Understanding the Skiers’ Code

There’s a lot to think about when planning a ski holiday for the whole family: finding the right flights, choosing a family-friendly resort and deciding whether to go for a self-catered or catered chalet. While this is all important, it’s also vital that everyone is aware of the rules you need to follow while out on the slopes, particularly if you have young children who are skiing for the first time. No one wants to be sitting on the sidelines missing out on all the fun because of an accident that could have been easily avoided.

With this in mind, here’s a quick guide to the FIS’s ‘Skiers’ Code’. Make sure you and the kids take time to read through and understand it. And then find that perfect catered chalet!

Rule 1: Respect for Others

We all want to have fun and feel safe while on the slopes, so make sure you don’t behave in a way that could make other people feel unsafe.

Rule 2: Keep your Speed under Control

While’s it great fun to show off your speed, always make sure you’re in control. Think about your level of experience, the gradient of the slope and how many other people are around you and adjust your speed accordingly. The faster you’re going, the less time you have to react if anything unexpected happens!

Rule 3: Choose your Route Carefully when Overtaking

If you’re approaching a skier or snowboarder in front of you and decide you can overtake them, choose a route around them which doesn’t put them in any danger. They have priority until you are ahead!

Rule 4: Always be Observant when Starting, Re-starting or Returning

If you’re about to begin a run, preparing to resume a run after a temporary stop, or going back up the slope to have another go, always look around to make sure you’re not going to be in anyone else’s way.

Rule 5: Avoid Stopping on Narrow Sections

Unless you absolutely have to, try not to stop on a piste if you’re in a narrow section. Accidents happen to all of us so it’s ok if you fall over and come to a stop. Just make sure to leave the piste as quickly as possible to avoid getting in the way of others.

Rule 6: Climb and Descend on the Side

If you’re walking up or down a piste then keep to the side.

Rule 7: Respect All Signs and Markings

For your own safety follow all signs and markings that you see.

Rule 8: Help Anyone Who’s in Trouble

If you see anyone on the slope who needs help, don’t be afraid to assist them and call the rescue service if necessary. If you were in or saw an accident, then you also need to exchange your name and address with everyone else involved. Hopefully nothing more will be required and you can return to your catered chalet full of memories of a great day’s skiing.