What are the rules for safe skiing?
Skiing is above all a pleasure... as long as you do it without putting yourself in danger! You should know that there are Rules for safe skiing, rules given directly by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS). To preserve your safety and that of others, discover all our Tips for safe skiing.
10 rules for safe skiing: what does the FIS tell us?
1. Priority to the safety of other users
On the slopes, Everyone is responsible of its speed and its behavior. You must therefore act in such a way as to never endanger the safety or integrity of others, whether through reckless driving or by the misuse of their equipment. Mutual respect is the basis for a friendly and safe practice!
2. Know how to adapt your speed and behavior
The second rule for safe skiing is take into account your environment And general conditions of the land. Every skier or snowboarder must know your own level, snow conditions, weather, visibility and attendance of the slopes. For example, speeding too much can quickly put others in danger.
3. Anticipate ahead of time
When you are placed high up on the track, you benefit from a wider vision and therefore greater control over your trajectory. It is then the responsibility of this person to choose a trajectory Who will not be exhibiting the skiers located downriver to any danger.
4. Perform overtaking with discernment
It is possible to overtake another skier from any side, as long as you do it with enough space to prepare for any change of direction. Again, vigilance and foresight are mandatory to avoid collisions.
5. Engage carefully at intersections and when starting
Whether after a stop or at a crossroads, it is imperative to make sure that no other skiers arrive looking in all directions. If you want to join a track, it must always be done so progressive and without bothering others.
6. Choose safe areas to stop
To ski safely, it is also not recommended to stop in narrow or inconspicuous areas. In the event of a fall or stop, you must get up or move as quickly as possible so as not to create obstacles or dangers for other users. Depending on the terrain and the weather, put yourself in a safe zone.
7. Walk up or down carefully
In some situations, it may be necessary to Walking on a track. In this case, you should stay on the edge of the track and then make sure that neither your presence nor your equipment is a risk to others.
8. Scrupulously follow the markings and the signs
The signs, beacons and information available in the ski resort (weather reports, condition of the slopes) are not there by chance! In order to ski safely, you must of course Know all this signage to adapt your speed and practice, but also to avoid dangerous/closed areas.
9. Assisting in the event of an accident
Any witness to an accident has the duty to intervene : for example prevent emergency services, secure the premises if possible, and stay on site if the rescuers need help or testimonies. La solidarity on the slopes is a rule of thumb.
10. Identify yourself in case of an incident
Whether you are directly involved or simply a witness to an accident, it is mandatory to Decline your identity. This transparency then allows emergency services, authorities or victims to shed light on the facts.
Focus on some rules for skiing without putting yourself in danger
Who comes first on the slopes?
One of the frequent points of tension in ski areas is crossings and overtaking. Do you have to give way? Tidying up? In reality, if everyone anticipates correctly, there is no need to rush. When catching up with a slower skier, the best practice is to Doubling it gently, keeping a comfortable distance. There is no need to brush against him or surprise him: the tracks generally offer enough space to allow everyone to evolve peacefully.
But what to do when space is running out? In this case, the rule is clear: it is always the person located downstream (i.e. lower on the slope) who has priority. She cannot see what is happening behind her back, unlike the skier up front who has a clear vision of the trail and of other users. It is therefore responsible for its trajectories.
It is better to know your limits... and respect those of others
On the slopes, there are skiers of all levels, from hesitant beginners to seasoned experts. If you see an insecure skier (zigzagging or having trouble controlling his movements), anticipate and give him space.
And if you are a beginner yourself or still in learning phase, avoid speeding up too much. It is not the slope that should decide for you!
Skating comes with time and good technique, not with haste. Too often, we see skierss overestimate their personal abilities and go down too fast... at the risk of losing control.
As for the helmet, while it is strongly recommended (and sometimes mandatory), it does not make you an invincible pilot.
Stop, yes... but not just any way
Taking a break to admire the landscape, catch your breath, or wait for a friend is part of the fun. But Pay attention to where you stop : it is strongly recommended to avoid parking in the middle of the track, and even more so when you are in a group.
Also, we don't make the choice to park in narrow passages or passages with no visibility, such as the back of a hump or a break in the slope: if you don't see what's coming from above, those who are coming down won't see you either... and Collision is assured!
In the event of an accident, what should I do?
Even with a responsible attitude, no one is completely safe from a fall or a collision. The witness or actor in an accident must provide assistance in particular by raising the alert. It is not a question of replacing emergency services, but of having the right reflexes: ensuring the safety of the premises, reporting the danger in advance, reassuring the injured person, then contacting the emergency services if necessary and at the request of professionals.
The emergency number is often on the back of the pass or on the trail map. In case of injury during Of an ascent and descent on foot, make sure that you and your equipment are not a danger to other users. Likewise, avoid stops in areas that are not very visible, and always pay attention to terrain and weather conditions, snow conditions, and traffic density.
