Ski Safety: The 10 FIS Rules of Conduct Explained

The piste is shared by beginners, children, fast skiers and snowboarders at the same time. Just like on the road, there are rules everyone follows. The 10 rules set by the International Ski Federation (FIS) apply at almost every ski resort in the world, and they are also what is used to decide who was responsible after an accident.

The 10 FIS rules

Respect for others: Ski or ride in a way that does not endanger or harm anyone.
Control of speed: Adapt your speed to your ability, the terrain, the snow, the weather and how busy the slope is, and always be able to stop.
Choice of route: If you are coming from behind, choose a line that does not endanger the people ahead. The skier below has priority.
Overtaking: You may overtake on either side, above or below, as long as you leave enough room for the other person's voluntary or involuntary movements.
Entering, starting and moving upwards: Look up and down the slope before you join a run, set off again after stopping or move uphill.
Stopping on the piste: Unless you have to, do not stop in narrow places or where visibility is limited. If you fall in such a place, move to the side as soon as possible.
Climbing and descending on foot: If you need to walk, keep to the side of the piste.
Signs and markings: Respect all signs and markings.
Assistance: If you witness an accident, everyone has a duty to help.
Identification: Everyone involved in an accident, including witnesses, must exchange names and contact details.

The three rules broken most often

Speed control comes first: many collisions are caused by skiers who speed up without considering how busy the slope is or how good they really are. Second is priority: the person below cannot see you, so it is your job to see them and avoid them. Third is stopping in the middle of the run: someone standing just below a bump or a bend is an invisible obstacle for anyone coming from above. When you need to stop, pick the side of the piste and a spot that can be seen from above.

Helmets, goggles and sun

A helmet is now standard ski equipment and essential for beginners and children. Goggles protect you from snow glare and cold wind alike. The sun gets stronger the higher you go, so use a high-factor sunscreen on your face and lips even on cloudy days.

Lift safety

On a chairlift, lower the safety bar once you are seated and raise it as you approach the top.
Hold your poles in one hand, tips up, so they do not catch anyone.
On a drag lift, do not sit down: keep the bar between your legs and keep sliding.
Clear the unloading area as soon as you get off to make room for those behind you.
Follow the lift staff's instructions, and never jump off a lift to pick up something you dropped.

What to do if there is an accident

First, make the area safe: plant your skis upright and crossed a few metres above the injured person so people coming down can see them. Then call the ski patrol or the emergency number (112 in Türkiye); the number is usually printed on your lift pass or piste map. Do not move the injured person unless you must, and cover them to keep them warm. If you were involved or saw what happened, share your contact details.

Rules that set you free

These rules are not there to restrict you, but so that everyone can enjoy the slopes. We explain run difficulty in our guide to ski piste colours. If you want to spend your first days at Erciyes safely, instructors stay with you all day on our First Steps lesson packages.