The International Safety Code

The International Ski Federation – or FSI – offers its advice to skiers and boarders in the form of a 10-point “code of conduct” for the piste / slope / trail. Here’s what it says:

Respect: Do not endanger others.

Control: Adapt the manner and speed of your skiing to your ability and to the general conditions on the mountain.

Choice of route: The skier/snowboarder in front has priority – leave enough space.

Overtaking: Leave plenty of space when overtaking a slower skier/snowboarder.

Entering and starting: Look up and down the mountain each time before starting or entering a marked run.

Stopping: Only stop at the edge of the piste or where you can easily be seen.

Climbing: When climbing up or down, always keep to the side of the piste.

Signs: Obey all signs and markings – they are there for your safety.

Assistance: In case of accidents provide help and alert the rescue service.

Identification: All those involved in an accident, including witnesses, should exchange names and addresses.

This same code, with some modifications, is called the Responsibility Code in the U.S. It says:

Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.

People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.

You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.

Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.

Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.

Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.

Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

How do the two codes compare?

Only the U.S. code mentions knowing how to use the lifts and using devices to prevent runaway equipment.

Only the ISF code mentions walking up or down a slope, or what to do after an accident.

Both mention obeying signs, but only the U.S. code specifically mentions trail markings and trail closures.

The U.S. says that you should “be able to stop or avoid” others, while the ISF has more general language of not endangering others.

Both advise looking uphill when merging trails and give the right of way to the person downhill.

Both say that when you stop, do so in a place where you’re visible. Note: Neither says “don’t stop in the middle of a slope.” On the other hand, it’s a courtesy to stop near the edge rather than in the middle anyway.