There are times when you’ll be too far from another rider to talk or shout. This is why being able to read and display hand signals to other riders is very useful on the mountain.
Here are the 2 simple hand signals that skiers and snowboarders use to warn each other of danger:
1) ‘X’
By displaying an ‘X’ with your hands crossed above your head (or your ski poles), you are signalling to others that the area in front of you is not safe to ride.
Example:
If someone has crashed in the landing of a terrain park jump, you may see other riders signal an ‘X’ to you. This means you should not hit the jump yet because there is someone/something in the landing of the jump.
2) ‘O’
By displaying an ‘O’ with your hands joined in a circle above your head, you are signalling to others that the area in front of you is safe to ride.
Example:
If someone has crashed ahead of you on a jump, but another rider signals an ‘O’ to you, it means the landing is clear and you’re safe to hit the jump.
That’s it! Told you it was simple 😉 Happy Riding! – Jed