Free snow gear checks aim to make slopes safer

13/05/08

Free snow gear checks aim to make slopes safer

How safe is your snow gear? Are you like most Kiwis - just drag your skis or board and boots out from under the house at the start of the season and head straight to the mountain?

If you are, you’re taking an unnecessary risk says the New Zealand Snow Industries Federation (NZSIF). Malfunctioning gear can lead to serious injury, and could end your winter season.

NZSIF members throughout the country have decided to tackle the problem head on with a free Snow Equipment check for the 2008 season.

“Incompatible equipment can malfunction which is an ongoing problem on the slopes,” says NZSIF executive director Miles Davidson.

“People can not only do themselves major damage using gear that is not suited to them or which has been damaged in some way, they can also waste heaps of valuable slope time on the mountain if it needs fixing.”

To get a Snow Equipment check, simply take your gear - skis, boards and boots - into an NZSIF member retailer identified by an NZSIF and equipment check sticker. Each item is inspected free of charge by a professional, and will help give you piece of mind when you hit the slopes.

“This is one more step you can take in preparation for the winter season,” Davidson says. “It’s quick, free and easy.”

Davidson says any repairs needed can be quoted on the spot and the customer has the choice whether or not to incur the cost of those repairs or replace the equipment.

A full list of NZSIF members is available at www.nzsif.org.nz

ENDS

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