Mountain safety for skiers in the Alps

The skier code

The International Ski Federation (FIS) publishes rules of conduct for skiers and snowboarders, and they are used across the Alps. In short:

1. Respect others. Do not endanger or harm anyone.
2. Control your speed. Ski at a speed that suits your ability, the terrain, the snow and the crowds.
3. The person below has priority. Choose a line that does not endanger people ahead of you.
4. Overtake with room. Leave enough space for the person you pass to make any movement.
5. Look up before you set off. Check uphill when you start, enter a run or merge.
6. Stop at the side. Do not stop in narrow places or where you cannot be seen.
7. Walk at the edge. If you climb or walk down, keep to the side of the run.
8. Follow signs and markings.
9. Help at accidents. Everyone must assist.
10. Exchange details after an accident, whether you are involved or a witness.

Piste markings

In most Alpine countries, runs are marked blue for easier, red for intermediate and black for difficult. France also uses green for the easiest runs. Grades are set by each resort, so a red in one place can feel like a blue or a black elsewhere. Many areas also have ski routes, often marked in yellow or orange or with dashed lines on the map. These may not be groomed or patrolled, and rules differ by country, so read the local piste map key.

Closed runs are closed for a reason, often avalanche danger or snow work. Never ski past a closure sign or rope.

Cold, sun and altitude

• Cold. Wind on lifts and ridges can make it feel much colder. Cover your face and ears, and warm up indoors if your fingers or face go numb or pale.
• Sun. UV light is stronger at altitude and reflects off snow. Use high-factor sunscreen and lip protection, and wear goggles or sunglasses even on cloudy days, as snow glare can burn the eyes.
• Altitude. Most ski villages are low enough not to cause problems, but some people feel headaches or poor sleep at higher altitude. Drink water and take the first day easy.
• Flat light. In cloud or snow, the slope's shape is hard to see. Ski slower, stay near the markers and choose runs among the trees.

Insurance

Check that your travel insurance covers winter sports. Many standard policies do not unless you add it. Look for cover for mountain rescue and helicopter evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, and stolen or broken equipment. If you plan to ski off-piste, read the conditions closely, since some policies limit it or require a guide. Mountain rescue and medical treatment abroad can be very expensive.

In an emergency

Call 112, the emergency number that works across the EU and in Switzerland. On the slopes you can also alert the ski patrol: the number is often printed on the piste map and lift pass. Give your location using the run name, the nearest piste marker number or the closest lift.

• Save the local ski patrol number in your phone at the start of the trip.
• Keep your phone charged and warm. Cold drains batteries fast.
• If someone is injured on the run, protect them by planting skis in an X uphill to warn others.
• Agree a meeting point with your group in case you get separated.

Safety questions