Safety

The FIS Code of Conduct for Skiers and Snowboarders

1 RESPECT FOR OTHERS - A skier must behave in such a way that he does not endanger or prejudice others.

2 CONTROL OF SPEED AND SKIING - A skier must ski in control. He must adapt his speed and manner of skiing to his personal ability and to the prevailing conditions of terrain, snow and weather as well as to the density of traffic.

3 CHOICE OF ROUTE - A skier coming from behind must choose his route in such a way that he does not endanger skiers ahead.

4 OVERTAKING - A skier may overtake another skier above or below and to the right or to the left provided that he leaves enough space for the overtaken skier to make any voluntary or involuntary movement.

5 ENTERING AND STARTING - A skier entering a marked run or starting after stopping must look up and down the run to make sure that he can do so without endangering himself or others.

6 STOPPING ON THE PISTE - Unless absolutely necessary, a skier must avoid stopping on the piste in narrow places or where visibility is restricted. After a fall in such a place, a skier must move clear of the piste as soon as possible.

7 CLIMBING AND DESCENDING ON FOOT - Whether climbing or descending on foot a skier must keep to the side of the piste.

8 RESPECT FOR SIGNS AND MARKINGS - A skier must respect all signs and markings.

9 ASSISTANCE - At accidents, every skier is duty bound to assist.

10 IDENTIFICATION - Every skier and witness, whether a responsible party or not, must exchange names and addresses following an accident.

Snowsport Scotland and snowsport safety

Skiing is a safe sport if all guidelines are respected. Snowsport Scotland considers it important to encourage everyone involved in skiing to play as full a role as possible in both promoting and considering safety in all their activities.

Snowsport Scotland has a wide-ranging role in safety co-ordination within Scottish Skiing and Snowboarding. We work with the Association of Scottish Ski Ares Safety Committee, covering the five Scottish Ski areas. We also maintain links with other bodies: e.g. British Association of Ski Patrollers.

The role of promoting safety on national and international scales is important to Snowsport Scotland. We have established good links with safety organisations in North America and also keep in touch with safety and medical issues from other international organisations.

Ski Patrol records show that many accidents take place because skiers and snowboarders were out of control. This is largely due to too many people skiing/riding too fast, or on slopes beyond their ability.

Adherence to the FIS Code of Conduct can avoid putting others at risk, but you must also ski/ride sensibly with regard to your own capabilities.

Safety factors worth considering.

1. Clothing and equipment.
2. First Aid.
3. Avalanche awareness.
4. Insurance.
5. Skiing and the Law.
6. The Environment.
7. The Weather.

Insurance and legal issues are especially important when skiing and snowboarding abroad.

Snowsport Scotland co-ordinates and promotes the "Be Aware Ski With Care" campaign. It presents basic guidelines for safe skiing and snowboarding in the mountains and displays the Skiers' Code of Conduct and Skiers' Courtesy Code.

There is also a Safety Manual available from the Snowsport Scotland Office:
Ski-Safe - A Safety Manual For All Ski Slopes. By John Sellar. Price £3.95 (incl. p&p UK only).

For more information please contact the Snowsport Scotland Office.