Any instructor should inform and educate their pupils about these rules, although they may shy away from them slightly in some cases in order to concentrate on your improvement in skill instead, as this is what they tend to be judged on. The code encompasses the following:
Respect of others
All skiers must act in a way whereby he or she does not endanger or prejudice others. This continues to hold even in international competitions and the FIS states that "The integrity of the human being stands over and above all sports results".
Control of Speed and Skiing
A skier must adapt his speed and way of skiing to his personal ability and to the prevailing conditions of snow, terrain and weather. In addition, you should consider who else may be on the run and how fast they may be traveling. You should be aware that, on fast runs, people tend to ski quickly and you may be putting yourself and others at risk if you are forced to ski slowly for whatever reason. You should take care around lifts and at the end of runs and always be able to turn or perform any other controlling manoeuvre on the terrain that you are able to see.
Control of Direction
A skier coming from above, whose dominant position allows him a choice of pathway must take the direction which assures the safety of skiers below. There is no fixed idea of passing on the left or right, every skier must make the decision for themselves how to handle each situation as they encounter it. Although a slower skier appears to have "right of way" according to the above guidelines, they are expected to act in a predictable manner and with due respect to those above them.
Overtaking
It is permitted to overtake a skier on either side, providing you leave sufficient room for them to make or complete their turns. You must abide by this whether the skier is moving or stationary.
Crossing the Piste
A skier wishing to enter and cross a ski run must ensure that they can do so without endangering himself or others. The same applies when starting after a stop on a ski run. Just as you would look both ways before crossing a road, you are expected to do the same while crossing a ski run.
Stopping
Avoid stopping on the run unless it is absolutely necessary. Never stop in constricted areas or places with poor visibility. In case of a fall, move to the side as soon as possible. Some runs may forbid you from stopping in narrow stretches of the slope or at junctions. As with the rest of the rules, use common sense and foresight.
Climbing
A climbing skier or pedestrian must keep to the edge of the piste. In poor visibility, keep off the piste completely.
Respect for signals
Skiers must obey the signs. You should respect all signs, particularly those stating a run is closed or hazard warnings. You should also obey the instructions of the staff of the company running the slope. This rules obviously requires you to be aware of the signs and rules for the slope which are detailed below.
Conduct at Accidents
At an accident, it is everyone's duty to assist. In some countries, it is an offence to ignore an accident on a mountain in the same way as it would be on the road. Continuing the theme, witnesses must establish their identity if a report of the accident is required. This may be difficult if you do not speak the native language, but you should be aware that you may be bound by European law to make yourself known to the authorities.
Failure to adhere to this code or irresponsible skiing can lead to liability in the case of any accident in which they may be involved. The rules also apply to dry slopes, where even further care should be taken owing to the number of inexperienced skiers.
All skiers must act in a way whereby he or she does not endanger or prejudice others. This continues to hold even in international competitions and the FIS states that "The integrity of the human being stands over and above all sports results".
Control of Speed and Skiing
A skier must adapt his speed and way of skiing to his personal ability and to the prevailing conditions of snow, terrain and weather. In addition, you should consider who else may be on the run and how fast they may be traveling. You should be aware that, on fast runs, people tend to ski quickly and you may be putting yourself and others at risk if you are forced to ski slowly for whatever reason. You should take care around lifts and at the end of runs and always be able to turn or perform any other controlling manoeuvre on the terrain that you are able to see.
Control of Direction
A skier coming from above, whose dominant position allows him a choice of pathway must take the direction which assures the safety of skiers below. There is no fixed idea of passing on the left or right, every skier must make the decision for themselves how to handle each situation as they encounter it. Although a slower skier appears to have "right of way" according to the above guidelines, they are expected to act in a predictable manner and with due respect to those above them.
Overtaking
It is permitted to overtake a skier on either side, providing you leave sufficient room for them to make or complete their turns. You must abide by this whether the skier is moving or stationary.
Crossing the Piste
A skier wishing to enter and cross a ski run must ensure that they can do so without endangering himself or others. The same applies when starting after a stop on a ski run. Just as you would look both ways before crossing a road, you are expected to do the same while crossing a ski run.
Stopping
Avoid stopping on the run unless it is absolutely necessary. Never stop in constricted areas or places with poor visibility. In case of a fall, move to the side as soon as possible. Some runs may forbid you from stopping in narrow stretches of the slope or at junctions. As with the rest of the rules, use common sense and foresight.
Climbing
A climbing skier or pedestrian must keep to the edge of the piste. In poor visibility, keep off the piste completely.
Respect for signals
Skiers must obey the signs. You should respect all signs, particularly those stating a run is closed or hazard warnings. You should also obey the instructions of the staff of the company running the slope. This rules obviously requires you to be aware of the signs and rules for the slope which are detailed below.
Conduct at Accidents
At an accident, it is everyone's duty to assist. In some countries, it is an offence to ignore an accident on a mountain in the same way as it would be on the road. Continuing the theme, witnesses must establish their identity if a report of the accident is required. This may be difficult if you do not speak the native language, but you should be aware that you may be bound by European law to make yourself known to the authorities.
Failure to adhere to this code or irresponsible skiing can lead to liability in the case of any accident in which they may be involved. The rules also apply to dry slopes, where even further care should be taken owing to the number of inexperienced skiers.
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