It’s getting colder outside, our Facebook feed shows us first pictures of snow on the mountains and we all know what that means: the skiing season is approaching! As real snow and ski enthusiasts, you’re probably in the middle of your preparations for the upcoming season: choosing the right destination for your next skiing holiday, booking accommodation, getting physically prepared for all that action on the snow and - not to forget - putting together the perfect outfit for a flawless appearance on the slopes! Another essential point that shouldn’t be missing on your to-do-list, is booking the best skiing instructors and top quality equipment with Skimundi. However, your preparations should not stop there. Before hitting the slopes, there are some things you should consider in order to assure that skiing is a safe and fun experience for everyone involved.
Especially during high season when the slopes are crowded and many ski instructors help their pupils enjoy their first tries on the snow, it is crucial to follow a few basic rules concerning behaviour on the mountains. Even though we know that rules can be kind of boring, we’d rather see you with your hands in the air at the après-ski, than with your arms in a cast in the emergency room. Therefor we present you the 10 most important rules on how to behave on the slopes during the upcoming season. By respecting them, you and your fellow skiers and snowboarders can have a safe, secure and fun time on the snow.
1) Respect for others: It sounds like simple common sense and basically, that’s just what this rule is about. Every skier or snowboarder must behave in a way that makes sure that other people on the slope are not endangered. Easy, right?
2) Control of speed and style: Although it is really tempting to show off newly learnt techniques and styles, it is crucial to adapt speed and style to the prevailing conditions. In other words, adjust your manner of skiing or snowboarding to weather conditions, terrain and traffic on the slope.
3) Choice of route: If you’re coming from behind, you must choose your own route in such a way that it does not threaten the people ahead of you. So, even if the slope looks really nice, if there’s a beginner trying his first skills at that moment at exactly your preferred spot, it will have to wait for your next ride.
4) Overtaking: Everyone who has ever been skiing on a crowded slope will probably agree - passing anybody on the slopes is an art in itself. Always keep in mind: it does not matter if you pass on the right or the left, from above or from below, just make sure that people are left enough space to keep going at their own pace.
5) Entering, starting or moving upwards: This rule mind sound complex but don’t worry, what it means is simple. Whenever you enter a marked run, start again after having taken a short break to enjoy the view or want to move a bit upwards, make sure to look up and down the slopes in order to ensure you’re not endangering yourself or others.
6) Stopping on the slope: Even if the view is absolutely breath-taking, you should avoid stopping in narrow places or spots with restricted visibility since it might be a source of danger for you and other skiers or snowboarders. However, if you happen to fall down in such a spot it’s not the end of the world. Simply make sure to get up and leave it as quickly as possible.
7) Climbing and descending on foot: No matter if it is due to a sudden ambition to climb a mountain in heavy skiing boots, the discovery of the perfect selfie-spot or simply because there’s no other way of avoiding it- if you are either climbing or descending on foot, you have to stay on the side of the slope.
8) Respect for signs and markings: Every skier and snowboarder must at all times respect all signs and marking. The colourful signs announcing “run closed” or “danger of avalanches” are there for a reason – so please be careful!
9) Assistance: What’s valid for highways also is on the slopes. If an accident happens, every skier or snowboarder is obliged to help. And that means that everyone, regardless of skiing knowledge, nationality or other factors has to offer help. So do not hesitate when you see a person in need and just offer a helping hand.
10) Identification: In case of an accident every skier or snowboarder must be able to prove their identity and exchange personal information, whether they are a responsible party or a witness.
Phew, that was the last one! Congratulations, you are now completely prepared for your next safe skiing holiday in the mountains!
Last but not least the absolutely most important rule for the upcoming season: Have fun! A new, wonderful season is approaching and by bearing in mind these few basic rules we are sure you are going to enjoy a fun, relaxed and safe time in the Alps!
