Safety on the slopes
To make your half-term accident free we’ve put together some safety tips for the slopes! As a Snowsports school we encourage safe learning in all our lessons and make sure our clients have the knowledge of the ‘highway code’ for skiing.
Staying safe on piste is hugely important, not just for yourself, but also for your fellow slope users. Adhering to the local rules, respecting the conditions and taking note of the terrain around you are great places to start.
Some of our top tips:
Kids emergency numbers card
Pop a card with parent or guardian contact details in your kid’s jacket just in-case they go for a wander.Make sure you stop somewhere safe
We always make sure we stop in a safe place like at the side of the slope with all skiers in the group stopping below each other. Avoid stopping under a chair lift line, the middle of the slope or the brow of a hill.Wear appropriate kit
Wearing the correct kit could make or break your skiing holiday. We encourage the use of helmets especially for children. A good pair of gloves, goggles/sunglasses and wearing the correct number of layers, so you don’t get cold or overheat. Don’t forget the sun cream or lip balm.Respect the signs
Respecting the signs that the piste patrol put out is really important. You might see some new signs this week to help manage the high number of slope users! You can help by slowing down in busy areas or areas where beginners may be learning for the first time.Look before you set off
We always teach this rule. Make sure you look up the slope before you set off to make sure you aren’t about to ski into somebodies’ line of travel. If you ski as a group everyone should look up before they set off.
And here’s the highway code for slope users. These rules called the FIS Rules of Conduct and help keep things in order on the slopes:
1. Respect for others
A skier or snowboarder must behave in such a way that he or she does not endanger or prejudice others.
2. Control of speed and skiing or snowboarding
Every skier or snowboarder must move in control. He must adapt the speed and manner of skiing or snowboarding to his personal ability and to the prevailing conditions of terrain, snow and weather as well as to the density of traffic.
3. Choice of route
A skier or snowboarder coming from behind must choose his route in such a way not to endanger skiers or snowboarders ahead
4. Overtaking
A skier or snowboarder may overtake another skier or snowboarder above or below and to the right or to the left provided that he leaves enough space for the overtaken skier or snowboarder to make any voluntary or involuntary movement.
5. Entering, starting and moving upwards
A skier or snowboarder entering a marked run, starting again after stopping or moving upwards on the slopes must look up and down the slopes that he can do so without endangering himself or others.
6. Stopping
Unless absolutely necessary, a skier or snowboarder must avoid stopping on the piste in narrow places or where visibility is restricted. After a fall in such a place, a skier or snowboarder must move and clear the slope as soon as possible.
7. Climbing and descending on foot
A skier or snowboarder either climbing or descending on foot must keep to the side of the slope.
8. Respect for signs and markings
Skiers and snowboarders must respect all signs and markings.
9. Assistance
At accidents, every skier or snowboarder is duty bound to assist.
10. Identification
Every skier or snowboarder and witness, whether a responsible party or not, must exchange names and addresses following an accident.