The 10 Rules of Conduct forSkiers

The 10 Golden Rules for SkiingSafely 

(wearing a helmet is recommended)

• Respect for others: 

All users must ensure they do not endanger or harm others.

• Control of speed and behavior:

All users must adjust their speed and behavior according to their skill level, conditions, and the traffic on the slope.

• Control of direction:

The uphill user must choose a direction that ensures the safety of the downhill user, who has priority.

• Overtaking:

Overtaking can be done on the right or the left, but always in a way that does not hinder others, keeping a safe distance.

• Entering the slope:

At the start or at an intersection, all users must visually check uphill and downhill before proceeding.

• Stopping:

All users must avoid stopping on the slopes, in narrow passages, or where visibility is limited. In case of a fall, they must clear the slope quickly.

• Climbing and descending on foot:

Anyone climbing or descending on foot must stay on the edge of the slope, never in the middle.

• Respect for signage:

All users must respect markings and signs.

• Assistance:

In case of an accident, all users must provide assistance.

• Identification:

All users involved in or witnessing an accident must provide their identity.

Good to know:

Uphill and Downhill: When on a slope, uphill refers to the area above you (i.e., the top of the slope), while downhill refers to the area below. The right of way is given to the skier or snowboarder who is downhill.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU WITNESS AN ACCIDENT ON THE SLOPES?

Protection and securing the area

• When an incident occurs on a ski slope, it is crucial to secure the area to protect the victim and prevent further accidents. The goal is to avoid worsening injuries and minimize risks to other skiers. To effectively signal to skiers that they need to slow down and be cautious near the accident site, a simple method is to plant your skis in an "X" shape in the snow, uphill from the accident site. In low visibility areas, if possible, ask another skier to stay near the skis and indicate that rescue intervention is underway.

Gathering necessary information

To alert emergency services effectively, it is essential to gather the following information:

• Exact location: name of the slope and the number of the nearest marker (these markers are generally placed every 100 meters).
• Victim's identity: name, surname, gender, and age, if possible.
• Nature of the injuries and location of pain.
• Circumstances of the accident: if you did not witness it, collect information from those present.

Calling emergency services: 112

• Contact the resort's emergency services to report the incident. The contact details of the emergency services are generally on the slope maps and on the lift pass. However, if in doubt, remember a single number: 112. This emergency number is accessible throughout Europe and in other countries, even in case of network failure.
• If you do not have a phone or network, ask another skier to alert a resort agent, ideally from a ski lift. Provide as much information as possible.

Assisting while waiting for emergency services

• While waiting for emergency services, it is essential to stay with the victim while continuing to secure the area. Do not move the victim but protect them from the cold. Even in mild weather, the human body cools quickly in contact with snow. Use your jacket or a survival blanket if available.
• When rescuers arrive, stay nearby to answer any questions they may have. Do not leave the scene without their authorization.