Safety Tips

Before you meet

• Chat in the app first. Get a feel for the person before sharing your phone number or socials.
• Check their profile. Look at their photos, ability level and what you have in common. If something doesn’t add up, trust that.
• Tell a friend your plans: who you’re meeting, which resort, where, and when you expect to be back.
• Agree on expectations: terrain, pace, how long you’ll ride, and when to call it.

Your first day riding together

• Meet somewhere busy and public, like a base area, lift line or lodge.
• Get yourself there. Consider holding off on carpooling with someone new until you’ve met.
• Start with an easy warm-up run on open, groomed terrain so you can see each other’s riding.
• Agree on a regroup spot in case you get separated, and keep your phone charged.
• You can leave at any time, for any reason. You don’t owe anyone an explanation.

On the mountain

• Ride within your ability, and be honest about it. Don’t let anyone pressure you onto terrain you’re not comfortable with.
• Follow resort rules, closures, signage and ski patrol instructions, and your local responsibility code.
• Wear a helmet and dress for the conditions. Check the weather and snow report before you go.
• Know where ski patrol and first aid are, and save the resort’s emergency number in your phone.

Backcountry and off-piste

Don’t leave resort boundaries with people you’ve just met. Avalanche terrain needs trust, training and the right equipment. If you do head out with a partner you know well:

• everyone should carry a transceiver (beacon), shovel and probe, and know how to use them;
• check the local avalanche forecast and conditions before you go;
• make sure everyone has avalanche training appropriate to the terrain;
• tell someone your route and when you’ll be back.

Après and getting home

• Know your limits, keep an eye on your drink, and don’t leave it unattended.
• Arrange your own way home. Never drive after drinking, and don’t get in a car with someone who has.
• If you’re going somewhere new with someone, let a friend know where.

Staying safe online

• Keep your home address, workplace details and financial information private.
• Never send money or gift cards to someone you’ve met on Broski, however convincing the story.
• Be wary of anyone who quickly tries to move the conversation off the app, asks for money, or seems to be selling something.
• If someone makes you uncomfortable, block and report them from their profile. See our Community Guidelines.

Your location on Broski

• You choose whether to share your live location, pick a fixed spot on the map, or stay hidden. Change it any time in Settings, under Map Visibility.
• On the map, other riders see an approximate position that is offset from where you really are, and profiles show only a rounded distance, such as “Less than 1 km away”.
• If you don’t want to appear on the map at all, choose Stay Hidden.

Getting help

In an emergency, call local emergency services or ski patrol first. Common numbers: 111 (New Zealand), 000 (Australia), 911 (US and Canada), 112 (EU and much of the world), 999 or 112 (UK), 119 (Japan).

To report someone on Broski, use the report option on their profile, or email calebjmadgwick@gmail.com. We’ll cooperate with police where someone’s safety is at risk.

If you’re struggling

Seasons can be lonely, and you don’t have to deal with things alone. Free, confidential support is available any time:

• New Zealand: call or text 1737
• Australia: Lifeline 13 11 14
• United States and Canada: call or text 988
• UK and Ireland: Samaritans 116 123

Elsewhere, contact your local crisis line or emergency services.