Makes sure instructors have thorough knowledge of safety practices, equipment use and maintenance, and technique.

Reviews the rules and operating procedures with the girls before each session.

Makes sure the safety rules are written, understood, practiced, and posted at the site.

Secures all equipment in a dry, locked storage area.

Makes sure girls and adults avoid wearing jewelry, especially pierced earrings, looped earrings, bracelets, and necklaces in contact sports or where jewelry may become entangled in equipment.

Makes sure a list of emergency telephone numbers, including those for emergency rescue ser vices and the police, is posted or carried by the adult in charge.

Teaches girls to take shelter away from tall objects in a storm with lightning and thunder. Find the lowest point in an open flat area.. Squat low to the ground on the balls of the feet. Have girls place their hands on their knees with their heads between them. Instruct girls to make themselves the smallest targets possible and to minimize their contact with the ground.

Instruction is given by an adult with experience in teaching and/or supervising cross-country skiing for the age group(s) involved.

The cross-country skiing group has a minimum of four people, including at least two adults. One adult leads and another adult brings up the rear of the group.

Girls get in condition by exercising before skiing.

Cross-country ski area rules are explained and observed:

Sitzmarks (crash craters) are filled in.

Adequate rest stops with opportunities to replenish fluids and to eat high-energy foods are provided.

Girls are trained in winter survival (e.g., snow cave building, white- outs, avalanche avoidance, etc.) as needed.

Hats, gloves or mittens, and heavy insulating socks are worn.

A windproof, waterproof jacket is worn.

Sunglasses or goggles are worn to protect the eyes from bright glare off the snow.

Each girl carries a water bottle, high-energy food, sunscreen, and lip balm.

The nature of the terrain, potential hazards (e.g., avalanches, frozen lakes), mileage, and approximate cross-country skiing time are known to all group members.

When a latrine is not available, individual cat holes at least 200 feet away from water sources are used to dispose of human waste.

First-aider, level 1, is present. First-aider, level 2, is present if planned route is more than five miles from emergency help.

First-aid procedures are reviewed, including those for frostbite, cold exposure, hypothermia, sprains, fractures, and altitude sickness.

The itinerary, with planned departure and return times and names of the cross-country skiers, is left with a contact person. The route is marked on a map. The contact person is advised before the group’s departure and upon its return.

Search-and-rescue procedures are written out in advance.

Advance arrangements are made for medical emergencies and evacuation procedures.