A great day can quickly turn into a very bad day, when skiing accidents happen.
Luckily there are many things you can – and should do - to increase the safety of skiing for you and your fellow skiers.
Rules of conduct for skiing and tips for staying safe on skis
It is truly incredible that something so pointless as sliding down a mountain on a pair of boards can be so meaningful. Skiing doesn’t need justification. It is simply fun and life very well spend. Period.
But a great day can quickly turn into a very bad day, when skiing accidents happen. Luckily there are many things you can – and should – do to increase the safety of skiing for you and your fellow skiers. In this article I describe some of the most important things to help you and your fellow skier to stay safe while skiing.
- The official fis rules of conduct for skiing
- A list of dangerous situations and how to avoid them
- Suggestions for spreading good vibes
- The procedure if you witness an skiing accident.
FIS Rules of Conduct for Skiing
The International Ski Federation have articulated 10 rules of conduct that are meant to make it more safe for everybody on the mountain. These are important to know to increase the safety for you and others, when you go on skis. Read them, know them and teach them kindly to people unaware of them.
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.
*Source
Dangerous Situations
If you know these rules and apply them, you are doing a lot to contribute to a safe ski environment for yourself and others. Here is a list of some common dangerous situations and how to avoid them.
Intersections
I have more than once witnessed collisions happening at intersections where people are not aware of the skiers coming from the other slope. Always chose a route where you stay safe from colliding with anyone coming from the intersecting slope. Or stop to look for a clear path if necessary.
Skiing too close
10% of injuries happen in collisions*, so keep a safe distance when you ski together and make sure you have a common understanding of where each other are going. Rhythm changes and varying your turn size is a lot of fun, but look out first and make sure you have the room to do it safely.
Skiing above your ability level
This is a very common reason why people get injured. Be humble and reasonable. Be aware of your current limits and don’t be tempted to join your friends on a run that is too difficult. Respect the ability level of family and friends and protect them by skiing with them in terrain that fits their skiing level. If you want some tips that can help you improve your skiing, go check out our free video tutorials. If you are looking for a program that takes you step by step to the next level, you should check out our Learn to Turn ebook series.
Click on the image to check out our How to Ski guides.
Speed apps
I am no fan of this at all. Way too often I have seen people hunting some speed record not able to stop on short notice on equipment not meant for that kind of skiing. This is simply highly hazardous and puts your own and other peoples life in danger. Some resorts will rightfully pull your lift pass if they see straight lining at high speed.
Low energy and low concentration
When you (or other people) are tired, hungry or thirsty. Solution: rest, eat and hydrate appropriately.
Unsafe equipment
Many accidents happen due to unsafe equipment. Take a look at my article Ski equipment and safety to see a list of things to be aware of.
Poor knowledge of mountain hazards
Knowledge is safety when it comes to being in the mountains. Check out my articles Only a fool doesn’t fear the mountains to learn the basics of being in the mountains.
Don't drink and ride!
People influenced by drugs or alcohol, including yourself will pose a real danger on the slopes. Because skiing is associated with vacation and a careless time free from worries, alcohol has traditionally been a huge part of recreational skiing. Especially in some resorts. Mostly in the form of after ski, but some people confuse “after” with “before” and start drinking early on while they are still skiing. Show respect and protect your fellow skier.
Don´t drink and ride!
Give Your Fellow Skiers a Great Day
Here are a few simple tips to be aware of, that might make it a better day for your fellow skier and set a good example for others to follow.
Help people in trouble
People who have fallen, lost their equipment, are lost, seem ill, drunk or in other ways in trouble.
Don't throw waste in nature
Instead pick it up and carry it to the nearest trash can. You depend on nature to go skiing. Nature depends on you to stay clean. We all depend on each other to have nice places to ski.
Respect the line when waiting for a lift
Be aware that the culture around this differs a lot from resort to resort.
Give a heads up in the lift
On chairlifts check if the other people are ready to lower and raise the bar.
There are many other opportunities to spread and support positive vibes with your fellow skiers. I’m sure you get the idea.
In Case of an Accident
Lastly, here is a very short version of what to do in case of accident. For a more thorough version, I suggest you follow the link below.
- Check if it is safe to help. Stop the accident! Mark the accident with your skis, poles or a person (if it can be done safely), so other people will see the accident well in time to avoid it.
- Are they conscious? If so, see if they need your help. If not, check for breathing and secure airways. If not breathing, start CPR. If breathing and conscious, start first aid for other injuries. Do not reposition limbs that might be broken. Stop any bleeding and keep them warm.
- Alert the rescue service. You can call the local piste patrol directly or call the national emergency line.
- Continue first aid until help arrives.
Sources
https://firstaidforlife.org.uk/accident-when-skiing/
I hope you found this article helpful and will have an enjoyable and safe time in the mountain. Have a nice day and see you (safely) on the slopes!
/Janus
