Rules for the slopes
Daring beginners and ever faster skis have resulted in a growing number of serious spine and head injuries in recent years. The number of shoulder and arm injuries has also risen continuously.
If you want to make it down the slopes safely, you would do well to follow these rules:
- be in physically good shape
- always warm up properly
- check your equipment
- do not overestimate your expertise
- maintain a distance to others
- only risk jumps on empty slopes
- stop when you get tired
- be aware of the general rules on the slopes
International FIS rules of conduct for skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing
1. Respect for others
You must behave in such a way that you do not endanger or prejudice others.
2. Control of speed and skiing or snowboarding
You must move in control. You must adapt your speed and manner of skiing or snowboarding to your personal ability and to the prevailing conditions of terrain, snow and weather as well as to the density of traffic.
When cross-country skiing, you must adapt your speed and style to your ability, the terrain, traffic density and visibility, especially on downhill sections. You must maintain a safe distance to person in front of you. If necessary you should drop down to prevent a collision.
3. Choice of route
If you are coming from behind, you must choose your route in such a way that you do not endanger skiers or snowboarders ahead.
The following applies to cross-country skiing: On double and multiple tracks, skiers must ski on the right-hand track. Cross-country skiing groups must ski on the right lane in single file. With the free running technique, skiers must ski on the right side of the piste.
4. Overtaking
You may overtake another skier or snowboarder above or below and to the right or to the left provided that you leave enough space for the overtaken skier or snowboarder to make any voluntary or involuntary movement.
In the case of cross-country skiing, you may overtake either on the left or right. The person in front must not have to swerve. However, they should make space if they can do so safely. When overtaking, being overtaken and during encounters, the poles must be kept close to the body.
5. Entering and starting
If you are entering a marked run or starting again after stopping, you must look up and down the slope to ensure you can do so without endangering yourself or others.
6. Stopping on the piste
Unless absolutely necessary, you must avoid stopping on the piste in narrow places or where visibility is restricted. After a fall in such a place, you must move clear of the piste as soon as possible.
With cross-country skiing the following applies: If you stop you must leave the track.
7. Climbing and descending on foot
If you are either climbing or descending on foot, you must keep to the side of the piste.
8. Respect for signs and markings
You must respect all signs and markings.
9. Assistance
In the event of an accident, it is your duty to assist.
10. Identification
Whether witness, a responsible party or not, you must exchange names and addresses following an accident.
