It’s getting colder outside, we’ve passed what meteorologists refer to as the hump day of the summer, and its officially getting colder from now on. The facebook feed shows us first pictures of snow on the mountains and we all know what that means: the winter season is approaching! As real snow and ski enthusiasts you’re probably right in the middle of preparations for the upcoming season: choosing the right destination for your next skiing holiday, booking accommodation and- most importantly- putting together the perfect outfit for a flawless appearance on the slopes!
Other essential points on your to-do-list include booking the best skiing instructors and equipment with Skimundi, getting in shape and preparing yourselves for the action on the slopes in the gym or with ski gymnastics. So far, so good. However, your preparations should not stop there. Not only before hitting the slopes there are some things to consider but also while enjoying the turns in the snow in order to assure that skiing is a safe and fun experience for everyone involved. Everybody should know how to behave on the ski slopes before heading up the mountain!
Especially during high season when the slopes are crowded and many ski instructors help their guests enjoy their first experiences on the snow it is crucial to follow a few basic rules concerning behaviour on the mountains. Yes, we know that rules are not highly popular and kind of boring. But since we don’t want you to have to enjoy your après-ski-drink in the form of an infusion in a casualty department at your favourite skiing destination, we present you the 10 most important rules for how to behave on the ski slopes during the upcoming season. Just follow them and you and your fellow skiers and snowboarders are going to have a safe and fun time in the snow.
The rules
- Respect others. It sounds like simple common sense and basically that’s just what this rule is about. Every skier or snowboarder must make sure that other people on the slope are not endangered. Easy, right?
- 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.
- 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 terrain 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 😉
- Overtaking. Everyone who has ever been skiing on a crowded slope during high season will probably agree. Overtaking is an art in itself. However, always keep in mind: It does not matter if you overtake on the right or the left, from above or from below, just make sure that the overtaken people are left enough space to keep going at their own pace undisturbed.
- Entering, starting or moving upwards. This rule might sound complex but don’t worry, it’s 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.
- 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.
- 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 by foot you have to stick to the side of the slope. No discussion here.
- Respect for signs and markings. Every skier and snowboarder must at all times respect all signs and marking. In other words: the colourful signs announcing closed runs or danger of avalanches are there for a reason and should be respected. So please do so!
- Assistance. What’s valid for highways also is for 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 help. Should you ever happen to be the one having an accident you’ll be glad that rule exists-we promise!
- Identification. In case of an accident, every skier or snowboarder must be able to prove their identity and exchange personal information. No matter if they are a responsible party or a witness.
Phew, with this last, honestly quite dry, rule we conclude our 10 rules for how to behave on the ski slopes. Congratulation, you’ve made it through all the rules and now you’re definitely prepared for your next skiing holiday or full season in the mountains!
Last but not least the absolute 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 mountains!
Snowminds August 3, 2018