SKIING RULES

Before you come on holiday, whether you're learning to ski or have skied before it's always a good idea to brush up on the International Ski Federation's Piste Rules, which are in operation in throughout Austria and the rest of the world to promote safe skiing.

Any good ski instructor will make sure you go through them in your class but just in case you were wondering here they are :

1. You are responsible for your own safety and that of other skiers and snow boarders. Be aware of people around you and take necessary action to avoid skiing dangerously or causing a hazard to yourself or others.

2. Control your direction and speed of travel, taking account of the terrain, snow, weather and traffic conditions.

3. Select an appropriate path. If you are skiing behind someone it’s your responsibility to ski around them without causing any danger to them.

4. You can over-take from either left or right but you must leave enough distance between yourself and other skiers to allow them to manoeuvre properly.

5. Before starting off or pulling out you must look up and down the slope and choose an appropriate moment to execute your manoeuvre, so as not to endanger yourself or other skiers.

6. Avoid stopping at blind corners or narrow or enclosed places unless you have to i.e. you’re injured. In the case of an injury you must vacate the spot as soon as practicable, to avoid further danger (to yourself or others). You should always stop at the side of the piste.

7. You must always use the side of the piste to walk up or down, whether with or without skis on.

8. Pay attention to and follow the signs, markings and notices on the piste.

9. You are obliged by law to offer help and assistance in the event of any accident.

10. You are also obliged by law to give your personal details in the event of an accident, whether you caused it, witnessed it or assisted at it.

SAFE SKIING!!