FIS SKIWAY CODE - safety on the slopes
These are published guidelines to assist in the promotion of safe skiing/snowboarding. They are guidelines that are designed to decrease the risk of accidents/injury on the slopes. There are 10 official points, which can be found below but remember to always employ common sense when skiing/riding and also the unwritten rules/actions that can help make the slopes a safer place.
Read on for extra safety considerations & obligations while you are enjoying the mountains...
1. Respect for others
A skier or snowboarder must behave in such a way that he does not
endanger or prejudice others.
2. Control of speed and skiing or snowboarding
A skier or snowboarder must move in control. He must adapt his speed
and manner of skiing or snowboarding to his personal ability and to the
prevailing conditions of terrain, snow and weather as well as to the density
of traffic.
3. Choice of route
A skier or snowboarder coming from behind must choose his route in such
a way that he does not endanger skiers or snowboarders ahead.
4. Overtaking
A skier or snowboarder may overtake another skier or snowboarder above
or below and to the right or to the left provided that he leaves enough
space for the overtaken skier or snowboarder to make any voluntary or
involuntary movement.
5. Entering, starting and moving upwards
A skier or snowboarder entering a marked run, starting again after
stopping or moving upwards on the slopes must look up and down the
slopes that he can do so without endangering himself or others.
6. Stopping on the slope
Unless absolutely necessary, a skier or snowboarder must avoid stopping
on the slope in narrow places or where visibility is restricted. After a fall in
such a place, a skier or snowboarder must move and clear of the slope as
soon as possible.
7. Climbing and descending on foot
A skier or snowboarder either climbing or descending on foot must keep to
the side of the slope.
8. Respect for signs and markings
A skier or snowboarder must respect all signs and markings.
9. Assistance
At accidents, every skier or snowboarder is duty bound to assist.
10. Identification
Every skier or snowboarder and witness, whether a responsible party or
not, must exchange names and addresses following an accident.
In addition to the above I would also remind you of the following extra considerations
Traversing the slope
Even if you are the downhill skier, and therefore have right of way, be sure to look up the hill if you are about to make a considerable change to your skiing/riding line and traverse across the piste as this would be an unexpected move and unpredictable for anyone above you on the slope.
Take lessons
Do not let your friends or family teach you to ski/ride. Chance are they don't fully understand your competency or ability on different slopes and may very well take you way beyond your capabilities.
Mountain Rescue
Ensure you add the mountain rescue phone number to your phone contacts in case of emergencies.
Witnessing an accident
Cross a pair of skis a few metres uphill from the injured person to warn others and keep the victim safe from speeding skiers/riders.
Call mountain rescue.
When reporting an accident give details: where you are (piste name & marker number, who & likely injury.
Limit alcohol consumption
Drinking and skiing/riding is similar to drinking and driving.
Ensure you can hear what is going on around you
If you like to listen to musci while skiing/riding try to just use one headphone and keep volume to a minimum or only listen on lifts.
Green runs are not race tracks
Green runs are full of beginners who can be make unpredictable movements or fall over unexpectedly. Some beginners are also extremely nervous. Do not race through green runs at top speed - be respectful and remember you were a beginner once.