in our park atmosphere even before they get to Loon," said Jay Scambio, terrain park development manager for Boyne Resorts. "Our goal for the PEEPs program is for skiers and riders to have the best experience they can in our parks by learning what the signage means so they can select the right park for their ability; the right way to plan, approach and ride our features; and how to be a good citizen while enjoying the parks and the resort."

The PEEPs curriculum blends the traditional philosophy of Your Responsibility Code with a focus on two primary methodologies - Smart Style and the ATML model.

Smart Style is the terrain park safety initiative that features those familiar orange oval signs that designate small, medium and large features. It stresses four main points: Make a Plan, Look Before You Leap, Easy Style It and Respect Gets Respect.

“Have you seen these signs, kids?” the PEEPs teacher asks. “Make sure you read them when you get to the park.”

The ATML model emphasizes Approach, Take-off, Maneuver and Landing. Freestylers are encouraged to set their speed and stance, make their move to start their trick, be in control of their body in the air and set up for the landing in the proper zone.

“Use ATML as a mental checklist to help you figure out how to use terrain features as safely as possible,” the teacher says.

PEEPs encourages those new to freestyling to start small, which is how the best riders attempting the biggest leaps once started out. Part of the class is devoted to a discussion on “Flatland Training,” where new riders can practice many of the basic moves, tricks and jibs on the safety of the flats before progressing to a park set-up.

“Nowadays resorts have snowboard instructors who specialize in park and pipe,” Scambio said. “Taking a lesson with them is one of the quickest and safest ways to build your confidence while getting familiar with the terrain and proper etiquette. Basically, everyone is on the mountain to have a good time, so scope features before hitting them, respect yourself and others and your riding will only get better.”