The FIS 10 Rules for Conduct on the Slopes

What are the FIS rules and why do they matter?

The International Ski Federation (FIS) has published 10 rules of conduct for skiers and snowboarders to prevent collisions and accidents on the slopes. The text of the rules in use today was adopted at the FIS Congress in 2002.

The FIS rules are not a law like the highway code; FIS presents them as guidelines, and each ski resort's own rules also apply. However, in many countries courts use these rules as a benchmark when assessing who failed in their duty of care in skiing accidents. In short: everyone on the slopes is expected to follow these rules.

The 10 rules

1. Respect for others

Every skier and snowboarder must behave in such a way that they do not endanger or harm others. All the other rules are applications of this principle.

2. Control of speed and skiing

You must ski under control. Adapt your speed and the way you ski to your own ability, to the terrain, snow and weather conditions, and to how busy the piste is. Slow down when visibility drops, the snow hardens or the piste gets crowded.

3. Choice of route

The person coming from behind (from above) must choose a route that does not endanger those ahead. The skier or snowboarder in front does not have to signal what they are going to do; they may turn suddenly. Priority always lies with the person in front.

4. Overtaking

You may overtake a skier or snowboarder from above or below, on the right or on the left; however, you must leave the person you are overtaking enough room for every movement they might make, voluntary or involuntary.

5. Entering, starting and moving upwards

When entering a marked piste, starting off again after stopping, or moving uphill on the slope, you must look up and down the piste; you must make sure you can move without endangering yourself or others.

6. Stopping on the piste

Unless absolutely necessary, do not stop in narrow places or where visibility is restricted (such as below bends and bumps). If you have fallen in such a place, clear the piste as quickly as possible.

7. Climbing and descending on foot

If you are walking up or down the piste, use the edge of the piste.

8. Respect for signs and markings

Obey all signs and markings on the piste: run colours, closed runs, slow zones, avalanche warnings. Run colours show the relative difficulty of a run; entering a closed run or going outside the marked area (off-piste) puts both you and the teams who would have to search for you in danger.

9. Assistance

In the event of an accident, every skier and snowboarder is obliged to help.

10. Identification

Everyone involved in an accident, whether responsible or not, and any witnesses must exchange names and contact details after the accident.

What should you do after an accident?

1. Make the area safe. A few metres above the injured person, warn people coming from above by planting skis crossed in the snow or holding a snowboard upright.
2. Assess the situation. Is the injured person conscious, are they breathing? If you suspect a serious injury, do not move them.
3. Call for help. Notify the ski resort's piste safety team; in Turkey, call 112 in an emergency. When describing the location, give the name of the run and the nearest lift pylon.
4. Keep them warm. Put a jacket or blanket over the injured person to protect them from the cold.
5. Share details. Under rule 10, those involved in the accident and witnesses share their names and contact details.

A few extra rules on lifts and slopes

• On a chairlift, keep the safety bar down for the whole ride; at the top, move away from the ramp quickly.
• On a drag lift, do not sit down, do not leave the track, and do not let go of the bar and swing it towards someone else.
• If you ski with headphones, keep the volume low; you need to be able to hear a warning from behind you.
• Do not ski under the influence of alcohol. Reaction time and balance are less forgiving on snow than in traffic.

Skiing as a group

On a winter activity holiday or when skiing with friends, the rules apply to each member of the group individually. Everyone chooses a speed that suits their own level (rule 2), the group gathers at the edge of the piste in a spot that is visible from above (rule 6), and the piste is not blocked while waiting for the slowest person. On Doğadayız programmes, the group leader chooses meeting points according to these rules; a day of safe skiing also makes the evening of a social adventure holiday all the more enjoyable.