Photo: Christoph Schöch, Erlebnisberg Golm

Safety on ski slopes: the FIS rules

Sun, snow, happiness – finally winter has arrived and with it the prospect of fantastic adventures on the slopes. So that the ski day becomes an unforgettable experience for everyone, the Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS) has established ten rules of conduct for skiers and snowboarders. These rules govern a friendly and considerate interaction on the slopes and serve as a basis for the evaluation of accidents.

THE 10 COMMANDMENTS FOR SKIERS AND SNOWBOARDERS

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.