FIS Rules on the Slopes: The Key Rules of Conduct

The most important rule is to act with foresight. You are responsible for your line, your speed, and the consequences of your movements. A green or blue run does not automatically make blind spots risk-free. Read the signs and follow any local instructions.

The rules are not a ranking of good or bad skiers, but a shared foundation. Adjust your speed to visibility, terrain, traffic, and ability. When overtaking, leave enough room to the side and ahead so the other person can maneuver. Do not pass beginners, children, or people whose movements may be unpredictable too closely. When entering a piste, stop and look uphill. Avoid stopping in narrow passages or below rollovers. If someone falls, first make sure you are safe, warn approaching skiers, and get help in accordance with local procedures. You can note down emergency numbers, the ski patrol, and the location of first-aid stations before setting off. Show consideration at lifts, in waiting areas, and on access routes, too.

In the event of an accident, stay calm, secure the area, and help to the best of your ability. Do not simply leave. If someone is injured, there is avalanche danger, or the situation is unclear, call the appropriate emergency service. Children should wear helmets and stay within agreed areas.

Before taking the first lift, agree on a meeting point, the return route, and local rules. On every run, choose a line that leaves plenty of space. Look uphill after taking a break. If visibility or your energy levels deteriorate, move to an easier area or end your ski day.

Before heading out, check the weather, snow conditions, lift status, travel arrangements, and opening hours. Rental equipment, lessons, tickets, and breaks should suit your ability and group size. Agree on a visible meeting point and a return time. In poor visibility, wind, or fatigue, simplify the plan. Current information from the resort operator is more reliable than older travel reports; prices, availability, and opening status can change. Keep your phone stowed while skiing, and also write down important information or save it offline. If you are traveling with children, plan for warm clothing, drinks, and dry spare clothes. This makes for a ski day with room to repeat runs and no dependence on a single lift being open.

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Before your visit, note what question you want answered and what information you really need. Check the details provided by the specific operator and look for timestamps, who is responsible, and any restrictions. A plan with one main option and a simple alternative helps avoid unnecessary pressure. For families, agree in advance on meeting points, supervision, breaks, and the return route. In groups with mixed levels of experience, no one should take a more difficult run just because it looks shorter on the map. Have equipment adjusted before using it; return rental gear immediately if there is a problem. Weather, visibility, wind, surface conditions, and fatigue can all change what would otherwise be a good decision. Wait and make phone calls only at the visible, safe edge of the piste. Keep important information on paper or in offline storage as well, in case your battery, network, or app fails. This helps keep your visit practical, clear, and suited to the conditions on the ground.

What information should I check first?

Start with the weather, snow conditions, lift status, and travel arrangements. Then check your ticket, equipment, lessons, meeting point, and breaks. If you are using digital services, also check your battery and offline access.

What should we do when ability levels differ?

Agree on a meeting point as a group and choose areas everyone can reach safely. Beginners need easy runs to practice on and someone to accompany them; more advanced skiers should adjust their speed and line. No one has to join a difficult run.

When should I change the plan?

If visibility is poor, it is windy, conditions are hard, lifts are closed, or concentration is waning. A shorter route, a break, or an alternative winter activity is the sensible choice in these circumstances.

Reliable guidance and current examples are available in the official FIS Code of Conduct.