How to behave on the slope? 11 rules for skiers and snowboarders that must not be broken

Skiers and snowboarders are two opposing camps on the slope. Even those who are far from winter skiing have probably heard about this confrontation. It is not possible to find the origins of the conflict, but it is quite realistic to try to make everyone feel comfortable while skiing.

3-time Russian champion in halfpipe and freestyle disciplines

When you get up on the slope, you have to make sure that all your pockets are zipped up. People often lose their phones and wallets. Once you’ve buckled up your snowboard, check that the pockets on your jacket and pants are buttoned.

Adequately assess the level of your skiing. That is, choose the right slope. If you are a beginner, you should definitely train with an instructor and do not overestimate your abilities. Usually guys do it, and girls are more adequate to the level of their skiing. Choose the right slope, look at the map on the colored signs.

Look at the top of the slope while skiing. If you are already riding down the slope (this is my personal rule for all snowboarders), you should definitely and regularly look up. This is necessary so that you can see what is going on there, whether a crowd of people is riding or maybe an inadequate skier who doesn’t know how to brake.

An interesting point is that if you are skiing with your right foot forward, it is better to move on the right side of the slope, so you can look down, ahead and up. If you move on the left side of the slope, you will not know what is going on behind you. In this case, if you make a turn or brake, there is a chance that you could be hit. I would compare skiing in the mountains to driving a car, where you have to constantly look in the rear and side mirrors. You must always be aware of what is happening behind you.

Pay attention to markings and signs. There are usually certain markings, grids and signs all along the slope. It is important to pay attention to them, look at what is written (there may be a mention of narrowing the track, the presence of ice) and do not violate the regulations. Because you can jump out on the slope, which is not yet prepared, and there get injured, get into a ravine or just very long to get out of there.

Do not ride under the influence of alcohol. A person who has had too much to drink is no longer in control of himself, or speed, or sports equipment – this can lead to a collision or injury. Again, overestimation of one’s abilities while drunk is common.

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The first rule, like the first FIS rule, is respect for others. That is, a skier or snowboarder should behave in a way that does not endanger or inconvenience others around him on the slope.

Control your speed and trajectory on the slope. Each person on the slope should ride at a speed that will allow him or her to control his or her projectile and prevent collisions with other skaters.

Rule of going to the slope and stopping on it. When entering the slope, it is better to look always up the slope and try not to create obstacles for those who are already moving down the slope. When stopping, skaters must stop at the edge of the slope and never over bends. Make sure you are clearly visible. This is a common problem and people collide on the slopes because of it.

Assist those injured in accidents. Anyone riding on the mountain has a responsibility to help other riders. If you witness an emergency – a person is lying on the slope and clearly needs help – you should drive up, clarify what happened, call the rescue team and exchange contacts so you can keep in touch in case of an emergency. Few people know, but the phone number of the rescue service is always on the ski-pass of the resort, it has been practiced for a long time and everywhere.

Do not ski alone. Both on and off the prepared slopes. Because the risk that an unforeseen accident may happen increases many times and it is not a fact that other people will help you. If you ride in the company of at least two people, you can always help each other.

Always be aware of your surroundings. Look where the boundaries of the piste are, where the ratrak (a special machine for preparing the slope) has passed. At the moment when you want to go on such a track, you need to be as careful and attentive as possible, because the walls that leave the ratrak, sometimes reach a couple of floors in height and falling from there – 100% injury. Even if this wall is 50 cm high, you can break your legs at high speed. I would add this item to the FIS list, because nobody ever thinks about how hard the edges are left after the tractor and that a very large number of injuries happen when a rider falls on the piste from the off-piste section.