Coldwater (ON), Canada – The Canadian Ski Council (CSC) has granted its Safe Skiing Award for 2010 to Ontario’s Mount St. Louis Moonstone ski resort.nMount St. Louis Moonstone, in operation since 1964 has, over the years developed a strong and positive relationship with the Canadian Ski Patrol System (CSPS) and the rest of the snow industry. Their attention to safe and enjoyable snow sliding begins before anyone reaches the mountain’s 36 runs and two terrain parks. The resort, recognizing the professional standards of the CSPS, has advocated for all paid, as well as volunteer patrollers to be CSPS certified. The paid and volunteer patrol staff work as one.

Patrol members also provide safety awareness to school groups both at their schools and when arriving at the resort in what is one of the provinces largest school programs. Participants are informed of the Skier Responsibility Code, the use of helmets, and controlled access for beginner skiers and riders. This program has effectively reduced the number of incidents at Mount St. Louis Moonstone.

The resort has supported numerous safety related activities as well. All staff and patrollers on the slopes wear helmets. An Activity Book titled “Snow Days with Tony the Toque” has been developed with the local patrol for children 6-12. Filled with safety tips and learning activities, this resource supports safety efforts.

Day to day safety protocols are in place and carried on across the resort on slopes and in the terrain parks by all staff. The level of safety awareness provided in a way to support and enhance the enjoyment of customers is a delicate balance that the resort has managed with great success.

The resort’s owners, the Huter family, have also been a strong supporter of the CSPS, hosting many CSPS events over the years. Recognizing the value of the CSPS brand, patrollers participating in these events such as the Central Zone President’s Cup Competition and On Snow training seminars are requested to wear their official yellow and blue CSPS uniforms. Resort customers have enjoyed seeing the slopes covered with many, many patrollers modeling safe, enjoyable snow sliding at these events.