FIS Rules of the Slopes
For Skiers and Snowboarders
Maiskogel AG has taken all precautions from a technological perspective to guarantee you the greatest possible level of safety on the mountain.
Please make your own contribution to avoiding accidents by behaving safely whilst on the slopes:
1. Consideration for Other Skiers
Every skier and snowboarder must behave in such a way as not to endanger or harm others.
Explanation:
Skiers and snowboarders are not only responsible for behaving incorrectly, but also for the consequences of faulty equipment. This also applies to users of newly developed sporting equipment.
2. Control of Speed and Skiing Style
Every skier and snowboarder must not ski/board faster than visibility allows. You must adjust your speed and style to your personal ability levels and the terrain, snow and weather conditions, as well as to how busy the slopes are.
Explanation:
Collisions are often the consequence of too high speeds, uncontrolled skiing or failure to pay attention. Skiers and snowboarders must be able to stop or maneuver out of the way within the distance of visibility. In areas where visibility is poor or ski traffic is heavy, ski slowly, especially on the slope edge, at the bottom of the hill and in the area of ski lifts.
3. Choosing the Right Line
The skier approaching from behind must choose a line that does not endanger the skier or snowboarder in front of him.
Explanation:
Skiing and snowboarding are sports that involve free range of motion, with everyone able to ski as they please, just so long as they obey the rules, respect the space of others, and take into account their own skills and the current situation. The lead skier always has the right of way. If you approach someone from behind, leave plenty of space so that the lead skier can safely complete all of his movements.
4. Passing
Skiers can pass from above or below, from the right or left, but always leaving sufficient distance that the skier being passed has plenty of room to complete his own movements.
Explanation:
The requirements for a skier or snowboarder who is passing apply to the complete passing maneuver, start to finish, so that the skier or snowboarder being passed does not get into any difficulties. This also applies to whenever you pass a skier or snowboarder who is standing still.
5. Entering and Re-Entering the Slope
Every skier or snowboarder who is either entering or re-entering the slope after a stop must first look up and down the hill to ensure that he can do so without endangering himself or others..
Explanation:
Experience has shown that entering a hill and re-entering after a stop occasionally leads to accidents. Which makes it absolutely necessary that a skier or snowboarder entering the slopes does so harmoniously and without causing danger to himself or to others, merging into the general flow of ski traffic on the hill. If he then finds himself in motion - albeit slowly - he must give the right of way to faster skiers and to skiers approaching from behind or above, in accordance with Rule 3.
6. Stopping
Every skier and snowboarder must avoid stopping their run unnecessarily at narrow points or where visibility is restricted. If you have fallen in such a place, you must vacate the area as quickly as possible..
Explanation:
Every skier and snowboarder must avoid stopping their run unnecessarily at narrow points or where visibility is restricted. If you have fallen in such a place, you must vacate the area as quickly as possible.
7. Ascending/Descending the Mountain
Skiers or snowboarders ascending the mountain or descending on foot must use the edge of the ski slope.
Explanation:
A skier or snowboarder ascending the mountain or descending on foot must use the edge of the ski slope. Ski slopes are not intended as training grounds for ski tourers. FIS rules stipulate that walking on the slopes is not prescribed and, in the event of an accident, liability is always borne by the pedestrian ascending the slope and not by the skier with a valid lift ticket. Walking on ski hills, both day and night, is absolutely prohibited (except for Wednesdays from 4 until 10 p.m.).
8. Paying Attention to Signs
Every skier and snowboarder must obey all signs, markings and signals..
Explanation:
Hills are marked as either red, blue or green according to their level of difficulty. Skiers and snowboarders are free to select the slopes they prefer. Slopes also feature information, hazard and closure signs. If a hill is signposted as being closed, compliance is absolutely necessary, which is also the case with any signs indicating danger. Skiers and snowboarders should be aware that these precautions are taken in their own best interest.
9. Emergency Assistance
If there is an accident, every skier or snowboarder is obliged to provide assistance as necessary..
Explanation:
Rendering assistance, regardless of whether it is required by law, is an act of sportsmanship. This involves providing first aid, calling emergency services and securing the accident site. The FIS expects that fleeing the scene be prosecuted just as it would in the case of a traffic accident, also in those countries which may not as yet treat such behavior as a criminal offense.
10. Personal Identification
Every skier and snowboarder, whether purely a witness or involved in the incident, whether responsible or not, is required to provide personal identification in the event of an accident..
Explanation:
Eyewitness testimony is of great importance in the civil or criminal prosecution of an accident. Every conscientious skier and snowboarder must fulfill his civic and moral duty by making himself available as a witness. Reports by emergency services and the police as well as photos all help to decide matters of responsibility.