10 FIS Rules for Conduct of Skiers

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Like any other type of sport, skiing and snowboarding carry some risks. The FIS-Rules of Conduct are the standard for adequate sportive behaviour of careful and responsible skiing. Skiers and snowboarders aim to prevent accidents on ski and snowboard runs. These rules apply to all skiers and snowboarders. Every skier and snowboarder must know the rules and adhere to them. Anyone causing an accident in breach of the rules can be held responsible for the consequences under civil and criminal law.

• 01. Respect for others on skis and snowboards: A skier or snowboarder must behave in such a way that he does not endanger or prejudice others.
• 02. Control of speed and skiing or snowboarding: A skier or snowboarder must move in control. They must adapt their speed and manner of skiing or snowboarding to their personal ability and to the prevailing conditions of terrain, snow and weather, as well as to the density of traffic.
• 03. Choice of route: A skier or snowboarder coming from behind (who are higher up the slope) must choose his or her route in such a way that he or she does not endanger skiers or snowboarders ahead.
• 04. 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 or she leaves enough space for the overtaken skier or snowboarder to make any voluntary or involuntary movement.
• 05. Entering, starting and moving upwards: A skier or snowboarder either: entering a marked run, starting again after stopping, or moving upwards or crossing on the slopes, must look up and down the slopes so that he or she can move without endangering themselves or others.

• 06. Stopping on the slope: 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 clear of the piste as soon as possible.
• 07. Climbing and descending on foot: A skier or snowboarder either climbing or descending on foot must keep to the side of the piste.
• 08. Respect for signs and markings: A skier or snowboarder must respect all signs and markings. This includes slope information, weather conditions, and the conditions of the slopes and snow.
• 09. Assistance following ski accidents: At accidents, every skier or snowboarder is duty bound to assist.
• 10. Identification: Any witness, whether a responsible party or not, must exchange names and addresses following an accident. They must identify themselves to Piste Control, as well as to any others involved in the ski or snowboarding accident.

Cross-country ski run rules

• 1. Consideration for others Every piste user must behave in a manner that does not harm or endanger others at all times.
• 2. Observing the signs and direction of travel Every piste user must follow the markings and signposts. On cross-country ski runs, please follow advised directions.
• 3. Choice of lane On double or multiple tracks, skiing is allowed on the right side of the tracks. Cross-country skier, which ski in groups please also use the right line and ski in a row.
• 4. Overtaking You may overtake from the right or the left. The skier in front does not have to vacate the track for overtaking.
• 5. Opposing traffic If encountering oncoming traffic, each party has to give way to the right. On downhill runs with only one track the ascending skier has to give way to the downhill skier.
• 6. Using your ski poles Keep your ski poles close to your body when overtaking, being overtaken or on encounters.
• 7. Controlling speed and manner of skiing depending on conditions Every piste user must adapt their speed and style of skiing to their ability as well as weather and terrain conditions. You should always keep sufficient distance from the piste user in front of you.
• 8. Keep cross-country ski track clear Step out of the track if you are stopping. A piste user who has fallen must vacate the trail as quickly as possible.
• 9. Conduct in accident cases Everyone is obliged to render assistance in case of an accident.
• 10. Disclosure in cases of accident Reporting the accident. Everyone must disclose their personal details in case of an accident, regardless of whether or not they are responsible, a witness or directly involved.

Safety rules for off piste skiers

• Never ride off piste alone
• Always wear a transceiver in full working order and in send mode. In addition, carry shovel and probe.
• Consider using other safety equipment such as an airbag for example
• Seek out the current avalanche hazard forecast and snow pack analysis
• Gain an understanding of the snowpack and how snow changes on the ground
• Choose lines and routes that avoid avalanche prone slopes
• Ride slopes one at a time if you are concerned about stability
• Respect other slope users, particularly those below you
• Respect concerns of others in the group or those less able and experienced. If anyone wishes to leave the group facilitate it in the safest and most considerate possible way
• You are responsible for your own safety, the safety of others in the group, the safety of other mountain users and for your own equipment. It is normal to have insurance that covers rescue away from the piste which may require a helicopter evacuation
• Never be afraid to back off
• Exercise great caution when avalanche hazard level is higher than 3 and limit activities accordingly

FIS Code of Conduct for Snow Parks

• 1.Know your own skills and abilitiesSkill progression starts with the basics and moves to skills that are more complex.
• 2.Train with others and work togetherTraining together allows for feedback and faster progression.
• 3. Look at the terrain before you startInspect everything before you start and have an understanding of the conditions of the features and the snow.
• 4.Use Safety Equipment ProperlyEnsure that you are using safety equipment according to the regulations and standards.
• 5. Have a PlanPrepare yourself and set your goals, so that you can move through the progression of a skill. Skills need to be stabilised before you move on to the next step.
• 6. Understand the progression of the skill and of the featuresStudying skill progression can be done before you start to practice it.
• 7. Observe and follow the local rulesObserve all of the rules and safety practices within the snowpark.
• 8.Respect the terrain and othersRespect the others that are in the same environment.
• 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.