B.A.S.I.C.S. 2023 / 2024 Press Release

High Fives Foundation Unveils B.A.S.I.C.S. Triangle of Safety: Speed, Space, Self in New Documentary

[Truckee, Jan 25] – High Fives Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing life-changing injuries in the outdoor sports community, is set to release its latest safety documentary titled “Triangle of Safety: Speed, Space, Self” as part of its B.A.S.I.C.S. (Being Aware and Safe in Critical Situations) program. The video, freely available online starting January 25th, aims to spread crucial safety messages, particularly targeted at youth, to prevent accidents and promote responsible outdoor recreation.

B.A.S.I.C.S. emphasizes the importance of safety by featuring a heartfelt story from a ski-loving family after a tragic collision took the life of their five-year-old daughter, Elise. The Johnson family’s commitment to transforming their grief into an opportunity for education led to the creation of the Snow Angel Foundation.

Roy Tuscany, founder and CEO of High Fives Foundation, states, “We believe in the concept of ‘catch an athlete before the crash.’ By providing safety messages targeted to youth, we are making an investment in safety at a young age to help prevent life-changing injuries.”

The core message of this short documentary revolves around the B.A.S.I.C.S. Triangle of Safety, focusing on three key elements – speed, space, and self. The family, along with professional big mountain skiers, shares personal experiences and practical tips to encourage responsible behavior on the slopes.

“The triangle of safety is composed of three elements: speed, space, and self. Speed is perhaps the most important safety factor in skiing and snowboarding. It determines everything,” explains one of the featured athletes, Travis Ganong.

The video addresses the critical need for maintaining control over speed, respecting personal space, and self-awareness. It emphasizes the downhill skier or rider’s right of way and promotes situational awareness as a crucial aspect of safety. The athletes stress the importance of knowing one’s limits, managing risks, and always checking in with oneself before engaging in any outdoor activity.

High Fives Foundation invites you to watch “Triangle of Safety: Speed, Space, Self” for free on January 25th and encourages sharing the documentary to amplify its impact on mountain safety education. The short 5 minute film is being released just in time for Ski California’s 6th Safety Day Across Several CA & NV Resorts on January 27th. B.A.S.I.C.S. is presented to you by Ski California and the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA). Supporting stakeholders include Mountain Guard, SMITH, Palisades Tahoe, Pisten Bully, and the Lefanowicz Family.

For press inquiries, please contact:
Becca Lefanowicz

Brand & Creative Director

925.451.0291

becca@highfivesfoundation.com

About Snow Angel Foundation

Snow Angel Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to prevent ski and snowboard collisions so that everyone can Ride Another Day! They accomplish this mission through education and awareness to promote safe skiing and snowboarding behaviors. The foundation was started as a result of a life-changing collision and a desire to ensure that these types of collisions never happen again. Since 2016, Snow Angel Foundation has been creating a social movement among skiers and snowboarders with the “Ride Another Day” campaign. Snow Angel Foundation, founded in 2023, is the vehicle that will expand this campaign and transform the culture of skiing and snowboarding into a safety-oriented community. 

About High Fives Foundation

High Fives Non-Profit Foundation focuses on preventing life-changing injuries and provides resources and hope if they happen. It was formed as a way to “pay-it-forward” by the founder, Roy Tuscany, after his own recovery from a spinal cord injury. The Foundation has expanded to help 716 Athletes from 46 States & Canada since its inception in 2009. The High Fives Foundation is a California-based, national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

About B.A.S.I.C.S.B.A.S.I.C.S. (Being Aware and Safe in Critical Situations) is a program developed by High Fives Foundation to provide safety education and resources, targeting youth and athletes engaged in outdoor sports. The program focuses on promoting responsible and safe behavior to prevent accidents and life-changing injuries.