You're no doubt eager to hit the ski slopes, unwind, and make the most of every moment! But it's important to know how to behave so you can ski safely. Skiing is an incredible sport, but it can be very dangerous when risky behaviour goes unchecked and safety rules aren't followed. Here are our tips on the ski safety rules you need to know for a peaceful, safe holiday!
Know your limits
Ski slopes are mostly regulated and their difficulty level is clearly indicated. It's important not to ski beyond your ability — especially when you're getting back into skiing!
Don't ski alone if you can help it
Especially if you go free-riding, ski touring, or off-piste, skiing alone can lead to serious problems in the event of an incident. In any case, always carry a phone and try to go out with others. If you ski with a friend, you have someone to rely on if something goes wrong — and vice versa. If you witness an accident, you have a duty to help the victim or victims. Warn other skiers if the incident is on the slope. If the victim is bleeding, apply pressure to the wound to limit blood loss. While waiting for rescue, keep the victim warm and talk to them to offer encouragement and reassurance.
Don't push yourself too hard
A day on the slopes is exhausting. When you're tired, there's no point pushing on. Take regular breaks and use them to refuel. You burn a lot of calories in challenging weather conditions, so pace yourself and conserve your energy. Watch out for lack of sleep and alcohol consumption — these are often factors that lead to reduced alertness and slower reactions on the slopes after a few days of festivities!
Pay close attention to the people around you
You won't be alone on the slopes, so it's essential to be mindful of others. Watch what you're doing so as not to put other skiers or snowboarders at risk. Be especially attentive when you're stopped or taking a break on the slope. You are responsible for your own safety on the slopes — but also for the safety of those around you.
Control your speed
Every skier or snowboarder must learn to control their speed and stay in command of it. It's essential to be aware of your speed and the risks it poses. To do this, take into account the weather conditions, the density of traffic on the slope, the terrain (ice or snow), and stay fully focused to keep control of your skis.
Choose the right clothing for skiing
You need the right kit and appropriate clothing for skiing. Beyond the standard equipment (skis, boots and poles), wearing a helmet is essential, as is wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from the icy wind. For clothing, you can wear thermal base layers for comfort, add a warm jumper on top, then put on a waterproof jacket and ski trousers or an all-in-one suit. Don't forget your socks and gloves!
Choosing technical, purpose-built clothing gives you better comfort and greater freedom of movement. Too often you see people skiing in jeans and a tracksuit top. Finally, don't forget that many ski garments come equipped with avalanche transceivers, enabling faster rescue in the event of an avalanche.
Know the right-of-way rules on the slopes
There are also right-of-way rules on the slopes to ensure safety. Skiers higher up the slope should look downhill before rejoining the piste, as they have a better vantage point and visibility than those below. They give way to those lower down the slope.
If you're skiing behind someone, be careful not to get in their way. Equally, if you overtake someone, keep a safe distance and give them a wide berth to avoid collisions.
Before joining or leaving a slope, look both up and down the hill and wait for the right moment to make your move. And if you're walking up or down the slope on foot, stay to the side so as not to obstruct others.
Don't stop just anywhere
Skiers and snowboarders must not stop in the middle of a slope or in spots with reduced visibility, such as bends, narrow sections, or just after moguls. If you fall or are injured, move off the slope to the side as much as possible to avoid a secondary accident.
Identify yourself
If you witness an incident or accident on the slopes, you are required to identify yourself — whether as a person involved or simply as a witness. If you find yourself in this situation, you are obliged to provide your personal details. Also, never head out onto the slopes without slipping an identification document into the pocket of your ski jacket — including your name, home address, and the mobile number of the people to be contacted in an emergency.
Take lessons if necessary
Not everyone gets to ski regularly, and good habits can slip! Once you arrive at your ski resort, you'll have the option to sign up for ski lessons. Especially if you're a beginner, we recommend attending a class to learn the basics, ski safety rules, the meaning of the different slope markings… Even experienced skiers take lessons from time to time to sharpen their skills.
Skiing is a sport that requires solid preparation — both in terms of kit and skills. To build endurance and stability, physical preparation is also well worth doing. You'll be much safer on the slopes if you prepare in advance: exercise regularly throughout the year — it'll keep you in great shape year-round. Finally, in the mountains, always exercise extra caution: the scenery is stunning and skiing is great fun, but behind that very positive side lie major risks that need to be managed — or at least anticipated!
